Spring has the power to transform destinations to such an extent that they seem like different places altogether. This season is a silent invitation to get out and about, to enjoy and discover destinations almost at random, because the good weather and longer daylight hours allow you to explore each place at your own pace. We’re not just talking about the weather, but about how the light changes the landscape and the way each destination is experienced.
With this in mind, there are some cities that shine differently, regions that open up and landscapes that become almost magnetic. And of them all, there are three that are currently at their peak: Salamanca, where the golden stone glows in this new light; Antequera, where history and nature find their balance during this season; and Cangas de Onís, where spring bursts forth in greenery and water.
Three destinations, three ways to travel… and one shared feeling: the moment is now.
The city that comes alive in spring
Salamanca always impresses, but in spring something different happens. The city ceases to be merely monumental and becomes a sensory experience. The light falls upon the Villamayor stone and transforms it, the streets regain their pulse and the university atmosphere can once again be felt in every corner.
The best way to start exploring Salamanca is from above. Climbing the cathedral towers or the Clerecía allow you to take in the city as a whole, with its red-tiled roofs, the bells, the intertwining streets and that unmistakable skyline that blends centuries of history with a surprisingly contemporary energy.
Next, it’s time to stroll along the banks of the River Tormes, discover spots such as the Huerto de Calixto y Melibea or follow the new route of viewpoints that takes in various strategic points across the city. Each stop offers a different perspective, allowing you to fill your photo album with memories.
For those looking for something different, Salamanca also holds secrets underground. Caves, tunnels and historic spaces that fuel legends and reveal a less obvious, yet equally fascinating, side to the city.
And between strolls, there’s the food. People come here to eat well, with Iberian cured meats, traditional recipes and sweets that taste of home. All accompanied by that bar and terrace atmosphere that becomes irresistible in spring.
End the day (or start it) in the Plaza Mayor. There’s always a moment to return to it, but at dusk, when the lights come on little by little, the scene becomes hard to forget.
Set against this historic backdrop, on the other side of the river, the Parador de Salamanca offers a different perspective. Modern, open, bright. A place from which to take in the city at leisure, especially at dusk, when everything is once again bathed in that characteristic golden glow.
Where everything fits together effortlessly
In spring, Antequera reveals itself with a special clarity. The fertile plain becomes more vibrant, the air cleaner, and the landscape seems to fall into place naturally.
The journey can begin in the town itself, where churches, convents and historic buildings mark out a peaceful, almost unhurried route. Antequera’s Baroque style, evident on many of its façades, lends character without being overbearing. It is a town that reveals itself gradually.
One of the main attractions lies beyond the city, however. El Torcal, just a few kilometres away, is one of those places that are unlike anywhere else. A karst landscape of impossible shapes, stone-lined paths and natural viewpoints where every step changes the perspective. In spring, moreover, small details such as the vegetation and flowers soften the scene and make it even more special.
The experience is rounded off by another contrast: the Fuente de Piedra Lagoon. An open space where water and wildlife create a completely different scene. The flamingos, especially at this time of year, add movement and life to a setting that invites contemplation.
And amidst nature and history, there is also room for different activities such as cultural tours, museums, outdoor pursuits or even experiences like a hot-air balloon flight to view the landscape from a different perspective.
Anything else? After a day like this, rest takes centre stage. The Parador de Antequera, with its contemporary architecture and large windows, is designed precisely for unwinding. The light streams in unfiltered, the gardens provide a backdrop, and the views of the fertile plain, especially at sunset, invite you to savour the moment.
The north at its most intense
In Cangas de Onís, the landscape is completely transformed in spring. The greenery intensifies, water takes centre stage and the mountains appear more accessible, yet just as imposing.
The tour usually begins in the village itself, crossing its most iconic bridge, with the Cross of Victory hanging over the river. From there, the route leads to one of the most symbolic places in the north: Covadonga.
A visit to the site (the cave, the basilica, the natural surroundings) combines history, tradition and a beauty that is hard to describe. It is one of those places that, regardless of one’s beliefs, leaves a lasting impression.
And further up, the Lakes of Covadonga. Getting there is part of the experience. Bends, changes in the landscape and, suddenly, the water. In spring, the balance is perfect: the lakes are full, the vegetation is at its best and the mountains still bear the marks of winter. It is a place to walk, stop, breathe and simply look.
But Cangas de Onís is not just about the scenery. It is also about culture and way of life. The cuisine here is hearty, generous, designed to restore your energy after a day in the open air. And cider, of course, is as much a part of the experience as the surroundings themselves.
On the banks of the River Sella, the Parador de Cangas de Onís completes the journey with a unique offering. A former monastery in the midst of nature, where history can be felt in every stone and the silence carries a special weight. From here, everything is close by, yet far enough away to switch off.
