Spring has arrived, bringing with it the perfect opportunity to escape to new destinations where nature flourishes and the warm weather invites you to savour every moment. This is the ideal season to discover Spain’s most enchanting corners, where landscapes burst into colour, traditions come alive, and tranquillity fills the air. If you’re still wondering where to go, get ready to fall in love with some of the country’s most captivating destinations - spring has only just begun!

Córdoba shines all year round, but in spring, it transforms into something truly magical. This season reveals one of the city’s best-kept secrets: its patios. These fresh, vibrant courtyards come to life with the scent of blooming flowers and the striking contrast of colourful blossoms against whitewashed walls. The patios of Córdoba, adorned with potted plants, lush greenery, and fountains, become serene oases that beg to be admired. Though they officially open to the public in May, from March onwards, the city begins to embrace the essence of spring.

Wandering through Córdoba in spring is an absolute delight. From the bridge over the Guadalquivir River, offering a mesmerising view of the city, to the awe-inspiring Mezquita-Cathedral and the stunning gardens of the Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, every corner enchants. In spring, Córdoba isn’t just more beautiful—it exudes a special energy that turns each moment into an unforgettable experience.

If you’re visiting, make sure to stop by the Parador de Córdoba. With breathtaking views, especially at sunset, this Parador provides a tranquil retreat where you can indulge in exquisite cuisine and unwind after a day of exploring.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CÓRDOBA

Girona in spring is a paradise in full bloom. The city bursts into life with colour and vibrancy, particularly during its most renowned annual event: Temps de Flors. From 10–18 May, Girona transforms into a floral masterpiece, with stunning installations filling iconic spaces like the cloister of the Cathedral, the Casa Lleó Avinay, and the Arab Baths. Even local shopfronts join in, adorning their facades with dazzling floral displays. The joyful atmosphere of this festival invites visitors to wander through the city’s charming streets, where history and nature blend seamlessly.

Beyond the festival, spring enhances the splendour of the Costa Brava’s most beautiful gardens, just a short distance from the city. The Cap Roig Gardens in Palafrugell span 17 hectares, showcasing botanical species from across the globe. Continue your journey to the Santa Clotilde Gardens in Lloret de Mar, where cascading terraces, sculptures, and sea views transport you to another era. Finally, don’t miss the Marimurtra Botanical Garden in Blanes, offering breathtaking vistas over the turquoise waters of Cala Sa Forcanera—an idyllic spot for soaking in the serenity of spring.

For an unforgettable stay, head to the Parador de Aiguablava. Nestled in a privileged setting, this Parador boasts spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged Costa Brava coastline. Picture yourself waking up to the sound of waves and ending your day with a sunset that sets the sky ablaze—this is spring at its finest.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE AIGUABLAVA

Spring in the Valle del Jerte is a spectacle like no other. As the season unfolds, the valley is blanketed in a sea of delicate white cherry blossoms, transforming the landscape into something out of a dream. For a few short weeks, the mountains are draped in this ephemeral beauty, leaving visitors breathless. This year, peak bloom is expected between late March and early April, heralding the arrival of a cherry harvest that will be one of Extremadura’s sweetest treasures.

Beyond its natural splendour, the Valle del Jerte is steeped in tradition. The annual Fiesta del Cerezo en Flor attracts thousands of visitors and celebrates the valley’s rich agricultural heritage. The region’s iconic terraced landscapes—home to over 1.5 million cherry trees—stand as a testament to centuries of careful cultivation.

For a peaceful retreat, the Parador de Plasencia, just 40 km from the valley, offers a serene and welcoming haven where you can relax after marvelling at this breathtaking display of nature.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE PLASENCIA

Famed for its imposing medieval walls, Ávila, has even more to offer in spring, when its landscapes awaken in a blaze of colour. In the foothills of Gredos, the countryside turns golden with the bloom of piorno (Pyrenean broom), a small yet vibrant yellow flower that dominates the region. Once an essential resource in rural life—used for fuel, building materials, and even everyday tools—this humble plant is now the centrepiece of a festival celebrating its natural beauty.

Each spring, the Festival del Piorno en Flor attracts visitors eager to witness this golden spectacle, covering over 65,000 hectares. With guided tours, artisan showcases, and picturesque lookouts offering panoramic views, the Gredos villages come alive with tradition and charm. From March to July, the changing hues and scents of the piorno fields create a unique and unforgettable experience.

After a day of exploration, there’s no better place to rest than the Parador de Ávila or the Parador de Gredos, both offering the perfect setting to recharge before continuing your journey.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE ÁVILA

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE GREDOS

Toledo is a city that captivates in every season, but in spring, it unveils one of its most stunning surprises: the poppy fields of La Mancha. Just outside the city, in the towns of Polán and San Martín de Montalbán, rolling fields explode in shades of red, creating a mesmerising contrast with the medieval Castle of San Martín de Montalbán. While red is the dominant hue, you’ll also find delicate white, orange, yellow, and violet poppies dotting the landscape, turning the countryside into a painter’s dream. A stroll through these blooming fields is a magical experience, immersing you in the vibrant colours and tranquil beauty of Toledo’s surroundings.

No visit to Toledo is complete without a stay at the Parador. Overlooking the ancient city and the majestic Alcázar, this Parador offers not only breathtaking views, but also a chance to indulge in the region’s exquisite cuisine. After wandering the city’s cobbled streets and soaking in its rich history, a well-earned rest at the Parador will make your trip truly unforgettable.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE TOLEDO