Instead of the traditional sand and sea holidays, foreign tourists are invited to enjoy the charms of the Spanish countryside, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said, launching an ambitious plan to save Spain's dying villages.

The 10 billion euro ($12.18 billion) plan aims to save rural life in a nation where 42 per cent of villages are at risk of depopulation compared to a European Union average of 10pc.

“I would especially like to emphasise that [tourists] should enjoy the rich rural tourist attractions that our country has, one of the jewels in the crown,” Sanchez told a meeting in Madrid of mayors from rural towns.