Castilla y Leon, Heart of Spain

Castilla y Leon - Overview:

Castilla y Leon is not only the largest region of Spain, but the largest region of all of the European Union. The elevated plains are bordered by the Sistema Iberico mountain ranges to the east, Cordillera Central to the south, Cordillera Cantabrica to the north and by the Duero river towards Portugal. The ancient kingdom of Leon which was eventually annexed to Castile embraced three cities, Salamanca, Zamora and the provincial capital of Leon. Today the region is known for its many castles and monuments. The region is located in north central Iberia and is the largest region of Spain.

Castilla y Leon - History:

Castilla y Leon came together in 1983, when the regions of Castilla la Vieja and Leon were united. Both played an integral part in Spanish medieval history, and the area's importance during that period is still evident in many cathedrals, monasteries, castles and fortified towns, many of which are perfectly preserved. Spain owes much to Leon and Castile for forging the regions into a unified Spain. Old Castile once held power that has long since shifted to Madrid.

Castilla y Leon - Geography:

Apart from its great monumental patrimony, Castilla y Leon has miles of natural parks with oak woods and cork forests. The region holds many surprises and offers excellent, unspoilt countryside. This large region is set on an enormous, peculiar platform known as the meseta.

Leon was the capital of an important Christian kingdom in the Middle Ages. It has a flat countryside and truly splendorous historical and architectural heritage with a 13th-century cathedral, modelled on the great Gothic cathedrals of France and noted for its well-crafted stained glass window.

Castilla y Leon - Gastronomy:

Gastronomy features excellent meat, in particular lamb, and vegetables such as the famous creamy beans of Avila.

Castilla y Leon - Arts & Crafts:

Artisany and popular celebrations show a rich and varied folklore, often of archaical roots and almost unknown to a wider public.

Castilla y Leon - Sightseeing:

Formerly the capital of the region, the city of Leon's most famous monuments are its great Gothic cathedral, the Basilica de San Isidoro with valuable Romanesque frescoes in its crypt, and the San Marcos monastery from the Renaissance period. Close to Leon you can also visit the legendary Roman gold mines Las Medulas.

Castilla y Leon - Our holiday accommodation and service:

Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy delightful, privileged holiday destinations in Castilla y Leon (including Burgos, Leon City, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora) at the historic heart of Central Spain. From privately owned houses, charming cottages, villas and apartments to villas with pools, luxury spa hotels and a full range of fabulous Paradores; all hand picked in beautiful locations for an authentic taste of unspoiled secret Castilla y Leon and Central Spain.

So, if you're looking for an activity or nature holiday, walking, cycling, trekking or bird watching; a spot of rural tourism soaking up the traditional Spanish culture and heritage with historic sightseeingin Castille; exploring fairytale castles, beautiful countryside and fascinating villages, rural towns and historic cities such as Leon City; following the historic pilgrims routes or silver route; sampling hearty rural Spanish fayre or simply enjoying a shopping trip or city break in Madrid, Spain's capital city; call our holiday team today.

Many of our clients enjoy touring holidays through central Spain, to experience the unique areas of Castilla la Mancha, Castilla y Leon, Extremadura and Madrid in one holiday. We are therefore very happy to arrange itineraries for you staying in a selection of different Parador hotels along your chosen route. We can also assist you with flights to Madrid and other areas of central Spain, ferry travel, holiday car hire and travel insurance.