El Saler is located in the heart of the Albufera Natural Park, a landscape of dunes and pine forests that holds the largest freshwater lake in Spain. People frequently head there to see the more than three hundred different species of birds or to sail on the lake. This natural environment offers a first-class beach, with fine sand and clean water, where you can not only swim but also practice beach sports such as windsurfing.

The Costa del Azahar bathes this Mediterranean city where the beaches give way to a medieval old town that’s full of stately homes. The best way to explore it is by walking; its pedestrian streets will take you to the Church of San Bertolomé, a baroque shrine that’s well worth a visit, and to the marina. Outside the heart of the town you’ll come across the Iberian settlements of Puig de la Nao and Tossa.

The city of Santiago de Compostela, declared a World Heritage Site, is inextricably linked to the Camino de Santiago. Its Cathedral is one of the most visited cathedrals in the world, and the Plaza del Obradoiro is a world pilgrimage centre through which thousands of pilgrims pass every year. The Parador de Santiago de Compostela, originally built as a pilgrims’ hospital, has played a major role in the history of this area, which today houses a spectacular museum.

Vielha is a small Pyrenean town, capital of the Val d'Aran, has a beautiful historic quarter where you can find all kinds of shops specialising in adventure sports, high mountain and snow sports. And if there is one thing Vielha is known for, it is its stunning scenery. Surrounded by the mountains of the Catalan Pyrenees, the town is the perfect destination for mountain sports and nature lovers, as the ski resort of Baqueira is just 20 minutes away by car. When the snow is not there, Vielha's surroundings invite you to go hiking, mountain biking and sightseeing in the most traditional corners of the area.

Vic is the capital of the county of Osona. It lies next to the Sau reservoir and the Les Guilleries-Savassona Natural Area. A stroll through its historic centre is a walk through the past and history. A signposted route points out thirty-two buildings of historical, architectural or artistic interest. Highlights include the 2nd century Roman temple; the 14th century walls; the cathedral, which mixes Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical art; the Market Square and the Town Hall. Vic also has one of the best collections of Romanesque art in Europe on display in its Episcopal Museum. And, spread over various areas of the city, as a permanent pictorial exhibition, you can see the paintings of Josep Maria Sert.

Tui has a beautiful old town centre with an interesting collection of historical-artistic buildings. Tui was a major town during the Middle Ages, being the focal point of trade and defence against Portugal, which it borders. The best way to discover its history is to walk around it. Stroll through its cobbled streets, discovering the emblazoned houses and the historic buildings. The most outstanding is the cathedral of Santa María, the only cathedral in the province of Pontevedra. Also of great interest are the churches of San Bartolomé, San Francisco and San Telmo.

Guadalupe is a beautiful town that nestles in the heart of the Geopark of Villuercas-Ibores-Jara, in Extremadura, one of the most unique landscapes in the region. The best way to get to know it is by losing yourself in the cobbled streets and discovering the traditional buildings, such as the Royal Monastery of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, a monumental Gothic-Mudejar sanctuary declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you’re here, you shouldn’t miss the Plaza de Santa María and the old Jewish quarter, or the local museums, which contain works by Goya, El Greco, Pedro de Mena and Juan de Flandes. Everything forms part of a unique setting that will take you back to another age.

 

Guadalupe is surrounded by a unique landscape that brings together culture and nature. Nearby you’ll find beautiful routes such the Isabel la Católica Trail, which follows the footsteps of the famous queen, impressive buildings such as the Hermitage of El Humilladero and the Arca del Agua, and charming mountain villages such as Cañamero, Logrosán and Berzocana. And if you’re looking for a different kind of experience, the Parador offers exclusive Starlight activities for stargazing.

Carmona stands in a privileged setting in the Vega del Corbones and is one of the most beautiful cities in Andalusia. Up to 500 archaeological sites can be found in the region, with evidence of settlement going back over thousands of years. The Parador can be found in the centre of the city, near monuments such as the Puerta de Sevilla, the Museum of Carmona, the Plaza de San Fernando and the city’s Archaeological Complex. Explore the magnificent historical quarter and discover just how photogenic it is as you walk along the tour “Carmona, Destino de Cine” (Carmona Route, a Cinematic Destination), which takes you through the areas used for scenes in many films.

 

Just half an hour away is Seville. the capital city of Andalusia and an international synonym for light and happiness. There you’ll discover some of the most iconic monuments of Spain, such as the Giralda, the Torre del Oro, the Triana District and the Reales Alcázares. And if you prefer nature, spectacular trails await you in Carmona, such as the Cueva de la Batida and Los Pilares, and other marvellous places such as the Nature Park of the Sierra Norte de Sevilla or the Reservoir of Melonares, where you can relax or do water sports.

The Parador de Turismo "Marco Fabio Quintiliano" pays homage to the bimillenary Calagurris Nassica Iulia, the Roman name by which Calahorra was known. A walk through its historic centre reveals the 12th-century Romanesque Cathedral, several other churches from different historical periods, and the Episcopal Palace, which holds numerous items such as fine gold ornaments, clothing, sculptures and paintings. There are also several museums, such as those dedicated to Romanisation or to Crops, and the Museum of Easter Floats, as Easter celebrations here have been declared a festival of National Tourist Interest.

The town of Almagro was declared a Historical-Artistic Site in 1972 for its exceptional beauty and rich heritage. The best way to explore Almagro is to lose yourself in its narrow streets and discover the emblematic 17th c. Corral de Comedias, where plays by Lope de Vega and Tirso de Molina were premiered. A good time to visit it is in July during the International Festival of Classical Theatre, when you can enjoy all its magic. A walk through the streets of Almagro immerses you in history: the Plaza Mayor, with its green glazed balconies and long arcades with stone columns, or buildings such as the church of San Agustín, the Palacio Fúcares and the Convent of La Asunción de Calatrava.

 

Almagro also means nature. The National Park of Las Tablas de Daimiel is just a few kilometres away: a wetland teeming with life that you can visit by foot or on an electric bike. A little further away is the National Park of Cabañeros, the Nature Park of Lagunas de Ruidera, and the Cerro Gordo volcano. Looking for a different experience? Why not head off to Valdepeñas and discover the wine culture of the region?