Salamanca
Salamanca
Salamanca is a beautiful university town in western Spain, about 2 hours from Madrid. Founded in the 12th century, the University of Salamanca is one of the oldest in Europe and gives the city its youthful energy despite its historic character.
The city's crowning glory is the Plaza Mayor, considered one of the most beautiful squares in Spain. This baroque masterpiece serves as the heart of Salamanca where locals and visitors gather throughout the day. The golden sandstone buildings are what earned Salamanca its nickname "La Dorada" (The Golden City), especially stunning when the sun hits them at dusk.
Beyond the plaza, Salamanca boasts two cathedrals built side by side - the Old Cathedral from the 12th century and the New Cathedral completed in the 18th century. The famous façade of the university contains a hidden frog sculpture that students traditionally seek out for good luck in their exams.
The city is known for its language schools, attracting students from around the world to learn Spanish in its historic setting. The local cuisine features specialties like hornazo (a meat-filled pastry) and farinato (a sausage made with bread crumbs). With its combination of history, architecture, student life, and gastronomy, Salamanca offers a perfect slice of traditional Spain with a lively modern atmosphere.
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Things to do in Salamanca
Top things to do in Salamanca by theculturetrip.com
Where to stay in Salamanca
Best hotels in Salamanca:
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Sercotel Las Torres (budget hotel)
Sercotel Las Torres is in Salamanca. You'll love being steps away from the iconic Plaza Mayor - it really doesn't get more central than this! The rooms are clean and comfortable, with modern amenities like air conditioning and free WiFi.
One of the best things about staying here is starting your day with the delicious breakfast buffet. Fill up on fresh fruit, pastries, and Spanish specialties before heading out to explore. The staff are super friendly and always happy to give tips on what to see and do in the city.
While the rooms aren't huge, they have everything you need for a pleasant stay. The location more than makes up for the cozy size. You're within easy walking distance of all the main sights like the cathedral and university. After a day of sightseeing, it's great to come back and relax in the comfortable beds. All in all, Sercotel Las Torres is an excellent choice if you want to be right in the middle of the action in beautiful Salamanca.
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Grand Hotel Don Gregorio (luxury hotel)
The Grand Hotel Don Gregorio is a 15th-century palace turned luxury hotel in the heart of Salamanca's old town. Just steps from major sights like Plaza Mayor and the city's famous cathedral, it offers an unbeatable location for exploring this historic Spanish city.
The rooms are elegant and spacious, with modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and free WiFi alongside charming period details. Many offer lovely views of Salamanca's gorgeous architecture. The hotel's spa is a highlight, with its large hot tub, Turkish bath, and massage services - perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
Food lovers will appreciate the on-site Michelin-starred restaurant, which serves up creative Spanish and Asian fusion dishes. For a more casual bite, there's also a lounge bar. With its blend of historic charm and modern luxury, the Grand Hotel Don Gregorio provides a truly special home base for experiencing the magic of Salamanca.
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Palacio de Castellanos (medium range hotel)
The Palacio de Castellanos in Salamanca is housed in a 15th century palace. Located right in the heart of the historic city center, it's just steps away from major sights like the Plaza Mayor and Salamanca Cathedral.
The hotel blends old-world charm with modern luxury. Guest rooms feature elegant decor and amenities like air conditioning and satellite TV. Many rooms offer lovely views over the city or the hotel's peaceful inner courtyard. There's also a fitness center and a terrace where you can relax with a drink while taking in views of the nearby Convento de los Dominicos.
One of the highlights is the breakfast buffet, which gets rave reviews from guests. The central location makes it easy to explore Salamanca's beautiful architecture and lively tapas bars on foot. With its mix of historic atmosphere and upscale comfort, the Palacio de Castellanos is a great choice for experiencing the best of Salamanca.
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