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North east of Madrid the northern plateau region of Castilla y Leon is vast and borders numerous other Spanish regions as well as North Portugal to the west. Within the region are some of Spain's most stunning cities including university city Salamanca with its astounding architecture and Segovia with its picture postcard castle, and both Leon and Burgos cathedrals are memorable sights indeed. Fine Spanish dining is certainly on the menu is Castilla y Leon - food is more a work of art in this area. A number of airports serve the region including Leon, Matacan/Salamanca, Villafria Airport/Burgos and Villanubla Airport/Valladolid.
South of Madrid, Castilla La Mancha contains the striking city of Toledo, a positive feast of medieval architecture and cultural hotspots. Mountain ranges in the region include the Montes de Toledo, the Serrania de Cuenca and the stunning Sierra de Alcaraz. Thanks to Cervantes, who put Castilla la Mancha on the map over 400 years ago, the region attracts considerable interest for its Don Quixote links. The Ruta de Don Quixote well marked walking path, with plenty of windmills along the way, can be broken down into sections. (see Castilla La Mancha tourist webguide right for a complete guide to the Don Quixote walking route). Other highlights in the region include stunning Cuenca, a hub for modern art and World Heritage site for its fine Medieval architecture. Plenty of chance to sample the fine wines from the La Mancha vineyards alongside the regions famous Manchego cheese. Valladolid Airport in the Castilla y Leon region is growing particularly fast, with currently (2007) direct flights from London Stansted. Alternatively access via Madrid Airport, with car rental.
Fairly undiscovered tourist territory still is the vast Spanish region of Castilla y Leon. Here you'll discover some of Spain's most striking cathedrals and dramatic castles. Architectural masterpieces abound in the cities of Leon, Salamanca, Segovia and Burgos. Three of Castilla y Leon's cities are World Heritage cities - Avila, Salamanca and Segovia. To the south west of the region Avila has a mountainous backdrop to beat all, and sits just a short drive from Madrid.
Further west Salamanca, with its historic centre and grand square Plaza Mayor, is a postive feast of architectural sights including cathedrals (two), convents, numerous museums and an Art Nouveau and Deco Gallery. The best of Spain's Plateresque Renaissance architecture is here in Salamanca.
The Gothic cathedral at Burgos is not to be missed, it's one of Spain's most stunning hence is UNESCO World Heritage status. A more jagged set of twin spires you're unlikely to see. World Heritage city Segovia cotnains one of the most striking Roman viaducts you're likely to see too - 2000 years old and almost totally intact. This Roman feat of engineering is match for wow factor by Segovia's fairytale castle and Las Murallas Cathedral.
Winter skiing is on the menu within Castilla y Leon around the peaks of its mountain ranges. For details on Castilla y Leon's top skiing spots see the Castilla y Leon's webguide right.
The main route into Castilla La Mancha is via Madrid Airport, and with car rental you can explore the region at your leisure. Much awaits including the Medieval old towns of both Toledo and Cuenca and numerous walking opportunities along the Don Quijote Trails. Like Madrid, Castilla La Mancha experiences extremely high temperatures in peak summer months, often soaring well into the 30 degrees centigrade.
Highlights within Toledo include its Moorish Alcazar, its striking and easily spotted cathedral which dominates the city and a choice of museums. Toledo is a centre for El Greco's art which you'll spot inside many of Toledo's monuments, and in the Museo de El Greco. Long a significant centre, Toledo is home to numerous architectural remains and historic quarters, notably its Jewish Quarter, remains of the outside city walls and the Islamic Mezquita de Cristo de la Luz.
World Heritage City Cuenca in the north east of the region offers more Medieval gems - the city is famous for its hanging houses. Easily navigated on-foot, like Toledo the Moors had a foothold here althought today it's Cuenca's Medieval architecture that dominates. For comprehensive details on Cuenca's many monuments and museums see the Cuenca Tourist webguide right.
Toledo Tourist Information, Plaza del Consistorio 1-45071 Toledo, Castilla La Mancha Spain. Tel. (0034) 925254 030. Cuenca Tourist Information Office, Glorieta Gonzalez Palencia, 2 - 16071 Cuenca. Tel. 969 178 800.
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