Far from the beaches of Spain's Mediterranean coast, there lies a land of quiet backwaters seemingly untouched by time. Traditional architecture, as well as dramatic natural settings of which the buildings often seem to be an organic part, mark these places as being among the most unspoilt in Europe. Profiles of over 30 village gems make up the four main sections of this book. From Galicia to the Basque country in the north lie picturesque fishing villages. Patient exploration of the heart of the country reveals such delights as Pedraza's arcaded square seen against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. In the east, the whitewashed houses of Cadaques have become famous as an artists' colony, while El Palmar is renowned for its paella. And in the villages of Andalucia, like Medina Sidonia, are the remains of the Moorish civilization of southern Spain. Like all the volumes in this series, "The Most Beautiful Villages of Spain" is completed by listings of places to stay and eat, and sights to visit.