Classic Central Spain

Madrid is where ancient and old meet modern and cosmopolitan, where sightseeing, dancing, and shopping go hand in hand.

Spectacular enough to rival the Louvre, this museum is well-known for its revered art collection including best national artists.

Old Madrid offers a range of exploration from small charming residences, to elaborate mansions, to a number of churches.

Housed in an old hospital, this museum holds a most excellent collection of art by 20C Spanish artists.

This must-see museum provides a comprehensive journey of prehistoric, Iberian, Visigothic, Muslim, and Christian cultures.

This magnificent monasterial complex boasts a palace, a church, an ancient library, royal apartments, and many more historic gems.

A memorial dedicated to those who fell during the Spanish Civil War, covering over 3,360 acres of beautiful woodland.

This refreshing park is an oasis within Madrid, with peaceful tree groves, a lake for rowing, and enticing spots for solitude.

Dating to the 2C, this ancient Egyptian temple was sent as a gift from Egypt to Spain and was rebuilt stone by stone in Madrid.

Visit this neighborhood for a day full of cultural exploits, as its streets are lined with some of Madrid's best national museums.

Built in the 17C, this is a relaxing plaza to linger in, with its interesting architecture, cafes, and frequent performances.

Known for its stunning fortified walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of medieval history as well as superb food.

Situated atop cliffs in a beautiful setting, this lovely ancient town is rich with churches, historic landmarks, and museums.

This neoclassical palace holds a must-see collection for art enthusiasts, with artwork spanning from the 13C to the present day.

This vast 18C palatial complex is the official residence of Spanish royalty, boasting over 2,000 rooms and remarkable decor.

This 16C monastery contains a wealth of artistic elements, such as its chapels, Ruben-based tapestries, and paintings.

This often overlooked museum should not be missed, as it hosts Goya masterpieces, enamel ware, silverworks, and other artifacts.

On the banks of the Targus River, this town was the home to Spanish royalty and nobility, retaining some remarkable buildings.

This former monk has been working on his cathedral since 1961.

Located in Madrid's Buen Retiro Park, this 19C glass and iron building is shaped like a Greek cross and is a renowned architectural gem.

Housing art and diplomatic memorabilia as well, the armory is best known for its collections of royal weaponry and armor.

Opened in the 18C, Madrid's exceptional Zoo Aquarium features a dolphinarium, giant pandas, and birds of prey.

Explore the ins and outs of this lovely Spanish town, making sure to check out the iconic windmills.

Valladolid particularly shines with its well-known 15C and 16C sculptures, and breadth of Renaissance architectural styles.

While Valencia retains a pride and tight connection to its past, it also is extremely modernized in its demeanor and culture.

Begin exploring Old Valencia by having breakfast or lunch in the friendly and bustling Mare de Deu Plaza.

This expansive complex includes an opera hall, an interactive science museum, and the largest aquarium in Europe.

The Valencia beach is popular for its sand, sun, and surf, with some areas offering amenities and others more tranquil.

Housed in a 17C palace, this museum hosts a wealth of medieval artworks, as well as sculptures, archaeological findings, and more.

Book in advance if you want to visit this amazing winery, sampling Spanish wines and enjoying the views of the surrounding vineyards.

Trace the history of this castle by the artifacts left by its former inhabitants, from Romans, to Arabs, to Christians.

Dating to the 13C, this Gothic church as built on the site of a mosque. It is renowned for its unique mixture of architectural styles.

Housed in a 15C Baroque palace with lavish exterior, the museum displays over 5,000 ceramic artworks dating as far back as the 13C.

This 15C Gothic building was once the heart of Valencia's trade, and now retains ornate exterior and elaborate decor.

Part of the City of Arts and Sciences, this must-see aquarium, the largest in Europe, is home to more than 500 aquatic species.

A beautiful mountain town, Teruel shows off an interesting landscape of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim influences from its past.

Learn about Spanish wine production and sample some delicious wines at this excellent winery. Make sure to book in advance.

If not traveling by train, you should visit this modern early 20C station, with murals throughout complimenting its uniqueness.

Known for its rich history and amazing old architecture, this remarkable Spanish town hosts annual festivals to celebrate its iconic castle.

This beach town is notable for its combination of history and fun, offering a wealth of historic relics and a lively atmosphere.

Situated amid lovely scenery, this charming city offers diverse architecture, cultural monuments, local cuisine, and rich history.

Walking through the is a great journey through time and culture, given its numerous sites of Jewish, Christian, and Moorish origin.

A superb execution of Spanish Gothic architecture, this cathedral houses a myriad of chapels, rich ornaments, and fine altars.

Book a tour to visit the immense olive groves surrounding Toledo, enjoying lush scenery and getting to know the local agriculture.

This 15C monastery is a superb combination of Gothic, Mudejar, and Renaissance architecture, and is a pleasure to explore.

This magnificent monasterial complex boasts a palace, a church, an ancient library, royal apartments, and many more historic gems.

A memorial dedicated to those who fell during the Spanish Civil War, covering over 3,360 acres of beautiful woodland.

The unassuming facade of this historic synagogue belies its exquisite decorations, and the synagogue now houses the Sephardi Museum.

The collection in this beautiful structure is full of important paintings, including a comprehensive selection of El Grecos.

Explore the ins and outs of this lovely Spanish town, making sure to check out the iconic windmills.

Known for its stunning fortified walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of medieval history as well as superb food.

The historical richness of Salamanca's architecture has earned it a status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Strolling through the historic center takes you through the lovely winding streets, steeped with a delightful character.

This 18C square, the heart of the city, offers a great atmosphere and a fun crowd, all observable from one of numerous cafes.

Complementing the adjacent New Cathedral, this Romanesque cathedral features great chapels, colors, and a wonderful lantern tower.

This unique 15C Gothic residence is symbolically decorated with 300 seashells, as well as featuring other notable ornamentation.

Known for its stunning fortified walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of medieval history as well as superb food.

Originally a Celtic town, this small city is rich in history, which can all be explored on foot in a relaxed atmosphere.

Housed in a delightfully fitting building, this museum displays excellent decorative art, as well as modern artists such as Mucha.

This beautiful cathedral features Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements, testament to the centuries it took to build.

Stroll through this renowned university and enjoy its facades, its library, the lovely patio, and especially the fine cloister.

Built in the 16C and 17C, this church with a massive gorgeous facade is an elegant combination of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Valladolid particularly shines with its well-known 15C and 16C sculptures, and breadth of Renaissance architectural styles.

Visible for miles, this prominent mountain with a monastery atop of it offers a 360-degree panorama of the entire region.

Segovia has an illustrious past dating to Roman times, only rivaled by the beauty of the landscape surrounding it.

This "Little Versailles" features a tapestry museum, a glass museum, extensive gardens, and a fountain that jets water to 40m.

Explore the historic artifacts strewn throughout the center, enjoy the wonderful atmosphere, and get to know the locals.

Known as "the Lady of Cathedrals," this Castilian Gothic structure has an awe-inspiring interior with numerous artworks.

Originally erected in the 12C, this castle has been reconstructed in the 19C and now houses a wonderful historical museum.

This magnificent monasterial complex boasts a palace, a church, an ancient library, royal apartments, and many more historic gems.

A memorial dedicated to those who fell during the Spanish Civil War, covering over 3,360 acres of beautiful woodland.

Still providing water to Segovia today, this aqueduct is currently the largest Roman monument in Spain.

In addition to the numerous monuments in this square, there's a 15C building, St. Martin's Church, and an old prison.

This 11C Romanesque church features incredible sculptures, and houses a lovely art museum.

Known for its stunning fortified walls, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of medieval history as well as superb food.

This 15C Mudejar castle looms over the countryside, featuring excellent architecture, a chapel, and several lovely courtyards.