Sprawling north-west of Madrid, Castille and Leon is a mountainous region that centres around the city of Valladolid. It is the largest autonomous community in Spain and boasts 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while it’s also recognised as the cradle of parliamentarism as home to the Cortes of Leon.
Things to do in Castile and León
With its beautifully preserved cities, ancient monuments and high plateau landscapes, Castille and Leon is a must-see.
Sightsee in Salamanca. Serving as the capital of its namesake province, Salamanca is a lively university city with a history dating back to Celtic times. Moorish, Renaissance and Baroque architectural landmarks frame Plaza Mayor, which forms part of Salamanca’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. Gaze up at the 110-metre-tall clock tower of the Catedral Vieja and admire the Plateresque façade of the Escuelas Mayores, which forms part of the centuries-old Universidad de Salamanca.
Marvel at the Roman-built Aqueduct of Segovia. Spanning Plaza del Azoguejo, Segovia’s impressive aqueduct was constructed by the Romans in the 1st century AD to channel water from nearby mountain springs. With its 167 arches, this ancient monument was used to supply the town’s public bathhouses and fountains. Together with the medieval Alcazar, it forms part of Segovia’s UNESCO-listed Old Town.
Explore the medieval walls of Avila. Nestled in the rolling hills between Madrid and Salamanca, Avila is encircled by a soaring 11th-century wall. It is dotted with more than 80 semicircular, crenellated towers and nine gates that include the monumental Puerta del Alcazar. You can soak up the views across Avila while walking along the top of the walls or admire them from below while illuminated at night.
Getting around Castile and León
Castille and Leon is around an hour’s drive from Madrid and Adolfo Suarez Madrid–Barajas Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Domestic flights connect to Valladolid Airport in the heart of the community. Trains travel to major towns and cities throughout Castille and Leon, while buses serve smaller destinations not on the railway network.