From May 20 to 24, the province of Cádiz will become the epicenter of rural excellence. Five gems from the association "Los Pueblos Más Bonitos de España"—Grazalema, Castellar de la Frontera, Vejer de la Frontera, Setenil de las Bodegas, and Zahara de la Sierra—will host an unprecedented event: the meeting of the International Federation "Les Plus Beaux Villages de la Terre."

This congress is not merely an institutional gathering; it is a celebration of human and natural heritage that brings together delegations from Switzerland, France, Italy, Wallonia (Belgium), Germany, Russia, Quebec (Canada), China, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Japan, and Lebanon.

A Legacy of Beauty and Preservation

The Federation was founded in 2012 with a clear objective: to protect and highlight the immense heritage of rural areas. What began as an alliance between France, Japan, Italy, Quebec, and Wallonia now represents 1,038 certified villages across the globe.

These places stand out not only for their beauty but also for maintaining “high quality” in all its forms: artistic, gastronomic, and cultural. The Federation acts as a shield against oblivion and a platform for sharing the unique history of each region.

Key themes of the meeting in Spain

Over four intensive days, international executives and experts will develop an agenda focused on:

Rural Tourism and Integration: Analyzing how tourism can be a driver of social and economic cohesion.
Sustainability and Prosperity: Promoting growth that generates benefits for the region without compromising its essence.
International Cooperation: Exchanging initiatives for the protection of architectural and natural heritage.

"The Federation invites you to discover places full of emotion where excellence is preserved in every stone and in every tradition shared with its inhabitants."

The venues: Five gems of Cadiz

The event will rotate through dreamlike settings, each offering a unique perspective on Spanish architecture and culture:

Grazalema: The heart of the Sierra de Cádiz, famous for its crafts and natural surroundings.
Castellar de la Frontera: A living fortress overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.
Vejer de la Frontera: A labyrinth of whitewashed walls with an Arab heritage and views of the Atlantic.
Setenil de las Bodegas: Unique architecture with houses nestled beneath the shelter of the rocks.
Zahara de la Sierra: A spectacular viewpoint crowned by its castle and surrounded by turquoise waters.

A global future for the local

The ultimate goal of this gathering in Cádiz is to consolidate these municipalities’ potential to attract international tourism. The aim is to demonstrate that the rural world is not the past, but a model for the future where heritage protection and wealth creation go hand in hand.

This May, delegates from three continents will walk the cobblestone streets of Cádiz, demonstrating that, even though we speak different languages, the pursuit of beauty and excellence is a universal language.

It is worth highlighting the essential support provided by the Cádiz Provincial Council and Andalusia Tourism for the organization of this international event, reaffirming their commitment to the protection and promotion of rural heritage.