Discover the north west of Spain from a holiday home in Castile and Leon. Castile-Leon is the largest autonomous region of Spain in terms of surface area. The majority of this region consists of dry plateau, extensive cereal fields, and a number of mountain ranges. Here and there, you will find a village or Romanesque monastery, and you will also find many castles here, in memory of the battles between the Moors and Christians. Some famous castles are Castillo de Coca, Castillo de Frías and Castillo de Mota. There are also a number of palaces, such as San Ildefonso de la Granja and Real Palacio de Riofrío to visit. Discover this versatile region from your holiday home in Castile and Leon
Visiting cultural treasures from your holiday home in Castile and Leon
You will discover some interesting historical cities during your holidays in Castile and Leon. Three cities in this region have even been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: Salamanca, Ávila and Segovia. The monumental Salamanca is also known as a university town (this is the oldest university in Spain). Also, visit the beautiful city square Plaza Mayor, and walk along the Casa de las Conchas. The walled city of Ávila is beautifully situated in the mountains, and in Segovia the Alcázar castle, the cathedral and the Roman aqueduct are worth seeing.
Be sure to visit León during your holiday in Castile and León. With its walled centre and a number of important buildings, including the spectacular Gothic cathedral, the Basilica of San Isidoro, the Pilgrim's Hospital of San Marcos and the Palacio de los Guzmanes, this city is definitely worth a visit. León is also a good destination for a pleasant city break. Zamora is also worth mentioning. In this town you will find a Romanesque cathedral and Romanesque churches. Are you interested in archaeology? The archaeological site of Atapuerca, which is on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites, is definitely worth a visit. Spectacular finds have been made in the caves of the Sierra de Atapuerca, including the remains of probably the oldest humanoid Europeans. The archaeological excavations of Las Médulas, the Roman gold mines, were also declared a cultural heritage by UNESCO. In short: culture lovers can indulge themselves from a holiday home in Castile and Leon.
Enjoy nature from your holiday home in Castile and Leon
For nature lovers, there are several nature parks to visit from your holiday home in Castile and Leon.The Picos de Europa National Park, in the north, is partly located in this region (and also in Cantabria and Asturias). This beautiful mountain area, with rugged rock formations, gorges and ravines, is very popular with hikers. You will find several marked hiking trails here, including the one to the impressive Careskloof. In the south-east, adjacent to the region of Madrid, lies the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range, with mountains, forests and mountain lakes. In winter, this mountain region is a popular ski destination for Madrilenes. The most visited natural park of the region is Parque Natural de Peñalara. La Granja, the Versailles palace of the Bourbons, is also located on the slopes. Nature lovers can also visit the Fuentes Carrionas y Fuente Cobre nature reserve, or the Las Hoces del Rio Duraton nature reserve, north-east of Segovia. Near the Portuguese border, in the west, is the Los Arribes del Duero nature park. You can take a boat trip through the ravines of the Duero River here. Enjoy the Spanish nature from your holiday home in Castile and Leon.
Discover the region from your holiday home
As the least populated province of Spain, Soria is a popular holiday region. The landscape is characterized by forests and mountains. Because of the many sheep that walk around, the province is known for mutton, lamb and embutidos (sausages). In and around the city of Soria, there are several museums, churches, monuments and a natural park (Parque Natural del Cañón del Río Lobos) to visit. You will rediscover an important part of medieval history here. Other nice places to visit are Almazán, Medinaceli, Burgo de Osma and San Estebán de Gormaz.
In addition to visiting historical sites and natural parks, the region offers a wide range of activities, from horseback riding and golf, to climbing, water sports and skiing in winter. The region has a number of good (Denominaciones de Origin) wines. The main wine region is located along the Duero River. After a long day, enjoy a delicious glass of wine on the terrace of your holiday home in Castile and Leon.