There are two impressive cities in northern Spain that tend to fly under the radar, but their wealth of history and beauty should not be missed. Oviedo and León offer something for all visitors, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to top notch gastronomy and art museums. Additionally both cities are located on the ancient pilgrimage Route of St. James. Now more than ever we highly recommend adding these destinations to your travel itinerary!
León is now accessible by AVE High speed train from Madrid, and is an enchanting place with more than 2,000 years of history. Known for its beautiful old town and delicious tapas, León is sure to please visitors. Admire the ancient city walls dating from the 1st C and see one of the most stunning cathedrals in all of Spain. Built in the 13th C, the Cathedral of Santa María de Regla de León is Gothic style and boasts colorful stained-glass windows and unusual design incorporating the walls too. Make sure to visit Casa Botines, an incredible neogothic building conceived by the famous Antoni Gaudí (one of just 3 Gaudi sites outside of Catalonia), and the Basilica of San Isidro, a Romanesque building that contains medieval art.
Stroll through the Plaza Mayor and the charming Plaza del Grano enroute to the wonderful tapas culture in the bustling taverns of the Barrio Húmedo. Try classic specialties like morcilla (blood sausage), local cured meats, spicy fried potatoes, garlic soup and gooey tortilla.
Stay in the newly restored Parador de León, a 5-star hotel, originally built as Convento of San Marcos in the 12th C and used as a hospital for Pilgrims. The new property houses an extensive art collection and the interior perfectly combines past and present, albeit with fewer than 60 rooms for now.
Nearby in the beautiful city of Oviedo located between the mountains and the sea, is the capital of the region of Asturias, it’s known for its medieval old town surrounded by 13th century walls and more monuments from pre-Roman times than any other city in Asturias.
Just outside the city, there are two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the Church of Santa Maria del Naranco and the Church of San Miguel de Lillo. Built in 850, these architectural masterpieces are unique examples of the pre-Roman Asturian building style of the early Middle Ages.
Oviedo was named the Capital of Spanish Gastronomy in 2024, so you must go to a local cider house and try some Asturian specialties such as cachopo (fried fillet of beef filled with ham and cheese) and fabada (a white bean stew with chorizo) with typical cider.
For accommodation, the grand dame of the city is at Hotel de la Reconquista, set in an 18th C building declared a National Monument. Enjoy a drink in the beautiful courtyard of this baroque-style hotel.
