Spain at a different pace: slow experiences for unhurried tourism

Yellow strolls though fields of sunflowersSunflower fields transform the landscape in the summer months and fill it with colour and a special light.In the north of the province of Burgos, in the region of La Bureba, Briviesca is one of the best places to contemplate this floral spectacle. The countryside surrounding the city of Albacete is also an impressive sight during the summer season.- How to get thereFrom Madrid there is a high-speed train (AVE) to Burgos. You can continue your journey to Briviesca by bus, which takes about half an hour. In the case of Albacete, the AVE train is also the best option. - How to complete the tripYou will fall in love with the town of Briviesca and its medieval past. Take the opportunity to stroll around the Plaza Mayor square, the palace of the Soto Guzmán family, the current seat of the Town Hall, or San Martín Church. And, of course, let yourself be carried away by the region’s culinary traditions.

The serenity of water

What better way to enjoy a peaceful getaway than by pampering your body and mind! From natural springs in the middle of nature to historic spas, Spain has a long-standing tradition of thermal baths that turn water into an experience of well-being and calm. And Montanejos, in the province of Castellón, is a clear example of this. In the course of the river Mijares lies the continental beach of Fuente de los Baños, where its thermal waters have a constant temperature of 25 degrees, ideal for a relaxing bath at any time of the year. Its healing properties come from its rich content of bicarbonate and magnesium sulphate, which are used to treat digestive, renal and dermatological disorders.- How to get thereCastellón is easy to reach from Madrid by the AVE high-speed train. After that, the quickest way to get to Montanejos is by road, an hour's drive on the CV-1540.- How to complete the tripThe destination is ideal for hiking, thanks to its impressive mountain scenery, dominated by rivers, waterfalls and rock formations. Once in the village, we recommend a visit to its church, built at the end of the 18th century, the Arab tower, integrated into the façade of the old palace of the Counts of Vallterra, or the San José bridge, originally an aqueduct.

Legends of witches in Zugarramurdi

This Navarrese town has been well known for its legends since ancient times, and has even been featured in films such as Las Brujas de Zugarramurdi (The Witches of Zugarramurdi), by the Spanish film-maker Álex de la Iglesia. However, far from the hustle and bustle, this village will fill you with peace, letting you forget all about the frenzied activity of everyday life. Surrounded by nature, it invites you to walk through its streets and discover a land where tradition, mystery and rural life coexist in harmony.- How to get thereYou can reach Pamplona, the capital of Navarre, by train from Madrid or Barcelona. The municipality is just under an hour and a half away on the N-121 road.- How to complete the tripMake the most of the visit to enter the famous Zugarramurdi cave, the centre of its history. Let your imagination run wild and be transported to the covens of the 17th century, those ritual feasts ruled as demonic worship by the Inquisition. The main cavity is crossed by a stream of water, called the "Regata del Infierno" (Hell's Regatta). Complete the visit at the Witches' Museum and learn about the inquisitorial process that the town underwent through audiovisuals, scenographies and interactive screens.

Enjoy the quiet enjoyment of the mountains of Burgos

Breathing fresh air as you walk, accompanied only by the silence and the views. This is what the Sierra de la Demanda mountain range in Burgos has to offer, situated between forests, valleys and small mountain villages. A perfect destination for slowtourism, where nature marks the time and each route becomes an experience of calm and connection with the territory.- How to get thereThe routes through this beautiful mountain range begin in different towns, such as Arlanzón, Villasur de Herreros, Monterrubio de la Demanda, Salas de los Infantes or Barbadillo de Herreros. The capital, Burgos, can be reached by high-speed or long-distance train from Madrid. Afterwards, you can catch a bus to these locations. Or by car.- How to complete the tripAfter a good walk, what better way to continue than with a gastronomic route? The Asociación Grupo de Acción Local Sierra de la Demanda (AGALSA) has launched “Cocinando en los bosques de la Demanda”, (Cooking in the forests of La Demanda), a series of live cookery classes with the Burgos chef José Ignacio Rojo to discover the flavours of the region. 

Spas, mountains and snow in one place

In the province of Huesca, you will find Panticosa, a municipality surrounded by mountains over 3,000 metres high and dotted with lakes. In this corner of the Aragonese Pyrenees, this type of tourism translates into leisurely strolls, moments of relaxation and a serene connection with nature and well-being.- How to get thereYou can take a train to Huesca from Madrid or Barcelona, for example. Afterwards, a bus will take you to Panticosa.- How to complete the tripAn obligatory stop is its spa, whose waters have been famous since the time of the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Composed of hotels, thermal centres and restaurants, you will love this enclave at an altitude of more than 1,600 metres. And if you understand mountain sports as part of a slow experience, Panticosa is the place for you. Depending on the season, there is a wide range of activities on offer: hiking, cycling, mycology or skiing. Even paragliding has a place in this tranquil environment.