Couple in the airport

Senior tourism: Ideal plans for older travellers

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When a new stage of life begins with more free time and the opportunity to enjoy it, travelling is a highly recommended option. Spain has a wide variety of plans for senior travellers, both for those who want more active leisure, and for those who want to kick back and relax. There are places and activities to suit all tastes. Safe, quiet destinations and magnificent examples of accessible tourism, with spaces that prioritise comfort, health and wellbeing, as well as offering outstanding cultural attractions.

  • Al-Andalus train Interior of the carriage

    Travelling around Spain in a luxury train

    A great way to get to know Spain is by train. Tourist trains offer a unique experience, reliving other eras.The luxury and comfort of the Al Ándalus Train will make you travel back in time for 7 days through Andalusia, staying in suites that evoke the Belle Époque. The Expreso de La Robla combines high gastronomy, spectacular landscapes and culture of the Camino de Santiago Francés, with an itinerary between Bilbao and León. Other options in northern Spain include an eight-day trip on the Transcantábrico Gran Lujo or six days on the Costa Verde Express, where you can relive the golden age of great railway journeys on an elegant, sophisticated and accessible train.

  • Termas Outariz, Orense

    Health tourism: Thermal baths and sport to revitalise body, mind and spirit

    After travelling through unique landscapes, there is nothing better than continuing your journey by discovering places where relaxation and wellbeing are part of the destination. Enjoy the moonlight at one of the thermal baths in Ourense (Galicia) or the Termas de Montemayor (Cáceres), which are home to medicinal mineral waters at the heart of Vía de la Plata, with physiotherapy services and rheumatological treatments. The remains of ancient Roman baths are still preserved in the vicinity.Another healthy option at any time of the year is to take a walk in the sea breeze or the fresh mountain air. For example, you can visit the coast of Almeria, with its quiet coves and small towns such as San Juan de los Terreros or Villaricos. Or take short, gentle hiking routes through La Vera and the Valle del Jerte (Cáceres), with a multitude of viewpoints and charming villages. For those who prefer urban walks, parks and gardens are another magnificent option, such as the Campo de San Francisco (Oviedo), the gardens of the Palacio Real de Aranjuez, the Alameda del Parral (Segovia) or the Bosque de Béjar (Salamanca).Do you know about wellness programmes that combine physical exercise with moments of relaxation? Yoga for seniors is one of them. Spain boasts a fantastic climate and participating in activities such as yoga in natural surroundings can be truly healing. Imagine doing yoga aside the blue waters of the Atlantic and the volcanic landscape offered by Lanzarote; in the natural surroundings of Lanjarón (Granada), where water takes centre stage; or in one of the many hidden coves on the Costa Brava. There are organised trips for this purpose: Take care of your health and enjoy yourself.

  • Couple in Barcelona

    Accessible vacations and culture at your own pace

    In addition to the internationally renowned major art galleries in Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao or Valencia, accessibility is guaranteed at other museums in smaller cities such as Bellas Artes de Córdoba or in Asturias, where important works by artists such as Murillo, Zurbarán, Ribera, El Greco, Goya, Sorolla, Picasso or Dalí are on display.If you're in the mood for a great musical performance, the Almagro International Classical Theatre Festival (Ciudad Real) has recently included opera performances in its programme. It is a unique setting, like the one that also hosts the Festival Castell de Peralada (Girona), in an imposing 14th century medieval castle. Both are held in summer, although there are excellent classical music programmes most of the year in emblematic venues including the Teatro Real in Madrid or the Liceu in Barcelona.A visit to the Real Fábrica de Cristales de La Granja de San Ildefonso  and its Museo del Vidrio, where you can see fascinating pieces of glass, is also highly recommended.

  • Exterior of the Parador de Lerma

    Paradors, nature and gastronomy

    When it comes to choosing the right place to stay, the Paradores are undoubtedly one of the best options for senior travel, as they combine history, culture and nature. Almost all Spanish provinces have one, so whatever your destination you can spend a few days enjoying their quality, personalised attention, uniqueness and accessibility. In addition, you can sample Spain's rich and varied gastronomy.The Parador de Santo Domingo de la Calzada (La Rioja) is a good starting point for the La Rioja Alta Wine Route, visiting the nearby town of Haro and its wineries. Enjoy roast suckling lamb prepared in a wood-fired oven at Lerma (Burgos), with its imposing Parador Nacional in the Ducal Palace. La Alberca (Salamanca), in the heart of the Sierra de Francia, is the perfect place to savour Iberian ham accompanied by an excellent local wine.

In short, any visit to Spain becomes a pleasure for the senses. Quiet places where you can enjoy peacefully, take care of yourself and live unique experiences all year round, full of history, culture and beauty. It's never too late to take the trip of a lifetime!