The small town with enchanted woods and street parties that’s now officially one of the most beautiful in Spain
A VILLAGE in Spain has officially been recognised as one of the most beautiful in the country.
Spain is home to plenty of picturesque mountain villages, but one has captured the imaginations of the association that maintains and manages the best looking ones.
Parauta made the cut along with four other small towns, with the association charmed by its whitewashed buildings that stand out among the forests and mountains where it is found.
The village is in the Malaga province and features "narrow and steep streets with whitewashed facades and Arab-tiled roofs," according to Sur.
The small pueblo has fewer than 220 inhabitants and can be found hidden among the wooded Alto Genal valley, deep in the rugged limestone Sierra de las Nieves Natural Park.
It is of Arabic origin, dating back to the time of the Moors between 711CE and 1492CE, which can be seen from the design of its streets and the layout of its houses.
In order to be selected for the list of most beautiful locations, put together by Los Pueblos mas Bonitos de Espana, towns must pass an audit by scoring at least 40 points.
Those points are accumulated across several categories, including care of heritage, urban planning, the harmony of the municipality, cleanliness, conservation, traffic management, care of flora, and cultural activity.
Only 20 per cent of the municipalities that apply to be recognised by the association pass the threshold, as Parauta now has.
It's the perfect place to spend a quiet day, strolling between the white stone properties and taking in the scenery of the valley.
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Clean water even runs into the town from the hills and can be drunk fresh from fountains.
Visit Costa Del Sol explained: "In Parauta we recommend that you take a stroll around its cobblestone streets dating back to Moorish Spain and enjoy the fresh water fountains fed directly from the Valle del Genal.
"Parauta is a unique destination to relax and tune in to nature."
The nearby forests are even said to be enchanted, with some of the oldest fir and oak trees in the world found growing there.
One of them, named Pinsapo de la Escalereta, is between 350 and 550 years old.
It reaches over 98ft in height and the circumference of its truck measures 29 metres.
Meanwhile, one hiking trail was designed with kids in mind by sculptor Diego Gerrero.
Along the route are various mythical forest characters which have been sculpted and painted on the trunks of the trees and other natural landmarks.
The region is known for its food too, according to Spain specialists Toma and Coe, who revealed the dishes people should try when in the little town.
They said: "Nestled in the fertile lands of the Genal Valley, with mountain hunting grounds, Parauta’s gastronomy reflects its position in the fertile lands.
"Dine on tomato soups, rabbit with rice, gazpachuelo, and the traditional 'olla' - a dish made with pork and beans.
"Finish off your meal with desserts made with chestnuts, which are renowned for their exceptional quality."
In fact, rabbit is loved so much in the region that once a year the town hosts a festival where people get together to eat it called Fiesta del Conejo.
The event ends as a traditional Spanish street party, or verbena, with flamenco dancing and pastries.
A night for two near to Parauta can be booked from around £34.
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