Camping Al-Bereka

Local town La Alberca is in the Sierras de Bejar y Francia Biosphere Reserve, a chunk of the Salamanca province made up of mountains, religious sites and traditional villages; look out for the likes of black storks and ibexes around here too. In town, fortify your investigative self at the tapas bars or the cafés in the main square, before ambling along to the tourist office for details of local hikes. Taking to the car, province capital Salamanca an hour's drive to the north east is a must-see in these parts for its UNESCO World Heritage Site Old City, stacks more ancient buildings and many handsome city squares. Over a dozen museums are around the city too, including the Casa Lis art nouveau and art deco museum and the Museum of Salamanca. The spectacular settlement of Ciudad Rodrigo 35 minutes' drive away is another must-see for its 13th- and 17th-century town walls, golden stone buildings, cathedral and Plaza Mayor square.