Exploring Spain's Ghost Villages

With hundreds of abandoned villages and hamlets speckling its map, Spain bears the scars of rural depopulation and shifting demographics. Regions like Asturias, Aragon and Galicia harbour these silent witnesses to history, often nestled in remote mountainous terrain or secluded valleys.

These ghostly enclaves, scattered across the Spanish countryside, beckon travellers with their haunting beauty and whispered secrets.

But where are they, and how can you get to them?

Join us on a unique adventure to uncover Spain's abandoned villages, how to reach them and where to camp nearby.

Aldealcardo, Soria

Once a bustling medieval hub in the Tierras Altas of Soria, Aldealcardo now stands deserted, its quiet streets echoing tales of past glory. Despite its abandonment, the village's picturesque landscape and imposing church draw visitors seeking a glimpse into its storied past.

The village sits just off the SO-630 that connects Villar del Río with San Pedro Manrique. 

Camping Los Cameros
Spain, La Rioja, Villoslada de Cameros

Situated 3 km from the small town of Villoslada de Cameros, this site is in a quiet valley surrounded by tree-covered mountains and has direct access to the river. The area provides the opportunity for plenty of hill walking, and a footpath from the site takes you into the town. Of the 173 pitches, 146 are available for touring. They are open with some shade and have 5/10A electricity. This is a simple site with limited facilities available, but it is well-kept and has character, ideal for relaxation.

View Details

Escó, Jacetania

The village of Escó (situated in the heart of the stunning Jacetania region in Zaragoza) was evacuated in advance of the giant Yesa Reservoir. Alongside the neighbouring villages of Sigüés, Ruesta, and Tiermas, residents departed in 1960.

While the town was originally flooded, its haunting streets are uncovered today. There are good bus links from nearby Pamplona, which are easily accessible from coastal San Sebastian or Bilbao.

Camping Ezcaba
Spain, Navarra, Oricain

Camping Ezcaba is an all-year site located 5 km. north of Pamplona, near the Ulzama river. Of the 539 pitches, there are just 33 for touring. Pitches are level, grassy and small to moderate in size all with 10A electricity. They are marked by trees which larger units would find it difficult to negotiate. A number of mobile homes are available to rent. The majority of the space is specially provided for tents during the very busy Festival of San Fermin in Pamplona and used for youth hostelling the rest of the year. Pamplona is a beautiful city in its own right but is probably more famous for the bull run through the narrow streets during one week in July. Ezcaba is a basic site which is adequate for an overnight stop and is also well located for exploring the magnificent Navarra countryside.

View Details

Granadilla, Cáceres

Like many of Spain's abandoned villages, Granadilla was abandoned due to the construction of a dam and reservoir. Construction of the Gabriel y Galán never took place, though – and the village remains paused in time. Stroll through the silent streets, admiring the coloured houses and ninth-century boundary wall. There's even a fifteenth-century church and castle to explore.

Granadilla is found in a remote area of Extremadura. It's just over half an hour's drive from the city of Plasencia, accessible via train from Madrid.

Camping Las Cañadas
Spain, Extremadura, Cáceres, Baños de Montemayor

Camping Las Cañadas is located in Extremadura, a region where you can find wonderful landscapes, good food and plenty of activities to keep you entertained. The site delivers a truly outstanding customer experience as the owners' aspiration is to offer unforgettable family holidays. With more than 25 years of experience in dealing with guests, the site has modern facilities and constantly evolves to please customers' requirements. Staff will help you find out more about exploring the countryside on two wheels. In summer and bank holidays, a full entertainment programme for children is organised so kids can have fun while their parents plunge in the pool after a tennis match.

View Details

Mirador de Janovas, Fiscal

If you're searching for ghost villages in the Aragon region, Janovas is a site that is not to be missed. Along with other villages in the area, it was forcibly evacuated due to the construction of a nearby dam.

With a single sign marked "Janovas" on the side of the road, you'll have to walk along a dirt road and across a bridge passing over the "Barranco de Janovas" feeding the river Ara. Once you're at the village, its dilapidated homes remain in haunting states of disrepair. The paintings on the ransacked church are slowly fading, with vegetation taking hold on many buildings. Despite this, residents are reconstructing some dwellings to their former glory.

wecamp Pirineos
Spain, Aragon, Huesca, Boltaña

Under the innovative and charming ownership of Raquel Rodrigeuz, wecamp Pirineos nestles in the Rio Ara valley, surrounded by the Pyrenees mountains. It is very pretty and thoughtfully planned to provide tranquillity and privacy. The generously sized, 204 grassy pitches (all with 10A electricity) have good shade from a variety of carefully planted trees and shrubs. A stone building houses the site’s reception, a social room with computer and excellent WiFi connection and shop. Adjacent is a good restaurant, bar and takeaway with a large terrace that has views over the site to the mountains. Activities and excursions in the surrounding area can be organised at the helpful, English speaking reception office.

View Details

Perlora Ciudad de Vacaciones, Carreño

Established in 1954 under Francoist rule, Perlora Ciudad de Vacaciones was a luxury resort designed for workers to enjoy subsidised holidays by the sea.

At its peak, it accommodated up to 2,000 vacationers, offering stays allocated through company leases and guild affiliations. Despite halting operations in 2005, Perlora continues to attract visitors during the summer months, exploring its mid-century villas and a brutalist Catholic Church.

Conveniently located within a 30-minute drive from Asturias's major cities, Perlora offers restricted access to its buildings but remains a compelling relic of state-sponsored leisure. There are direct buses from Oviedo to Candás, from where you can take a coastal stroll to the abandoned resort.

Camping Cudillero
Spain, Asturias, Cudillero

If you need a stop en route convenient to Gijon, or are planning to explore this part of the Costa Verde, then this attractive and well cared for site should be considered. Only 2 km. from the bustling fishing village of Cudillero, it offers 141 easily accessed touring pitches, all on level grass and with 6A electricity. Pitches are numbered and separated by mature hedges and trees that provide a degree of shade if required. This is a family-owned and managed site with good, clean facilities, including a shop, a very pleasant and welcoming bar with adjoining restaurant area and a small swimming pool. Close by is an excellent beach, with fine sand and rock pools and picturesque Cudillero with its choice of fish restaurants should not be missed.

View Details

Pueblo Viejo De Belchite, Zaragoza

Pueblo Viejo de Belchite is one of Spain's most famous abandoned towns. Here, you'll find atmospheric ruined homes and churches, with organised site tours by knowledgeable local guides.

The town was the location of the infamous Battle of Belchite (which took over 5,000 lives) during the Spanish Civil War. Franco decided not to rebuild it after the war, instead leaving it symbolically ruined.

Subsequently, many film and documentary makers have used Belchite as an impressive backdrop.

Belchite is about 50 kilometres (40 minutes drive) from Zaragoza. 

Camping Municipal de Zaragoza
Spain, Aragon, Zaragoza

This large, busy municipal site 4 km. from Zaragoza, is primarily for short-stay, transit visitors, being well placed halfway between the ports of Santander and Bilbao and the beaches of the Costa Brava. The city, however, has much more to offer as the former capital of Aragon and now Spain’s fifth-largest city.

View Details

Are you planning a Spanish adventure?

Are you ready to unearth Spain's abandoned history? With hundreds of Alan Rogers-approved campsites throughout Spain, immerse yourself in this country's stunning landscapes and cultures – both past and present.

Hero image credit: By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0

Peter Stannett

Content Writer

Peter is a key part of our creative team; he's a multifaceted individual with a deep love for cooking, travel, and music.

While he does a stellar job of keeping our content fresh, focusing on SEO and monitoring website traffic, his heart truly belongs to the world of culinary delights, exploration, and his guitar.

More by Peter Stannett