Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Spain / Castilla y Leon / Salamanca
 |  | Destination Guide : Salamanca |
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| | | Salamanca |  | Why go on holiday to Salamanca?
Large enough to offer the advantages of a city but small enough to offer the intimacy of a village, Salamanca is the university capital of Spain and the party capital of Castilla y Leon region.
By day, explore the medieval towers, baroque buildings and cobbled streets that have earned this city World Heritage site status. By night, discover the after-dark playground of quirky bars and clubs which really only start to rev up after midnight. One thing's for sure - you'll need plenty of stamina on a city break here.
How much will it cost?
A week's room-only accommodation in high season costs from around £150 per person. Look out for low cost airline deals to Madrid, about three hours away by road and also accessible via train. You can also consider flights to Valladolid (about 120km north-east of Salamanca), which start at about £125 in low season, and which is connected to Salamanca by train and bus.
When should I go?
During the high season from late April to late September, temperatures in Salamanca can reach 40C. Spring and autumn are good times to visit. The weather is generally reliably warm (around 20C) and sunny. Winter from November to early March can be cold with temperatures dropping to 7C.
Who's it for?
Young holidaymakers looking to tap into the student vibe, and couples drawn by its throng of bars, cafes and clubs. There's enough sightseeing to do yet still you'll still have time for shopping and relaxing on a weekend break.
What are the must-sees?
Attractions in Salamanca are set in stone. Start off with a trip to school – the university, founded almost as long ago as Oxford, is as much celebrated for its façade as its academic accolades. Legend has it that if you can spot the elusive frog sculpted into the sandstone, you will be blessed with good luck – and if you're luck's really in, possibly even marriage - within a year.
Places of worship are in abundance in Salamanca with its two cathedrals dominating the skyline. Visit the cloister of the medieval Old Cathedral and the tombs of the chapels. And you don't have to be an architecture buff to appreciate the Catedral Nueva with its magnificent Renaissance doorways.
Rendezvous in Plaza Mayor at night, where you'll find sociable locals and a host of restaurants, bars and cafes. The square was used to host bullfights well into the 19th century and the province has a history of breeding fighting bulls. Visit the Museo Taurino where you can learn more. Near the Plaza Mayor is the 12th century Iglesia de San Martin, it's wedged among some houses and is a pretty example of Romanesque architecture.
What will I spend?
Prices vary, but as a rough guide: a moderate meal of tapas costs £6.50, a beer in a bar £1.70, a Cuba Libre (rum & coke) in a bar £3.50, and a short taxi ride from £2.
Any special events?
Hop on the bus to Ciudad Rodrigo – about 80km south of Salamanca and only 30km from the Portuguese border. It's a sleepy but attractive walled town which comes alive during Carnival in February. Aside from fancy dress and festivities, Carnival also features running bulls and amateur bullfighting.
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| | Available rental properties in Salamanca |
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| |  | | PLAZA MAYOR
The apartment, completely renovated and newly furnished, is located in the PLAZA MAYOR, the heart and soul of Salamanca.
|  | | Apartment Plaza Mayor
You are in one of the most desirable locations in Salamanca in one of the more centric and popular street which is the Zamora Street which goes directtly to the Plaza Mayor.
|  | | Apartment Tormes
Comfortable fully equiped four bedroom apartment on the side of the River Tormes, in front of the Cathedral of Salamanca only 3 Km or 10 minutes by bus from centre of town.
|  | | Apartment Santa Marta Verde Pistacho
You are in a nice and quiet location in Salamanca at the River Tormes side, only 3 km from the centre of Salamanca.
|  | | Apartment Santa Marta Amarillo
You are in a nice and quiet location in Salamanca at the River Tormes side, only 3 km from the centre of Salamanca or 10 minutes by bus.
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