Verín is a beautiful town in the province of Ourense on the banks of the river Támega. It’s home to the Cabreiroa and Sousas water springs, places of interest such as the Plaza de la Merced, the Plaza Mayor, the walkway along the river Tamega, the Alameda gardens, among others, and the outstanding Medieval fortification of Monterrei, today a Parador de Turismo.

The Parador de Santo Estevo offers an unbeatable panoramic view of the Sil river canyon and is surrounded by chestnut, oak and pine forests. The setting is perfect for nature lovers and hikers. If you prefer views from the water, another of the most recommendable routes is to travel through the Sil’s canyons by boat.

Visiting Olite is to enter a never-ending fairy tale. The town is crowned by one of the most beautiful Gothic-civil complexes in Europe. The best way to discover the historical quarter is to lose yourself in the cobbled medieval streets. There you’ll discover a wonderful place full of large stone houses, amazing Renaissance and Baroque palaces and beautiful churches, such as Santa María la Real and San Pedro. All of this is added to the romantic bewitchment of the Parador to transport you to another age of legend and fantasy.

 

Olite is synonymous with incredible places. If castles are what you’re seeking, close by you’ll find the walled enclosure of the Cerco de Artajona, along with Ujué and San Martín de Unx. And just 35 kilometres away is Puente La Reina, with its famous Romanesque bridge of 7 arches, right one the Way of Saint James. A little further away is Pamplona and its wonderful tapas bars. If you prefer nature, the Laguna de Pitillas, the best bird watching observatory in the region is just a short distance away. Or you can go and marvel at the spectacular landscapes of the Mirador de los Pirineos and the Natural Park of Las Bardenas Reales, and authentic American desers in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula. Olite is also surrounded by wonderful forests, such as El Señorío de Bertiz, the Robles Milenarios de Jauntsarats, the Forests of Quinto Real and Leitzalarrea and the famous Selva de Irati.

Hondarribia holds the title of being one of the most beautiful towns in Guipúzcoa. Its historic quarter, maritime atmosphere and good cuisine make this town a leading tourist attraction on the Cantabrian coast.

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.

Most of the historic centre of Pontevedra is pedestrianised. It is home to treasures such as the Basilica of Santa María La Mayor, a jewel of Gothic architecture, and the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, a chapel with a scallop-shaped floor plan which is beautifully illuminated at night. Another point of interest is the Museum of Pontevedra, whose collections are spread over five different sites: the Convent of Santo Domingo, the Sarmiento Palace, the Castro Monteagudo building, the García Flórez building and the Fernández López building.

Nestling in the heart of the Ribeira Sacra, Monforte de Lemos is one of the most unique places in Galicia. The best way to discover it is to wander through the streets replete with history, where you’ll be amazed by the impressive architecture of the Colegio de los Escolapios, a building constructed in the Classical style and over 100 metres long, locally known as the Galician Escorial. The museum of the Colegio, housed in what was the sacristy, has works by El Greco and Andrea del Sarto.

 

Lemos is also an ideal starting point to explore the Ribeira Sacra and discover it rivers, vineyards and Romanesque architecture. If you’re a culture lover, you can set off on the Romanesque Route of the Ribeira Sacra or visit the traditional Pazo de Tor and the beautiful Castro Caldelas with its streets that still follow the medieval town plan. The region is also full of truly exceptional landscapes, such as the Cañones del Sil and the magical Sierra de O Caurel, which you can enjoy by taking an idyllic boat trip along the rivers Miño and Sil or take the car and discover the wonderful views and Romanesque monasteries.

Founded in 25 BCE by the emperor Augustus, Mérida is home to the most important Roman settlement on the peninsula. The best way to discover the city is to wander through its olds streets and see spectacular monuments such as the Roman Amphitheatre, Circus and Theatre, which has been the backdrop for the International Festival of Classical Theatre since 1933. Other sights not to be missed include the National Museum of Roman Art and the city’s magnificent Arab heritage, such as the Alcazaba and the Archaeological Complex of the Morería.

 

Mérida is much more than the city, Nearby you can see prehistoric structures such as the Dolmen of Lácara and the burial sites of Huerta Montero, and visit the Roman reservoirs of Proserpina and Cornalvo, where you can relax in the bathing areas and bars. If you like nature, you’ll be amazed by the Natural Park of Cornalvo, while the tremendous biological wealth of the National Park of Monfragüe is just a little further away. And if golf is your game, you’ll find an excellent course just 8 kilometres away from the city.

The best way to discover León is by wandering through its exceptional historical quarter, where you’ll be amazed by its cathedral, a gem of the Spanish Gothic style that is internationally famous for its 13th c.-stained-glass windows. Your walk will take you past other spectacular monuments such as the Real Colegiata, the Palacio de los Guzmanes or Gaudi’s Casa Botines de Gaudí, and if you feel like relaxing for a while, stop off at the beautiful Plaza Mayor, or continue along the streets of the famous districts of the Barrio Húmedo and Barrio Romántico , or find out more about the city’s fascinating history and art at its many museums.

 

León is surrounded by a truly exceptional heritage. Nearby are the historical cities of Astorga and Ponferrada, the headquarters of the Templar knights, or discover unique buildings such as the Mozarabic monastery of San Miguel de la Escalada. The region also offers impressive sights like the Caves of Valporquero and the Hoces de Vegacervera, and many hiking trails, such as the Roman Gold Trail, which takes you into the World Heritage landscape of Las Médulas. And for the more daring, the Valle de Anciles offers an exclusive safari of bison and Pottoka horses.

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.