There’s something special about travelling in spring. The light changes, the days grow longer and the pace seems to slow down. It’s the season when everything invites you to get out and about, sit in the sun in a square, discover landscapes at their best or lose yourself in cities that are waking up with renewed energy. At this time of year, Spain transforms into a mosaic of experiences where every destination experiences spring in its own way. From the explosion of nature to centuries-old traditions or getaways by the sea, there’s something for every type of traveller.
Today we suggest four places that are very different from one another, yet united by a single essence: spring.
Spring amidst ancient walls and cherry blossoms
To speak of spring in Plasencia is to speak of nature in its purest form. Just a few kilometres from the city, the Jerte Valley becomes a fleeting spectacle when the cherry trees blossom and paint the landscape white. It is one of those moments that mark the traveller’s calendar.
But Plasencia is not just a gateway to this natural phenomenon. Its historic centre, protected by medieval walls, invites you to ramble amongst palaces, churches and squares teeming with life. Plasencia’s Plaza Mayor, with its lively atmosphere, is the best place to feel the pulse of the city, especially as evening falls.
Spring here is all about history and the great outdoors. There are organised routes through the Jerte, day trips to La Vera or the nearby Monfragüe National Park, striking the perfect balance between heritage and nature.
If you’re looking for the best place to relax and round off the experience, at the Parador de Plasencia pyou have the opportunity to continue enjoying the city’s history. Staying in a former 15th-century convent, where its cloisters, historic architecture and unique spaces—such as its wine cellar converted into a night-time bar—make your stay a journey through time, in harmony with the city’s monumental character.
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Culture, pavement terraces and outdoor life
With the arrival of spring, Alcalá changes pace. The streets fill with people, the café and restaurant terraces come alive and the university atmosphere mingles with visitors strolling through its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Going for a stroll down Calle Mayor, one of the longest arcaded streets in Spain, is almost a ritual. Here, spring is savoured over tapas and conversations in the sun. Nearby, the legacy of Miguel de Cervantes is present in every corner, from his birthplace to the university where the prestigious prize bearing his name is awarded. But Alcalá also looks outwards. Spaces such as the Juan Carlos I Royal Botanical Garden invite you to connect with nature in full bloom. And if your visit coincides with events such as Complutum Renacida (Complutum Reborn), you’ll see the city transform into an authentic recreation of ancient Rome.
In this context, the Parador de Alcalá de Henares also offers a unique experience. Staying in former 17th-century convent schools, reinterpreted with contemporary design, means enjoying a space where history, architecture and well-being—with its spectacular spa beneath vaulted ceilings—accompany the leisurely pace of spring.
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The Mediterranean at its calmest
Some people associate the beach exclusively with summer, but places like Aiguablava show that spring is, perhaps, its finest season. This cove on the Costa Brava, with crystal-clear waters and surrounded by pine trees, offers a quieter, more authentic version of the Mediterranean. With no crowds, mild temperatures and light that enhances the colours of the landscape, a walk along the shore becomes a real pleasure.
Spring here invites you to explore. Hiking trails wind through cliffs and forests, connecting small coves and viewpoints such as Cap de Begur, from where the horizon seems endless. It is the perfect destination to combine relaxation, nature and gastronomy, with the sea taking centre stage.
In this superb setting, the Parador de Aiguablava overlooks the Mediterranean from a natural balcony. In the midst of nature and offering panoramic views, this Parador combines contemporary design with Mediterranean inspiration, creating a space where the landscape flows into every room. Here, even the spa and the swimming pool face the sea, turning every moment into a sensory experience.
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The most intense spring
If there is one place where spring is experienced with intensity, it is Cordoba. The mild temperatures invite you to wander the city for hours, whilst the scent of orange blossom fills the streets and courtyards. It is the time when everything blooms: balconies, squares and nooks and crannies fill with geraniums and gitanillas.
But spring in Cordoba is also defined by its traditions. From Holy Week to the Cruces de Mayo, via the Fiesta de los Patios de Córdoba and the Feria, the city hosts a series of celebrations that reflect its open and vibrant character.
As you explore the city, history appears on every corner: the Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba, the Roman bridge and the Alcázar de los Reyes Católicos form part of a unique monumental whole.
To view it all from a different perspective, the Parador de Córdoba stands on a hill with stunning views. Surrounded by gardens and centuries-old palm trees, it offers a peaceful retreat from which to enjoy the city and unwind after a day full of excitement. Its terraces, especially in spring, become the perfect place to round off the day.
