Castilla y León

About the destination: Segovia is Castile at its best. Splendid golden churches and twisting alleyways filled with the smell of sopa castellana, a rich garlic soup of sausages, bread, and eggs. Only the unwise dash past the massive Roman aqueduct, the cathedral, and the stunning Alcazar in a quick day trip; other know about Segovia’s cool plazas after sundown. The imposing Roman aqueduct has been moving water for over two millennia. View if from Plaza del Azoguejo where the structure reaches a maximum height of 30m, or catch its profile from the steps on the left side of plaza. The city’s position at the confluence of the Rivers Eresma and Clamores has led to compare Segovia to a sailing ship, with the Alcazar, a fortress, as its majestic bow. The fortress commands a stellar view of Segovia and the surrounding plain, inside is a collection of medieval weaponry and several spectacular handcrafted ceilings. The cathedral is a massive late Gothic edifice. Elegant and graceful, Segovia is the true essence of Old Castile.

About the destination: Valladolid lies on the Río Pisuerga just above its confluence with the Duero. It is the capital of Castilla y León, an outstanding wine-producing area, and on the early 17th century was the capital of Spain for five years. This provincial capital has great museums and a large, characterful old quarter. The historic centre of Valladolid is home to an interesting collection of Renaissance buildings comprising houses, palaces, churches, and one of its most emblematic buildings, its cathedral. The cathedral dwells east of the city’s lively Plaza Mayor. Its plain and massive architecture contrasts with the elaborate ornament of the Plateresque style of its time. The most notable features of the spacious interior are the high altarpiece and the fine Renaissance choir-stalls. The city has an intense cultural scene thanks to its status as a university town, and hosts events such as the Seminci, the International Film Festival, one of the highlights of the Spanish film calendar. There’s a great entertainment and nightlife scene to tap into at the end of a day investigating the city’s history and culture.

About the destination: Salamanca is an architectural tapestry woven in sandstone. Though there are excellent examples of Roman, Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and baroque structures, the golden stone itself is the thread of continuity and harmony. Nonetheless, this ancient university town, has many monumental highlights. Plaza Mayor, considered by many the most beautiful main square in Spain is a fine place for admiring architecture. The town hall is the large, elegant building in the centre of the square. Two beautiful cathedrals stand side by side: the New Cathedral boasts beautiful Plateresque facades and it is the only entrance to the connecting old, Romanesque Catedral Vieja. The university, the focal point of the city, is one of the best examples of Spanish Plateresque style. Salamanca at night is a party. The illuminated city is the meeting point for hundreds of students collecting tapas and beer. But make no mistake, it is also a city to enjoy a quiet night, savoring some wine on a terrace of Plaza Mayor.

About the destination: Ávila, a walled medieval gem in the heart of Spain’s Castile and León region, feels like stepping into a living history book. Its star attraction is the remarkably well‑preserved city wall, a 2.5‑kilometer ring of stone punctuated by 88 towers and nine gates. You can walk along several sections of the ramparts for sweeping views over the old town’s terracotta rooftops on one side and the vast Castilian plain on the other. Arrive around golden hour for especially atmospheric light and memorable photos. Inside the walls, Ávila is compact and easy to explore on foot. The Cathedral of Ávila, partly integrated into the fortifications, is considered one of Spain’s first Gothic cathedrals and has a striking fortress‑like exterior. Wander the narrow streets to find quiet plazas, Romanesque churches, and traditional stone houses. Key stops include the Basilica of San Vicente, the Convent of Santa Teresa—dedicated to the city’s most famous mystic—and the Plaza del Mercado Chico, the historic main square lined with cafés and local government buildings. Food is a highlight of any visit. Ávila is known for its hearty Castilian cuisine, shaped by cold winters and rural traditions. Try the celebrated “chuletón de Ávila” (a thick T‑bone steak from local beef), “judías del Barco” (white bean stew), and “patatas revolconas” (smoky mashed potatoes with paprika and pork crackling). For dessert, look for “yemas de Santa Teresa,” small sweets made from egg yolks and sugar, often sold in charming pastry shops around the old town. Ávila makes an excellent day trip from Madrid—just 1.5–2 hours away by train or bus—or a tranquil base for exploring the wider Castile and León region. The city has a good selection of modest hotels and guesthouses, many set in historical buildings. Evenings are pleasantly calm: stroll the illuminated walls, enjoy a leisurely dinner, and soak up the sense of timelessness that gives Ávila its unique character.