This is the Aragonese town that has been recognized as Best Tourist Town 2024

On top of a hill, embraced by the Ara and Cinca rivers that meander at its feet, stands a place where time seems to have fallen asleep among the stones. From afar, its silhouette seems taken from a medieval engraving: a robust castle watches over the horizon, while the stone houses and slate roofs huddle together in harmony, as if seeking refuge under its protection. This is the town of Aínsa, in the heart of the Aragonese Pyrenees, which has been recognised by the UN as the Best Tourist Village 2024.

The Huesca town has obtained this award together with 54 other municipalities from around the world, among which there is only one other Spanish one: Mura, in the province of Barcelona. A distinction with an Aragonese touch in recent years, since Alquézar also obtained it in 2022 and Cantavieja in 2023.

Thus, the town of Sobrarbe is recognised as an example of rural tourism, with cultural and natural assets. Walking through Aínsa is a pleasure for the senses: the narrow streets, lined with shops selling crafts and local products, lead the visitor to discover corners full of charm that lead to its imposing main square.

The castle, proud guardian of the village, dominates the landscape. Its robust walls and towers evoke times of battles, but today, from its viewing point, it offers breathtaking views. Next to it, the church of Santa María, with its Romanesque bell tower, invites you to contemplate the simplicity of its architecture.

Beyond its old town, Aínsa is under the watchful eye of Peña Montañesa and stands as the gateway to the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park, a natural paradise that invites adventure. Here, hikers find dream routes between ravines, waterfalls and forests that transform with each season.

In addition to this recent distinction, the town is one of the most beautiful towns in Spain and was chosen as such by National Geographic in 2023.

BEST TOURISM VILLAGES

Best Tourism Villages is an initiative that recognises those villages that are committed to sustainability and are notable examples of rural tourism destinations, with recognised cultural and natural assets. Nine thematic blocks are assessed : cultural and natural resources, promotion and conservation of cultural resources, economic sustainability, social sustainability, environmental sustainability, tourism development and integration of the value chain, tourism governance, infrastructure and connectivity, and health and safety.

The towns awarded this seal gain international visibility as examples of rural destinations that preserve and promote their landscapes, their biological and cultural diversity, as well as their local values ​​and activities, and that have a clear commitment to triple sustainability.

Another 20 localities have been selected by the UN for the “Upgrade Programme” to receive guidance and improve the areas of assessment in which they scored the lowest, and to be able to submit their applications through a fast-track process and meet the conditions to obtain recognition as “Best Tourism Village” for next year. In this case there is only one Spanish one: Pals (Girona).