Easter is the perfect time to rest and gain strength to continue until the summer holidays. Whether you stay in the country, or if you prefer to go far away – or if you prefer not to leave the couch – it is the ideal time of year for a break in the routine. The good weather begins and with it, the desire to do things outside the home, relax and treat yourself.
If you are still not sure what to do these days, we will help you. We propose seven getaways, both in Spain and outside the country, that adapt to all interests, tastes and audiences so that you have no excuse not to go out and see the world during these dates of well-deserved rest.
Santander enjoys an ideal climate and geography for fresh foods, especially Cantabrian fish, recognized for its high quality and flavor. And why not take advantage of Easter to enjoy a gastronomic getaway? Both in the city and in its nearby towns you can find a wide variety of establishments where you can buy and taste the area's products. Less than an hour by car from the capital is the town of Santoña, a mandatory stop for sardine lovers.
In addition to seafood, Cantabrian cheeses are popular – and delicious – such as Picón Bejes-Tresviso, which is traditionally made in the Liébana region with cow, goat and sheep milk; cuchufli polkas, a traditional dessert made of puff pastry covered in glaze; or sobao pasiego, a sweet, spongy cake that is very popular throughout the country.
The Cantabrian capital has two Michelin-star restaurants, the Casona del Judío and the Cañadío restaurant. If you prefer something simpler – not in terms of gastronomic quality – you have traditional wineries and taverns where you can enjoy a traditional local dish at a cheaper price.
This town in the province of Valladolid is a trip to the Middle Ages in the center of the country. The history of Urueña dates back to the Roman Empire and it has one of the best preserved old towns in the area. Among its charms are the stone mansions, an almost entire wall from the 12th century that connects with its castle, or the church of Santa María del Azogue, which was started in the 16th century – hence its Renaissance style throughout the structure. – and was finished 200 years later, so the header is Gothic.
Although it is a small town, with less than 200 inhabitants, in Urueña there are four museums that you cannot miss. There is the Joaquín Díaz foundation, located in the Mayorazga mansion. The Zamora folk singer and popularizer established a very complete cultural center in the town thanks to the transfer of his collections of engravings, books, instruments and sound archives.
Another must-see is the Villa del Libro Story Museum. The permanent exhibition is nourished by the creations of Rosana Largo, a hyperrealist artist who has illustrated great classics of Western and Eastern children's literature and a beautiful selection of fold-out stories. Also not to be missed are the Music Museum, with more than 500 instruments from the collection of composer Luis Delgado, and the Bell Museum, an interesting compilation of twenty of these pieces so necessary in the functioning of societies of yesteryear. Also, if you like books, it's easy for you, Urueña has a dozen bookstores!
Considered "the original wellness destination", this English city's name comes from its origins as a holiday and relaxation destination in Roman times. It has been a World Heritage Site since 1987 and is one of the eleven major spa cities in Europe.
The Roman baths of Bath are still open to the public two thousand years later although, unfortunately, they no longer serve as a spa but as a museum. During the visit we can learn more about the art and archeology of the time, with an exhibition in which the crown jewel is the bronze head of the goddess Minerva.
And if we are looking for a spa where we can relax like the Romans did in their day, we choose the Thermae Bath Spa, the only one in Great Britain that is nourished by natural thermal waters. Among its many offerings of relaxation treatments, an incredible rooftop pool with views of the city stands out.
The capital of cava is the perfect destination for wine tourism lovers. Its infinite vineyards and wineries offer all kinds of plans to get to know the area that go beyond the typical guided tours – although if you are interested in taking one, you also have an extensive list to choose from. Routes on foot, by bicycle or by buggy; Yoga among vines or wine and cava tastings accompanied by cheese, chocolate or Iberian are just some of the options they offer us.
Take advantage of the good weather and the fact that it is season and reserve a calçotada. In Canals
Ancient Constantinople is the cultural and historical center of the country, as well as its capital and most populated city. Its long history, full of changes in power, and its continental location halfway between Asia and Europe have made it a city rich in cultures, monuments and architectural jewels of all styles.
Among the many tourist charms of Istanbul, we highlight the Hagia Sophia Mosque, which had previously been an Orthodox religious temple, then a Catholic one, and also a museum; the Blue Mosque, located right next door and crowned with six imposing minarets; the Topkapi Palace, which consists of four courtyards and several rooms occupying a total area of 700,000 m2; or the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world, where getting lost in its more than 4,000 stores is an easy task.
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Turkish culture and lifestyle, you cannot miss the spice bazaar, where all kinds of foods and, of course, seasonings are sold; nor Taksim Square, the nerve center of Istanbul and a reference point for local social life. From the square you can take both the metro and the historic Tünel tram.
Begur is located in a privileged area for hiking. On the one hand, the Mediterranean Sea, on the other, extensive forests of oaks and pines. In a perfect mix of coast and mountains, Begur offers three sections of coastal path with unrepeatable views of the Costa Brava: the northern, southern and eastern coastal path, the last being the flattest and linking the coves of Sa Tuna and Aiguafreda, very popular in the summer for its crystal clear waters.
They are not the only options for excursions in the Empordà town. The route of the viewpoints passes through 17 points of interest from which we can admire the town and its coastline from all angles. There are options for all physical levels, some can even be explored by car.
For a quieter evening, a good option is to rent a boat. Whether you choose a scheduled excursion or if you prefer to be the captain of your boat, the Mediterranean coasts promise not to disappoint you with their incredible landscapes. And for the most daring, we cannot forget the windsurfing, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and diving schools.
Glamping – its name comes from combining the words glamor and camping – is the best way to go camping without leaving the comfort you expect when you stay away from home. The beauty of the province of Cádiz and its variety of landscapes make it the perfect location for this type of getaway.
The Wakana glamping, in the heart of the Los Alcornocales natural park, extends over 18 hectares of pure nature surrounded by prehistoric monuments such as the Tajo de las Figuras cave or dolmens of Neolithic origin. At Teacampa, we can sleep in organic wooden tents of up to 45 square meters, with a private terrace and bathroom and kitchenette included.
In the La Volandera rural complex, in Jerez de la Frontera, we can stay in a yurt – typical housing of Central Asian nomads – which contains, among others, a bedroom and living room, a private pool and the option of an on-site masseuse. Or at Tranquilo Glamping we can let our creativity fly in the outdoor painting area and take a guided yoga class. The possibilities are endless.
