5 destinations in Spain for a getaway on the October Bank Holiday

A perfect date for a first autumn getaway is the October Bank Holiday or Columbus Day, and the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar in Zaragoza. Our country boasts incredible cultural and natural wealth to enjoy on every occasion. We propose five inland destinations in different parts of Spain, where you can enjoy interesting cultural or nature tourism plans.
 

1. Granada: history and nature at the foot of Sierra Nevada
 

Granada is vibrant and enjoys pleasant temperatures at this time, inviting you to stroll through its historic centre, the Albaicín or Realejo. Not to forget the crown jewel, the Alhambra and Generalife, a unique Nasrid Monumental Complex, exceptionally preserved, surrounded by spectacular gardens. Just seeing it from the outside is worth the stroll around; or even, grab some tapas at a terrace in Albaicín or Paseo de los Tristes to enjoy the view.

Granada also features villages in its province, maintaining their cultural essence and surrounded by the incredible nature of Sierra Nevada. A great example is Monachil, a charming village just 20 minutes from the city. Here you can enjoy unique landscapes on the famous Los Cahorros de Monachil route, with impressive suspension bridges and gorges.
 

2. Salamanca: city of Castilian essence and student life
 

Salamanca is known as the “Golden City” due to the sandstone of its great monumental heritage. At this time of year, the city enjoys a pleasant climate and is filled with vibrant student life with the start of the new academic year. The streets of the historic quarter, a World Heritage Site, invite you to explore them on foot. Don't miss its must-see spots: Plaza Mayor, the façade of the University of Salamanca (which is one of the oldest in Spain and Europe), the Old Cathedral and New Cathedral. Also, try delicacies like the chafaina or hornazo in its tapas bars.

3. San Sebastián: charming northern coast and haute cuisine
 

An unmissable escape to the north is a trip to San Sebastián. Strolling along its famous La Concha beach in October is a good option, without the usual summer crowds. Also walk through its old town, admire the neo-gothic Good Shepherd cathedral and indulge in the exquisite pintxos at its taverns. San Sebastián's gastronomy is recognised worldwide and some of its restaurants hold Michelin stars.

If you want to discover Basque villages preserving their essence from the city, you can take very interesting day trips such as an excursion to Hondarribia, San Juan and San Pedro from San Sebastián.

4. Cáceres: history, tranquillity, and interior flavour
 

In the heart of Extremadura lies the magical city of Cáceres, whose historic quarter transports you to another era and is a World Heritage Site. Its cobbled streets, stately palaces and towers are the footprints of a medieval and 16th-century city. October is an ideal month to visit Cáceres, with cooler temperatures after the warm Extremaduran summer. It is a perfect opportunity to stroll through spots like the Arco de la Estrella, the Co-Cathedral of Santa María or the Casa del Sol.

From Cáceres there are also interesting plans to discover its surroundings and gastronomy, such as day trips. You can take an excursion to taste the Torta del Casar cheese from Cáceres, or a excursion to the charming village of Garrovillas from Cáceres or join a ham tour in Cáceres.

5. Ronda: Andalusian nature and beauty
 

We head back south to suggest another unique inland destination in Andalusia: Ronda. This city boasts a rich cultural and natural heritage. Surrounded by several mountain ranges like Grazalema, its landscape is full of contrasts that attract visitors from all corners. The views offered by its gorge are a spectacle, with its iconic New Bridge crossing the breathtaking Guadalevín river gorge.

Ronda preserves a rich heritage, the result of its intense history, including remains of Roman and Arab civilisation. Notably, the Casa del Rey Moro, where the Water Mine from the Muslim era is preserved (although the house is Neo-Mudéjar in style from the early 20th century) and the Arabic Baths. Worth mentioning is the old bullring or the modernist house of Don Bosco. The October Bank Holiday is the perfect time for discovering Ronda, still without cold temperatures or the summer heat.

In short, we've given you some interesting suggestions for the October Bank Holiday. But if you prefer, you can check our web for any other destination that better suits your needs.