Not all cities were created equal, with one being so small that visitors would be excused if they confused it for a village.

The smallest city in Spain has a tiny area of only 12 square miles and in 2010 it had just 275 residents.

Located a little over an hour drive away from the larger and more famous city of Bilbao in northern Spain, Frias boasts a long history and stunning, peaceful landscapes.

Despite its size, it retains the city status granted in 1435 by King Juan II of Castile.

The whole city consists of a group of houses perched on the La Muela crag, as well as the 10th-century Castle of the Dukes of Frias. 

The historic castle can be visited for only £1.70 (€2), with children entering for free, and it offers an unobstructed view of the area – as well as the chance to “travel back to medieval Spain”, according to one of its visitors.

Sharing a review of the castle on the travel website Tripadvisor, the tourist added: “Excellent castle in an unspoiled medieval village. This small village is worth the drive. Great views from the towers and the windy, narrow streets are unforgettable. Plenty of good food in the local restaurants. Bring a camera!”

Another equally enchanted visitor wrote on the website: “This place screams out to be a movie set. I wish we had had more time and less high temperatures. Inexpensive, but a don’t miss if you are in the area.”

Frias offers other reasons to be visited, including the Catholic church Iglesia de San Vicente Mártir and the Alfonso VIII Park. 

Despite its size, this stunning city in the Burgos province can fully cater for tourists, as it has restaurants, souvenir shops and even a hotel among other amenities.

What it doesn’t allow its visitors to do is drive through its streets. This is because this medieval town was built centuries before the invention of cars and its streets were never widened to accommodate vehicles.

Those reaching Frias driving their own vehicles need to park before entering the city.

The closest airport to this enchanted medieval city is the one in Bilbao, but Britons can also get a ferry from Portsmouth to Bilbao if they don’t mind the long trip.