If I'm going to be honest, I haven't been to a city in Spain that I haven't been able to find something special about. Whether it's the food, history, people, architecture, or museums and monuments, all across the country there seems to be an endless list of places to go and things to discover. However, after being here for almost 4 years, I have found a number of cities which I will gladly go back to if I have the chance. What's funny about this list, however, is that these cities probably don't appear on the first-time traveler to Spain's list of places to go.
While the larger cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Granada, or Valencia all have amazing things to offer, if you want to get a first-hand experience with a more intimate side of the country, these 5 cities are a great place to start!
In this list I will include things to see, reasons to go there, and if applicable a nearby destination for a quick day trip, among other things.
The cities are listed in no particular order. I've also included a link to my full-length blog post about each place.
1. Oursense
Region: Galicia
History: Dating back to the Roman Empire. Destroyed by the Moors in 716 and rebuilt in 877. Wasn't urbanized until the 12th Century.
Major Attraction: The "Burgas" or "Termas" - natural hot springs
Other Attractions: Roman Bridge, Millennium Bridge, Carnival celebrations
What makes it special: The surrounding landscape is lush and green and the small city center is quaint and inviting.
For link to my full blog blog HERE
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| As Burgas: Natural Hot Springs |
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| Roman Bridge |
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| Public Termas and Galician Landscape |
Region: Extremadura
History: Changed hands many times: Roman Empire (founded in 25BC), Arabic Empire, Christian Empire
Major Attraction: Old Zone
What makes it special: The food is absolutely amazing! The old zone is extremely well-preserved and boasts buildings from all of the major occupations which the city experienced.
Optional day trip: Mérida- Roman ruins
Link to my full blog post HERE
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| In the Old Zone |
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| Plaza de San Jorge |
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| Roman Ruins in Mérida |
Region: Castilla y León
History: Formed part of the Roman Empire, and believed to be the site of a famous battle which took place in 75 BC. Abandoned during the Arabic Empire, until reconquered during the Christian Reconquista
Major Attraction: The Roman Aqueduct
Other Attractions: The Alcazár, The Jewish Quarter, The Cathedral
What makes it special: Small, warm, traditional feel to the entire old zone. A ton of history, and delicious food!
Optional day trip: La Granja (royal summer home with amazing gardens)
Link to my full blog post HERE
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| The Cathedral |
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| At the Aqueduct |
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| La Granja |
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| Gardens at La Granja |
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| View of the Alcazar from a distance |
Region: Andalusia
History: Founded originally by the Celts in the 6th Century B.C. Was once a strategic position during the Arabic empire, and formed part of the Kingdom of Granada.
Main Attraction: The "New Bridge"
Other Attractions: The Bull Ring- the oldest in Spain
What makes it special: The city is absolutely beautiful! The food is yummy, and the surrounding landscape is completely breath-taking
Link to my full blog post HERE
5. Salamanca
Region: Castilla y León
History: Boasts the oldest university in Spain, founded in 1218. The city has been involved in educational and ideological advances since its origins.
Major Attraction: La Universidad de Salamanca
Other Attractions: Plaza Mayor, Las Catedrales, La Casa de las Conchas
What makes it special: A long and rich history. The city has a small old zone, but it's absolutely beautiful. The specific stones which were used, in addition to the lighting which illuminates it at night makes the city seem to glow at night. Very yummy food!
Optional Day Trip: Ávila
Link to my full blog post HERE
Main Attraction: The "New Bridge"
Other Attractions: The Bull Ring- the oldest in Spain
What makes it special: The city is absolutely beautiful! The food is yummy, and the surrounding landscape is completely breath-taking
Link to my full blog post HERE
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| The Bull Ring |
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| The "Puente Nuevo" (New Bridge) |
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| Amazing Landscape |
5. Salamanca
Region: Castilla y León
History: Boasts the oldest university in Spain, founded in 1218. The city has been involved in educational and ideological advances since its origins.
Major Attraction: La Universidad de Salamanca
Other Attractions: Plaza Mayor, Las Catedrales, La Casa de las Conchas
What makes it special: A long and rich history. The city has a small old zone, but it's absolutely beautiful. The specific stones which were used, in addition to the lighting which illuminates it at night makes the city seem to glow at night. Very yummy food!
Optional Day Trip: Ávila
Link to my full blog post HERE
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| In the Plaza Mayor |
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| Shell House ("Casa de las Conchas") |
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| View of the Cathedrals from the other side of the Río Tormes |
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| The Wall ("Muralla") in Ávila |
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