Bulnes

Some places earn themselves a spot on every curious traveller's list, and Bulnes made it official in 2021, when it joined The Most Beautiful Villages in Spain. Since then it has belonged to the association of the same name, a distinction awarded to towns and villages that stand out for their charm and for the care they take of their heritage.

It is worth clearing something up before setting off, because the name Bulnes refers to two things at once. On the one hand, it is one of the parishes into which the Asturian municipality of Cabrales is divided; on the other, it is also the name of a specific settlement within that same parish. This dual status is common in Asturias, and understanding it makes it easier to find your bearings when reading a map or asking for directions.

Belonging to Cabrales places Bulnes in one of the municipalities with the most character in the Principality, and the accolade it received in 2021 has helped make it known beyond its own residents and the Asturians who already visited it regularly. It is not a standalone monument or a remarkable building that makes the trip worthwhile, but the village as a whole, which is precisely what the association values in counting it among its members.

For anyone travelling around Asturias in search of places with character, Bulnes deserves a place on the itinerary. The best approach is to take your time, let the village itself set the pace and see for yourself why it is recognised as one of the most beautiful villages in the country.