Two-and-a-half hours north-west of Madrid, Salamanca is the perfect final stop on the way from Spain to Portugal, or a first stop if traveling the other way round. Cold in winter and pleasantly warm in summer, Salamanca is a clean city, famous for its nightlife and even more famous for its university, and is very popular with foreigners for learning Spanish.

The nearest airport is in Valladolid, though Madrid airport isn’t too far away, making it accessible for travelers.

Best Time to Visit

It’s best to visit Salamanca in the second week of September, as this is when Salamanca has its major festival – the Virgen de la Vega. September also marks the time when students return, reviving the city’s vibrant atmosphere. The winter months can get very cold; therefore, if you plan on visiting from November to February, be sure to bring warm clothing! While all the main sights can be seen in a day, it is such a pleasant city that staying for at least two days is advisable.

Key Attractions

Approaching the city, the most striking aspect is how agricultural the surrounding land is. As you enter Salamanca by bus, the landscape is lush and grassy, with the New Cathedral—which isn’t particularly new—rising above a grassy mound. It makes sense to start your exploration from the Cathedral and stroll towards Plaza Mayor, which serve as your key reference points during your stay in Salamanca.

Beginning at Plaza Anaya, with the New Cathedral behind you (featuring interesting astronaut and ice cream carvings), the Universidad Civil is to your left. On the other side lies Salamanca’s famous Lucky Frog. Walking up Rua Mayor, you’ll encounter the Clerecia and the Casa de las Conchas (House of Shells) on your left before arriving at Plaza Mayor. Just a few streets away, you will discover numerous beautiful churches and historical buildings.

Three Things to Do in Salamanca

First, marvel at the uniform sandstone architecture that creates an incredibly picturesque view, showcasing the city’s consistency and beauty.

Next, seek out the Lucky Frog on the Universidad Civil, and then search for the astronaut and ice cream cone on the Catedral Nueva.

Lastly, immerse yourself in the Spanish language at the University of Salamanca, one of the oldest in Europe. The Spanish spoken here is regarded as one of the purest dialects in the country.

Day Trips from Salamanca

Consider visiting Ciudad Rodrigo, a fortress city perched atop a rocky rise en route to Portugal from Salamanca. Zamora, another walled city, is just an hour away by bus.

Additionally, check out La Alberca at any time during the second half of the year to witness the town’s pet pig wandering the streets, which will be raffled off for charity in January. Read more about the Rifa del Marrano de San Anton.

After your visit to Salamanca, consider traveling north to Leon, south-east to Madrid, or westward toward Portugal for more exploratory adventures.

Distances to Salamanca

From Madrid, plan on covering a distance of 206km, which typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes by bus, train, or car.

Traveling from Barcelona, expect an 839km journey, taking about 11 hours by bus, 11 hours and 15 minutes by train, or approximately 9 hours by car.

From Seville, the distance is 462km, which can take roughly 7 hours by bus or 5 hours and 45 minutes by car.