Car Hire Salamanca :: Salamanca City Guide

Salamanca is situated in the historic area of Castile & León in the south-west corner of Spain close to the Portuguese border. It is not a large city, but has all the advantages and attractions that a traveller looks for in a holiday destination. There is a huge variety of interesting sights available in both the city itself and the surrounding province that shares its name. An ancient university town, Salamanca caters for the modern tastes of its student population without making the mistake of becoming brash and ‘trendy.' Smart boutiques and fashion shops can be found with the main shopping areas.

The local traditional crafts of silver - smithing, leather goods - especially saddlery and shoemaking (the famous Spanish riding boots are to die for in equestrian circles) hand woven shawls and capes known as Béja, hand tatted lacework, woodwork and carving, basketry and wickerwork plus earthenware and ceramics are much in evidence and it is still possible to obtain some really beautiful works for a surprisingly small payment. I should add that it is also possible to be palmed off with poorly made replicas – so be a bit careful – the tourist information outlets will steer you in the right direction!
Some of the architecture is stunning – do spend time in the bustling central square of the city - the Plaza Mayor, it is the hub of the community where whole groups regularly gather to celibrate or to just meet and have a few friendly drinks. Time spent in the plaza quickly gives the visitor a true taste of Castillian Spanish culture. The proud Salamantinos as residents of the province are known, declare Plaza Mayor as the finest square in Spain.

Dates for your diary in Salamanca

• As well as the usual fiestas held on important Saints days, Salamanca plays host to some annual music festivals:
• Between February and March - Muestra Nacional de Jazz – a jazz fest that lasts over several days.
• June, July and August weekends - 18 open air jazz concerts are staged throughout the city
  
  
  

  * Need help with your booking?   click here
  * One way rentals?   click here

Must see in Salamanca

• Salamanca is surrounded by charming, ancient villages and a landscape of mountains, plains and lakes. Those readers of the novels of Bernard Cornwell will recognise the hard country marched over by the heroic Ricard Sharpe and his Rifleman companions in Wellington's army. You will need your car to explore the region properly.
• Do try to reach the amazing city of Ciudad Rodrigo standing amid the Sierra de Gata mountains in the south east of the province.
• Another district not to be missed is de Sierra de Francia in the south.
• For the nature lover Las Batuecas valley is the best areas to see the region's animal life in the wild and is not to be missed.