Lorraine Williamson
National Geographic’s annual readers’ poll has delivered a surprise winner for Spain’s next must-visit city. Salamanca—a landlocked Castilian gem—has been named the country’s top travel destination for 2025. It beat more obvious choices such as Madrid, Palma, and Girona.
The verdict celebrates a city whose appeal lies not in beaches or big-city glamour, but in its layered history and magnetic atmosphere.
Where history glows at sunset
Salamanca’s nickname, La Dorada (“the golden one”), comes from the honey-coloured sandstone that shimmers as the evening light fades. Visitors stroll through centuries-old lanes, pausing in shaded squares or along the River Tormes, while the sound of students and street musicians brings the old stones to life. It’s this blend of medieval charm and youthful buzz that persuaded National Geographic readers to give the city their vote.
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The Plaza Mayor: Stage for daily life
At the heart of the old town lies the magnificent Plaza Mayor, an 18th-century Baroque square framed by arcades. Morning brings locals sipping coffee beneath the arches; by night, the same space becomes a lively theatre of conversation, music, and impromptu gatherings that spill well past midnight.
A seat of learning since the 13th century
Salamanca’s university, founded in 1218, is among the oldest in Europe and remains a symbol of intellectual ambition. Its intricate Plateresque façade hides a tiny carved frog perched on a skull—spotting it is said to bring students luck. The adjacent Escuelas Menores courtyard offers a quiet counterpoint, where echoes of Renaissance scholars linger in the stone.
Two cathedrals, one story
Few European cities boast a pair of cathedrals side by side. Salamanca’s Romanesque Old Cathedral and the later Gothic-Baroque New Cathedral chart Spain’s shifting styles across six centuries. Look closely and you’ll find a modern twist: a small astronaut carved during the 1990s restoration, a playful detail that delights visitors.
Layers of culture beneath the surface
The city’s origins reach back to Roman times, with Visigothic, Islamic, and Christian rulers all leaving their imprint. Bridges, towers, and hidden courtyards reveal traces of each era, making Salamanca a living record of Spain’s turbulent past and enduring cultural exchange.
Beyond the headline sights
Away from the university and cathedrals, travellers can discover the shell-covered Casa de las Conchas, the Renaissance Palacio de Monterrey, and riverside walks where locals gather at dusk. Each corner offers another story, another view of a city that rewards slow exploration.
Why it matters for 2025
This recognition puts Salamanca firmly on next year’s travel radar. With its glowing stone, deep historical roots, and youthful energy, the city offers a Spanish break that feels both timeless and refreshingly current—a destination where past and present meet in golden light.
Source: El Economista