Are you passionate about discovering the vibrant soul of a city? Immersing yourself in its history, architecture and culture and exploring its streets, squares and monument, is among the fascinating forms of tourism today. Experience urban life to the full, exploring every nook and cranny and enjoying everything the city has to offer. From museums and theatres to markets and cafés, city tourism allows you to savour the essence of a place and take home unique and authentic memories. Here are five city destinations you can visit without leaving Spain.

Salamanca is an urban treasure that combines a rich history with a lively contemporary atmosphere. The city is world renowned for its University, founded in 1218, which is not only one of the oldest in Europe but also an epicentre of culture and learning.

Strolling around Salamanca is like travelling back in time. The Plaza Mayor, which is considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain, is the heart of the city, where locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the hustle and bustle and the cuisine on its terraces. Its façade, which is illuminated at night, is simply breathtaking.

The University of Salamanca is famous not only for its academic contribution but also for its secrets. Visitors look for the frog carved on the Plateresque façade, a symbol of good luck. Another fascinating spot is the New Cathedral, where, among the carved figures, you will find a small sculpture of an astronaut, a curiosity that mixes the ancient with the modern.

One cannot talk about Salamanca without mentioning its cobbled alleyways, which transport you to another era, and its golden stone buildings that sparkle in the sunlight. The Casa de las Conchas, with its peculiar façade decorated with scallop shells, is another highlight not to be missed.

What is more, Salamanca offers vibrant nightlife thanks to its large student population. Bars, restaurants and clubs fill the streets with energy and fun, giving the city something to offer at any time of day.

And, of course, don’t forget to try the local cuisine. From Iberian cured meats to hornazos (a pork-based meat pie), Salamanca’s cuisine is a feast for the senses.

One of the best places to sample this cuisine is the Parador de Salamanca where you can also stay and rest after a long day of sightseeing. You can relax in the garden or revitalise yourself in the gym, and finish off with a good session in the sauna. The Parador will be like a sanctuary for you after an unforgettable day of culture. Enjoy the spectacular views from the restaurant while you try the hornazo, farinato (a bread-and-pork-based cold meat) or succulent soups and stews, all from the rich pastures of Salamanca.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE SALAMANCA

Gijón is a charming seaside destination with a perfect balance of modernity and tradition. With its vibrant marina, extensive beaches and old town, the city offers a rich cultural and natural experience.

Being in the peaceful oasis that is the heart of the city and is a privilege and that is what Gijón has to offer. Similarly, the Parador de Gijón, located in the Isabel La Católica Park, is among the most beautiful and peaceful green areas of the city, this ancient mill that includes a pond and gardens that will surprise you indoors and outdoors.

The Parador is a strategic point, ideal for starting a relaxing stroll along one of the most charming urban beaches, San Lorenzo. From there, you can visit the church of San Pedro, explore the Roman Baths of Campo Valdés and enter the picturesque fishing quarter of Cimadevilla. Don’t miss the statue of Don Pelayo, the Plaza del Marqués or the Palace of Revillagigedo, and discover the pedestrian and shopping streets inland, which are perfect for treating yourself or a loved one. At sunset, the Cerro de Santa Catalina awaits you with the iconic sculpture of Chillida, the undisputed symbol of the city.

You cannot leave Gijón without savouring its excellent cuisine. Remember that at the Parador there is a restaurant that offers you the best of the region and is accessible to everyone.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE GIJÓN

Pontevedra is a charming Galician city that is perfect for urban tourism. Its historic centre, known as “Boa Vila,” invites you to stroll through its cobbled streets and lively squares. The Parador de Pontevedrais located in the heart of the historic city centre. A 16th century Renaissance building where you can sleep like the nobility. It is the palace of the Counts of Maceda and is located in the heart of the city of Pontevedra.

You can choose whether to cross the door of the Parador and enter the historic centre, where you can visit the Basilica of Santa María La Mayor, a jewel of Gothic architecture; the Church of the Pilgrim Virgin, a chapel with a scallop-shaped floor plan and beautiful night-time lighting; the numerous Galician pazos (Galician manor houses) and palaces, such as the Pazo de Lourizán; or stay at the Parador and immerse yourself in an idyllic setting of tranquillity in its beautiful garden.

To learn more about the history of the city, a visit to the Museum of Pontevedra is a must. Its collections, which include archaeology, painting, engravings, religious sculpture and heraldry, are spread across various locations: the Ruins of the Convent of Santo Domingo, the Sarmiento Palace, the Castro Monteagudo building, the García Flórez building and the Fernández López building.

And after a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than a culinary tribute in the Parador restaurant. Enjoy specialities such as the homemade tuna pie, scallops with chive oil or cheeks with Cebreiro sauce. It’s absolutely scrumptious!

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE PONTEVEDRA

Another urban destination par excellence is Cordoba. This Andalusian city, famous for its flower-filled courtyards and impressive Mosque, is the perfect place to visit in autumn. With mild temperatures that invite you to stroll around, Cordoba offers a unique experience as you walk its streets and visit iconic places such as the courtyards of the Paez de Castillejo family (now the Archaeological Museum), the Palacio de Viana and the Patio de Orive.

As well as the iconic Mosque, don’t miss the Alcázar de los Reyes Católicos, a majestic complex with spectacular gardens, and the Roman bridge, a living testimony to the city’s history.

The Parador de Córdoba is the best option for accommodation, due not only to its panoramic views of the city, but also to its peaceful atmosphere and excellent facilities. This elegant building, erected on the ruins of the summer palace of Abd al-Rahman I, perfectly combines the historical past with modern comfort.

The Parador’s restaurant is a true delight for lovers of Cordoban cuisine, with a menu that includes specialities such as salmorejo cordobés, ajo blanco, gazpacho, Cordoban-style braised oxtail, Iberian pork flamenquín or aubergines with sugar cane honey, among others. Special attention should be paid to confectionery, including traditional Arab-Andalusian recipes, such as coconut sultanas.

Cordoba is more than a destination; it’s a complete experience that combines history, culture and good food, creating indelible memories for all visitors.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE CÓRDOBA

Merida is a real historical treasure that invites city tourism lovers to embark upon a fascinating journey back in time. As the ancient capital of the Roman province of Lusitania, the city is home to some of the best-preserved Roman monuments in the Iberian Peninsula.

Start your tour at the majestic Roman Theatre, an impressive structure that still hosts performances. Next door, the Roman Amphitheatre will leave you speechless with its history and magnitude. Don’t forget to visit the Temple of Diana, with its imposing columns standing in the heart of the city.

The Moorish Alcazaba and the Roman Bridge, which crosses the River Guadiana, add a medieval touch to your exploration. Don’t miss the National Museum of Roman Art, where you can discover a vast collection of mosaics, sculptures and everyday objects from ancient Merida. For relaxation, nothing better than touring the Cornalvo Nature Reserve, and when hunger strikes, enjoy the rich Extremaduran cuisine, with dishes such as Iberian ham and migas (fried breadcrumbs) taking centre stage.

If there is one place where you can feel the heartbeat of Merida, it is the Parador. This historic building, an 18th-century Baroque convent built on the site of an ancient Roman temple, is located in the heart of the city, just a stone’s throw from the main attractions. The Parador boasts a spectacular cloister with Roman columns and an ancient chapel that houses a unique treasure: the Garden of Antiquities, which is located in the convent’s former orchard. Moreover, the Parador’s restaurant offers delicious local cuisine, acorn-fed ham, Corderex PGI lamb, retinta veal and tasty Iberian pork. Not forgetting that it also has a culinary space with a more informal menu and portions for sharing.

To explore Merida is to create indelible memories with every visit.

BOOKING AT THE PARADOR DE MÉRIDA