Is regarded as one of the greatest cities in Spain, famous for it's narrow streets and the Moorish and Jewish influences. It has a fine gothic cathedral, well worth a visit inside as well as an imposing exterior. The painter El Greco settled in Toledo in the sixteenth century and his house is interesting to visit. (Many of his paintings are in the Prado in Madrid). The Alcazar or castle has an imposing position in the city and withstood a famous siege in the Spanish Civil War. While in Toledo there are plenty of shops where one can sample the famous marzipan and buy some Toledo gold to take home.  Travelling time from the apartment 1 hour 20 minutes approximately.

At Aranjuez there is another beautiful palace built in similar fashion to Versailles by the Bourbon Kings of Spain. There are very large gardens which look impressive in all seasons and the area is famous for strawberries. Chichon is the home of Anis, a drink which is well known all over Spain and the elegant Plaza Mayor is worth a photo-call and a glass of Anis!!    Travelling time from the apartment 2 hours approximately.

Ávila is the highest city in all Spain, and is surrounded by well preserved medieval walls. It was the home of the famous Spanish mystic Saint Teresa and there are many convents and chapels in Ávila associated with her. The plaza or main square is worth a visit and so is the cathedral. Ávila also has a famous sweet called "Yemas de Santa Teresa".    Travelling time from the apartment 1 hour 10 minutes approximately.

Although a small place, Segovia is full of interesting places to visit. The imposing Roman Aqueduct dominates one side of the town and the Alcazar or castle on the other side. This castle is like something from a fairy-tale and worth a visit inside. The cathedral is interesting and so is the plaza. Nearby in the summer palace La Granja with splendid gardens and fountains, comparable to Versailles.    Travelling time from the apartment 2 hours  approximately.

Segovia

La Granja

This is is the palace / monastery built by Phillip II in the sixteenth century. From this palace he ruled over much of the world and planned the Armada. There are some interesting paintings and the library has really beautiful manuscripts and books. The mausoleum of the Spanish royal family is here. Nearby is the "Valle de los Caidos" the imposing monument to those who died on the nationalist side in the Spanish Civil War and Franco is buried here.    Travelling time from the apartment 1 hour 15 minutes approximately.

This is a climbing and walking area with pretty villages and routes with spectacular views. Villages of note in this area include Candeleda, Arenas de San Pedro and Mombeltran which has an imposing castle and from here the road climbs up over the pass towards Ávila. Arenas de San Pedro also has some interesting caves which make a cool visit in the summer.  It is impossible to suggest a time for visiting as the area is so pretty you could spend days there !!!

Sierra De Gredos

La Laguna Grande (Gredos)

Walking in the mountains...

...and by the lakes.

As with all capital cities Madrid has everything, from shops to art galleries, from restaurants to royal palaces. The Prado is a must even just to see some of the work of El Greco, Goya, Velasquez or Bosch. The Royal Palace is another palace worth seeing and has the cathedral opposite (very different from others in Spain as it is relatively modern).  To visit our capital take either the local coach from the village or you may prefer to use your car as Madrid is only 90 kilometers away.

    E-mail to -  aronsano@hotmail.com