Castilla y León is Spain's largest region. It is made up of the provinces of Ávila, Burgos, Leon, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora.It is, for many people, the image of Spain. Dry and harsh, a land of pious Inquisition ravaged cities. It is also a magical land filled with an abundance of medieval castles. A land of heroes like El Cid and St Teresa of Avila, where ancient history, myths and legends have all been blurred and merged into one. Much like our legends of King Arthur and Robin Hood who really know what is fact and what is fiction.
As mentioned previously the largest region, it also has the most neighbours. To the north, Asturias and Cantabria. To the south, Extremadura. South-eastwards it borders Madrid and Castilla-La Mancha. To the east, Basque Country, Aragon and La Rioja. Westwards it borders with Portugal and Galicia.
Although it encompases 9 provinces the landscape is similar throughout. This is the dry and dusty meseta, with almost a desert landscape in parts. With extremes of temperatures during winter or summer you'll love it or hate it.
The capital city of Castilla y León is Valladolid, a fairly relaxed and friendly place. This is reputedly the place where the most correct form of castellano is spoken so this makes it the perfect place to learn the language. Getting here is easy with flights from London Stansted via Ryanair. Valladolid is a major transport hub. A 2 hour drive or train ride will find you in Madrid. Its excellent connections will also get you a speedy voyage to other parts of the region as well as the rest of Northern Spain.
Other notable cities in the regions to visit are Segovia, with it's Moorish alcazar, said to have inspired Walt Disney for Sleeping Beauty's castle. The gorgeous city of Salamanca, home to Spain's oldest university, Avila, the birthplace of St Teresa of Jesus, is another major tourist attractio, Burgos, home of the legendery El Cid, Segovia with its famous Roman aquaduct, ... the list is endless.
As you can see, when you come to visit you will really be spoiled for choice, and we haven't even mentioned the local food and wine! In short there will be something here to satisfy everybody's tastes.
