In the province of Zamora in the Castile and León region of northwest Spain

 "Spain, the beautiful country of wine and songs." 

–- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
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(in the province of Zamora, in Spain's autonomous community of Castile and León) In the northern part of the interior of Spain, the province of Zamora is a land of contrasting landscapes, and one of its most spectacular mountain areas is to be found in the Lago de Sanabria Nature Reserve. The city of Zamora, the capital of this province is known for having the most Romanesque architecture in Europe; and, it is becoming a European World Heritage Site in 2023. Additionally, its proximity to Madrid (an hour away thanks to a new high-speed AVE train, inaugurated just a year ago) puts this city in a new spotlight for travelers. Yet, there is more to Zamora, such as its enormous modernist legacy and its Lagunas de Villafáfila, a collection of lakes that are home to thousands of migratory birds each season. There’s even more to see, scattered throughout the province: Lake Sanabria is the largest glacial lake in the Iberian Peninsula, and just a few miles away, Puebla de Sanabria is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Towards the east you will find Toro, the epicenter of bold red wines (and home to critically acclaimed winery Numanthia, which is credited with putting the wine region on the map). Not far away, in the heart of Tierra de Campos, reserve a table at Lera, which got its Michelin star in 2022, and is a favorite among wild game enthusiasts. To the south, Arribes del Duero shows that Zamora province has it all (even fjords). Beautiful crags and cliffs mark the border with Portugal in a natural park that has become a center for viticulture and attracts international winemakers. Olive, citrus, and other fruit trees, artisanal ceramics, and stunning natural beauty turn this secluded corner into a Mediterranean paradise. Consider the luxurious Hacienda Zorita Natural Reserve, and the Castillo de Buen Amor in Salamanca, just a 30-minute drive away, the perfect setting for your Zamora escape. 

+ It is well worth visiting places like Toro, Benavente, and Zamora. Straddling the Duero river, the city of Zamora is part of the natural comarca of Tierra del Pan, and is the head of the judicial district of Zamora. With its characteristic Romanesque style churches of the 12th and 13th centuries, it has been called a "museum of Romanesque art." The most important celebration in Zamora is the Holy Week. The Easter Week celebrations in this area have been declared a Festivity of International Tourist Interest.

+ Outstanding landmarks include a fine 14th-century bridge across the Duero, consisting of 16 pointed arches; the citadel of Zamora, dating from the 8th century; and the Romanesque cathedral, one of four 12th-century churches. The city is the center for agricultural trade, local commerce, and administration in the region. Roads and highways from Zamora lead to central Spain, to the northeast region of the Iberian Peninsula, and to Portugal.