Benitagla dethroned as Andalucia’s smallest village

The village of Benitagla is just a small dot on the map, taking up a mere 6.39 square kilometres of the Sierra de los Filabres mountain range. For years it has been known as the smallest village in Andalucia, a novelty attraction tucked away in the far-out countryside.

However, in recent years, new residents have joined the village’s ranks, raising the population from 59 to 63 and stripping the village of it’s long-held title.

Life in Benitagla

Life in Benitagla looks a little different to life in a major city, or even a moderate-sized town. There are very few amenities located within the town’s boarders; they only recently, in 2024, celebrated the opening of the village’s first shop-bar “Henco”.

Benitagla’s main attractions include the Mirador de las Eras viewpoint, the quaint Church of Our Lady of Mercy, a centuries old Centenary acacia, and the El Castillico watchtower. Each landmark has been well preserved throughout the years, maintaining its authentic Spanish feel.

With little foot-traffic holding up daily life, there’s a certain level of tranquillity afforded to those who reside in the village. While it’s not a place one move’s too for an overly active social life, residents aren’t totally cut off thanks to its close proximity

Benitagla’s population decline and recovery

Since the 1950’s, Benitagla’s population has been steadily declining, reaching its lowest population in 2021 with only 29 registered inhabitants and earning the title of Smallest Village in Andalucia.

Depopulation is a major concern for many in-land communities. Some residents leave willingly for bigger cities, while others are forced elsewhere for work opportunities. An ageing population and low birth rates further accelerate the decline, and as numbers drop, it becomes increasingly difficult to attract investment or maintain infrastructure, creating a cycle that is hard to reverse.

However, in the five years since reaching its lowest recorded number of residents, Benitagla’s population has been slowly recovering, increasing from 21 residents to 59 to 63, as of the 2025 consensus. Although this population growth does end its long-standing streak as Andalucia’s smallest village.

Which is the smallest village in Andalucia now?

Instead the crown goes to Cumbres de Enmedia, in the Huelva mountains. According to the National Institute of Statistics, only 54 people reside there, nine fewer than Benitagla’s current count.

While it no longer holds the top spot, Benitgala and its 53 inhabitants are still amongst the smallest five municipalities in Andalucia, followed by Castro de Filabres with 101 residents, Alcudia de Monteagud with 115 and Alsodux with 126. Interestingly, of the top five smallest villages in Andalucia, four are located in Almeria.

Though it has lost its official title, Benitagla’s quiet resurgence offers a small but meaningful sign of hope for rural communities facing similar challenges. Its blend of history, simplicity and natural beauty continues to draw in those seeking a slower pace of life, suggesting that even the smallest villages can find new ways to endure.