subject: The Best City Break Gems Of Spain [print this page] Spain has long been a popular tourist destination with thousands of people visiting its many seaside resorts every year. Spain has some beautiful cities too and these are a great destination for those that do not necessarily want to sit on a beach all day. Full of great examples of architecture, history and culture a city break is a really great way to get a proper taste of Spain. Here are my favorite cities to visit, some well known and some not so well known and crying out for discovery.
1.Valladolid Located a two hour drive north of Madrid this lesser known city is rich in culture and history. Many of Spains most famous figures have lived here such as Miguel De Cervantes and Christopher Columbus, each with a museum dedicated to them. In 1496 King Fernando married Queen Isabel here and the city has been the location of the Spanish Court on many occasions. Valladolid also has the bonus of a river complete with beach and on warm days the locals come down here to relax, sunbathe and swim.
2.Barcelona Known as one of the best cities in Europe for couples there is plenty to see and do here. With shopping opportunities, a football stadium to explore, museums, art galleries, churches, etc., Barcelona really does have it all and more. There are some fabulous restaurants here and the nightlife is second to none.
3.Toledo A former capital of the Spanish Empire, this city is a UNESCO world heritage site and has some spectacular examples of Spanish architecture. The town itself has wonderfully narrow and twisty cobblestone streets and there are plenty of boutique shops, museums, churches and art galleries to explore. Toledo was the setting for the book Don Quixote and is also home to Spains famous painter El Greco. Visitors here should make sure that they take time to try the marzipan which the city is famous for.
4.Salamanca Truly is a city of romance that will captivate the imagination. Salamanca has the largest plaza in Spain, historical churches and buildings, museums, galleries and beautiful gardens that are perfect for a picnic. Salamanca is a UNESCO world heritage site and home to authentic tapas that you can sample in any number of restaurants. It also has a vibrant nightlife so you can enjoy a leisurely meal and then party till dawn.
5.Pamplona Probably not one of the better known locations for a city break in Spain but Pamplona is definitely worth a visit and is best known as the location for the running of the bulls. With fantastic examples of gothic architecture, wine bars, restaurants, nightlife and everything else you would expect from a cosmopolitan Spanish city, Pamplona has much to offer to its visitors.
6.Madrid The capital of Spain and a popular destination for a city break, Madrid has a vibrant feel about it. With plenty of authentic tapas restaurants, great wine bars, art galleries, parks and botanical gardens, there is plenty to keep you occupied. Madrid also has a great night life scene and there are plenty of clubs, which often have famous DJs making guest appearances at weekends.
