Everyone reaches a point — even the boldest and most adventurous travelers — when it’s time to take the foot off the gas just a little and explore at a slightly slower pace. Many look at this moment as a travesty and try to push it as far down the line as possible. But taking the time to sit back and experience a new culture can open up an entire new world of travel. Senior travelers who feel as though they may have reached this point should consider Spain as their next destination.
Visitors to the beautiful European nation often praise its variety. From the busy streets of Madrid, with its bustling markets, and impressive modernist and neo-classical architecture, to the idyllic shores of San Sebastian in the north or El Palmar in Costa De la Luz in the south. There is something here for every kind of traveler.
For senior travelers, this is especially true, with Spain presenting itself as an entirely new world for older tourists to explore. The trick to a successful Spanish getaway all lies in pre-planning, understanding exactly where you’re going and how suitable it is.
So here are several destinations that would make the perfect choice for a Spanish sortie for those looking to enjoy the slower side of Spain.
Valencia
A classic vacation destination for all ages, older travelers shouldn’t shy away from a trip to the magnificent Spanish city of Valencia. This city is one that’s bookmarked by contrast, where the picturesque old town sites side by side with futuristic modernist creations, making it ideal for a short weekend away.
Unlike Spain’s larger cities of Madrid and Barcelona, both of which have well over a million inhabitants, at just over 750,000 people, Valencia is Spain’s third largest city, with its smaller size ensuring seeing the city in a few days is far more manageable.
Guests looking to enjoy their time in this city in luxury are not short of places to stay with options like Hotel Palacio Vallier, the flagship property of the Valencia-based MYR Hotels group, positioning itself as a 19th-century townhouse at the center of the old town. Or Palacio Santa Clara, part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, which provides Art Nouveau touches, a celebrated rooftop bar and a location near Carrer Colón one of the city’s busiest shopping streets.
Trying regional delicacies is part of any cultural trip and in Valencia, it’s all about paella. It’s best to keep things traditional, so stop by Casa Carmela, a seaside restaurant that has been managed by the same family since 1922.
[See also: The Best Ways to Experience the Rioja Wine Region]
Galicia
Many have heard of the fabled Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) the pilgrimage that takes walkers from Spain’s northeast to Galacia in the country’s northwest. But why not skip some of the walking and head straight to the finish line at Santiago de Compostela? This small city has been a must-see destination since the 9th century, with its old town designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. So for travelers looking to soak up a little history, it’s the place to go.
The highlight here is the wildly impressive cathedral, the Santiago de Compostela Arch Cathedral Basilica, the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles and the finish point of the Way of St. James pilgrimage route. It’s an unmissable spot for all visitors to the city, but far from all that’s happening in this corner of Spain.
Those looking to add a little history to their hotel experience should look no further than Hostal de Los Reyes Católicos, widely thought to be one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the world. And despite having been operated for over 500 years, the hotel still meets the modern luxury standard.
In the evenings, Santiago de Compostela has a wealth of impeccable restaurants, including Simpar. A short walk from the cathedral, this restaurant serves authentic Galician-inspired cuisine made from produce sourced the same day.
[See also: The Best Beaches for Windsurfing in Spain]
Cáceres
Many senior travelers have spent their lives exploring some of the busiest cities in the world, the ones that never sleep, so older travelers visiting Spain will likely be looking for somewhere a little quieter. The beautiful city of Cáceres can be found in the region of Extremadura, often overlooked by tourists due to its lack of coastline, this part of Spain is a true hidden gem.
Visiting this picturesque walled city is like stepping back in time. Expect stone mansions, Renaissance palaces and cobbled streets. With a population of less than 100,000, Cáceres maintains its old-world charm that remains a real draw for many visitors.
In the center of the city Hotel Atrio Cáceres is a Relais & Chateaux property that represents the city’s luxury offering. However, the hotel is really a side offering when compared to the main event.
Atrio Restaurant is the real draw and with three Michelin stars, it’s easy to see why. The restaurant blends avant-garde cuisine with tradition and local produce and represents a reason to visit Cáceres in its own right.
For more information, visit spain.info