Salamanca,one of Spain’s most charming places, is found in the Castilla y Leon province. This is in the central western section of Spain. Salamanca is very near the capital, Madrid, being just a two hour drive, and Portugal is just an hour away.

Salamanca has a little over 160,000 people. The temperatures are generally comfortable, though dry; during winter there is a lot of rain. (It is still significantly warmer than the rest of Europe, however, so if you hate the cold, consider a trip to Salamanca.)

Salamanca is known as one of Spain’s university towns. In a given year, over forty thousand people study there, and the sheer concentration of young and carefree teenagers help add to the place’s fun and energetic vibe. The University of Salamanca is a revered institution. Established in 1218, it was one of the four lights of the world, producing some of the world’s most brilliant thinkers, and staffed by an esteemed faculty. It is the third oldest university in the continent.

Salamanca is also known as a centre of culture, and the architecture and monuments are a testimony to the thriving arts scene in its heyday. One of the key features of the buildings here is the famous golden sandstone. Called the Villamayor stone, it has a gorgeous yellow tinge that deepens over time. Walking though the streets of Salamanca is often like walking back through time, surrounded by historical buildings that seem to glimmer in the sun. In fact, Salamanca was named one of the European Capitals of Culture and was awarded the distinction of being a UNESCO heritage site.

However Salamanca is no dreary museum town. The place feels very modern, not in small part to the high concentration of young students. There are many bars, discos, restaurants, and a thriving night life where the fun really begins when the sun sets. That’s why the place attracts many tourists who are eager to look at the historic buildings but also want some “action” after a long day of culture, art, and history.