Spain C. León and Madrid

SALAMANCA (www.salamanca.es)

Salamanca, a World Heritage City, is a unique destination for travelers seeking exclusive and authentic experiences in Spain. Located less than two hours from Madrid, it combines a historic center of outstanding value with a university atmosphere and a rich cultural and gastronomic offering.

One of the city’s most distinctive features is the climb up the towers of its cathedral, Ieronimus, a tour that offers unbeatable views. This year, the experience is enhanced with the opening to the public of a unique space: a walkway beneath the cathedral roof, a balcony offering unprecedented views of time and history.

For 2026, Salamanca is introducing new activities: gourmet ham and wine tastings, private visits to heritage sites, and immersive experiences that connect visitors with local history and lifestyle.

A well-established, hospitable, and safe destination, Salamanca stands out for its diverse offerings that combine culture, nature, leisure, and lifestyle. It is a place to enjoy authentic, sustainable, and less crowded experiences, while also opening up new opportunities in emerging products such as language tourism.

Exhibitions in Madrid:

Victoria Eugenia

From 3 December to 5 April 2026, the Gallery of the Royal Collections will host an exhibition exploring the fascinating life and enduring legacy of Queen Victoria Eugenia of Battenberg.

https://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on/victoria-eugenia-royal-collections-gallery

Sports

After more than four decades, motor racing’s top competition is returning to Madrid (IFEMA MADRID. First race: 6 September 2026).

Festivals

One of the world’s most important musical festivals will be holding its tenth edition at the Iberdrola Music space in Villaverde from 8 to 11 July 2026 . This edition has already confirmed the presence of renowned groups and artists on the music scene, such as Foo Fighters, Florence + The Machine, Twenty One Pilots, Lorde, Pulp, Wolf Alice, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Jennie, Moby, The Last Dinner Party, Kings Of Leon, The War On Drugs, Halsey, Teddy Swims, Pixies, The Black Crowes and David Byrne, among others.

https://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on/mad-cool-festival

Unmissable concerts

Bad Bunny

The singer from Puerto Rico, considered to be the king of Latin urban music with more than 80 million listeners per month on platforms like Spotify, will be performing ten concerts at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium on 30 and 31 May; 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 14 and 15 June 2026 as part of his latestDeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS World Tour.

https://www.esmadrid.com/en/whats-on/bad-bunny-riyadh-air-metropolitano-stadium

https://www.esmadrid.com/en/unmissable-concerts-2026

Why Segovia in 2026

In 2026, the province of Segovia offers an appealing alternative to mass tourism in Spain, combining unspoilt nature, local gastronomy, living traditions and a slower pace of travel within the region of Castilla y León. Easily accessible from Madrid, Segovia invites travellers to explore historic towns, rural landscapes and seasonal experiences rooted in local identity.

One of the key moments of the year will be the Total Solar Eclipse on 12 August 2026, with Segovia being a particularly privileged location for observation thanks to its clear skies and open landscapes. The eclipse provides a unique opportunity to experience the territory at a slower rhythm, combining astronomy with heritage visits, traditional cuisine and time spent in nature.

Throughout the year, Segovia lends itself naturally to slow and sustainable travel, with experiences linked to the seasons: the candlelit concerts in the medieval village of Pedraza in summer; Holy Week celebrations in the UNESCO-listed city of Segovia in spring; and nature-based travel in autumn and winter, such as the autumn colours of the beech forest of Riofrío de Riaza or the Prádena holly forest, the largest in the Iberian Peninsula. Local gastronomy, based on seasonal products and shared meals, is an essential part of these experiences, reinforcing Segovia as a destination to savour slowly and consciously.