Leaving the rugged coastline behind, we set our sights on the heart of Spain.
The coastal breeze gave way to rolling hills, golden fields, and sleepy villages, each with its own charm. There was something deeply peaceful about driving through the Spanish countryside. Time seemed to slow down with every mile we covered.
We were getting more used to covering a lot of miles in one day.
León: A City of History and Tranquility
Our first major stop inland was León. It’s a city brimming with history yet exuding a quiet, almost understated elegance.
The grandeur of León Cathedral, with its intricate stained glass, left us speechless.
Beats anything in Hull that’s for sure!
We spent the afternoon wandering through the Barrio Húmedo, enjoying delicious (mainly seafood) tapas and taking in the lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
“I could stay here for days,” Emma sighed, biting into a perfectly crisp croqueta. “There’s something about these small Spanish cities that makes you feel at home.” They remind us of Hull, a small city which is often overlooked but brimming with really interesting history. We do love a bit of history.
That evening, we parked in a tranquil spot just outside the city, surrounded by the kind of open landscape that makes you appreciate the vastness of Spain. The night sky was clear, revealing more stars than we had seen in a long time. We’d had a fair bit of cloud cover since we arrived so it was a welcome surprise.
Hidden Villages and the Road Less Travelled
The next day, we decided to take a detour off the main roads and venture into lesser-known villages. In one particularly charming town, we stumbled upon a small roadside market where a local farmer was selling homemade cheeses and honey.
“Try this one,” the vendor insisted, handing us a slice of creamy blue cheese. “It’s made just a few kilometres from here.”
It was the best cheese we’d ever tasted. We bought a small wheel, along with a fresh loaf of bread, and enjoyed an impromptu picnic under an ancient olive tree with a fairly decent bottle of Rioja we picked up in the local shop. Decent in taste, decent in price. It was 2 euros! The folk back home wouldn’t believe it!
A Chance Encounter and a Masia for Sale
As we continued south, we came across a breathtaking old stone house nestled against the hills, partially hidden by wildflowers. The sight of it stopped us in our tracks.
A weathered sign by the gate read “for sale”.
“Can you imagine living here?” I mused, stepping out of the van to take a closer look.
Emma grinned. “You’re already picturing it, aren’t you?”
The idea of owning a place like this, surrounded by nature and history, was undeniably tempting. We didn’t know if this was the right time or place, but doubtless it would be waaay over our price range. Good to dream though.
Towards Madrid and Beyond
With our heads full of dreams and possibilities, we pushed on toward Madrid, knowing that more adventures awaited. The open road had given us a few unexpected moments, and as we approached the capital, we couldn’t help but wonder what surprises Spain had in store next.
I must say we were excited to visit the famous capital of Spain and discover its nooks and crannies and more importantly its history (with a bit of decent grub thrown in for sure).
We’ll report back…
