Do you love cultural tourism? Are you fascinated by heritage and historic architecture? Today we suggest a getaway to Zamora. This Castile-Leon city has much to offer travelers looking for more than just sun and sea.
In the heart of the city, you will find the perfect place to stay and plan out your daily excursions. The Parador de Zamora is a 15th-century Renaissance palace that was once a Moorish fortress. The cloister of this truly unique urban hotel is so exquisite that you won't be able to resist snapping a few photographs.
The city of Zamora is known for its history and culture, offering a number of fine architectural points of interest that have survived the passage of the centuries. Zamora, a city you'll want to explore at a leisurely pace. What do you say? Have a look at this plan we have come up with to help you get the most out of your visit.
Day 1: Exploring the historic district
Zamora is the city with the most examples of the Romanesque style in the world. Each year, this treasure house of historic buildings attracts thousands of travelers eager to discover why Zamora has become known as the City of Romanesque.
The entire old town is a historic monument in itself. Take your time and enjoy a meander along some of the main streets: San Torcuato, Santa Clara, Ramos Carrión, Rúa los Francos and Rúa los Notarios, leading to the cathedral. You also won't want to miss:
- Puente Nuevo (New Bridge)
- Plaza Mayor (Main Square)
- Los Momos Palace
- Former Encarnación Hospital
- San Pedro Church
- San Ildefonso Church
- San Claudio de Olivares Church
- Santiago de los Caballeros Church
- La Magdalena Church
- San Esteban Church
- Santa María de la Horta Church
- San Juan de Puerta Church
- Santiago del Burgo Church
- Santa Lucía Church
- Statue of Viriathus
- El Cordón Palace
Of course you'll also want to be sure to take a stroll through the Parador's cloister, a work of art you can enjoy with every step.
Day 2: Unadulterated nature at the Arribes del Duero Nature Reserve
A spectacular area where you can enjoy a day exploring nature in its purest form. Escape to Arribes del Duero Nature Reserve, less than an hour from the Parador by car, and breathe in the fresh air in a green space occupying more than 100,000 hectares. While you're there, be sure to follow one of the long-distance footpaths that run through the area. A healthy day filled with lots of fun.
In the evening, you'll definitely want to let the team at the Parador restaurant pamper you with a great meal that will restore your energy after a long day of walking. Dishes you might want to sample include the house specialty: arroz a la zamorana (paprika rice with fried bacon).
Day 3: Enotourism
If wine is your passion, you will probably already know that this industry is extremely important to a province with several designations of originToro, Arribes and Tierra del Vino de Zamoraand the Valles de Benavente Protected Designation of Origin. This makes wine tasting an essential part of any visit to the region. We recommend taking the N-122 to Toro (40 km away), where you will find several wineries that offer tastings. Sample the local wines in the very place each vintage is produced.
Book your room at the Parador de Zamora
As always, we include a map of the area to help you get oriented.
*One final recommendation:
Holy Week in Zamora has been named an International Tourist Attraction. It is the city's most important annual social, cultural and religious event. The medieval tradition of the floats has made this festival famous around the world for its fervor, solemnity and emotion. The best way to experience the city is from the inside and the Parador de Zamora is located in the heart of the historic town center. Book early (the hotel begins to full up months early) if you want to experience Holy Week in Zamora next year.
