Getting Oriented
- Toledo. Discover a treasure trove of medieval art and restored synagogues, mosques, and churches in the ancient capital of Castile.
- Almagro. Small-town charm and evening tapeo (tapas scene) on the plaza.
- Cuenca. See the Hanging Houses, then explore the Ciudad Encantada ("Enchanted City") with its alien rock formations.
- Sigüenza. Home to one of Spain's most stunning Gothic cathedrals.
- Segovia. The watchtower of the Alcázar is said to have inspired the Disney castle.
- Sepúlveda. A medieval dungeon and an 11th-century church in a town some call the most beautiful in Spain.
- San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Less than an hour from Madrid, El Escorial is one of the region's top attractions.
- Ávila. Some of the best-preserved city walls in Europe and ancient convents with sweet treats baked by nuns.
- Salamanca. The frog on the plateresque facade of Spain's oldest university is said to bring good luck.
- Burgos. Blood sausage and a Gothic cathedral that's well worth the pilgrimage.
- León. The vivid stained-glass panels in the cathedral are second only to Sainte-Chapelle's in Paris.
- Astorga. Uncover one of Gaudí's least-known masterpieces, the Episcopal Palace.
- Villafranca del Bierzo. Vineyard-hop through the surrounding Bierzo wine region.
- Jerte and El Valle del Jerte. One of Spain's most breathtaking natural displays.
- La Vera and Monasterio de Yuste. Natural springs, locally made pimentón (paprika), and the retirement estate of King Carlos V.
- Cáceres. This UNESCO-protected old town was a filming site for Game of Thrones.
- Trujillo. Learn about Spain's colonial past in the cradle of the conquistadores.
- Guadalupe. A bucket-list jewel in the foothills of the Sierra de las Villuercas.
- Mérida. One of the most immaculately restored Roman amphitheaters in Europe.
