León, Castile and León, Spain and Canary IslandsTotal distance for the day - 12km
Flights climbed - 4
Even on a rest day there are kilometres to be covered! We’ve had a lovely day exploring Leon.
After a lovely sleep-in followed by breakfast at the hotel (disappointing) we hitched a ride (for a price) with the hotel manager into town. He dropped us off close to Casa Botines, a house designed by Antoni Gaudi in the late 1800s. We wandered the streets and alleyways of Leon for the day and thoroughly enjoyed the architecture and the vibrancy of the city.
Leon is known for its chorizo, cheese and honey. Judging by the number of delicatessens we saw in the streets there are plenty of people selling these wares. They all looked delicious. It would be nice to be a local and be shopping in some of them.
Leon Cathedral is another amazing piece of Gothic architecture. The stained glass windows are magnificent. Sheila and I both voted for Burgos Cathedral as the most stunning though. In our 12km ramble we also saw Plaza Mayor, one of the oldest town squares in Spain, Palacio de Los Guzmanes, the seat of government, the old Roman walls, Basilica de San Isidoro, with its beautiful frescos and the old Convent of San Marcos, now a 5 star hotel.
We found a few tapas bars to hang out in for a while in the Barrio Húmedo and discovered that if you buy a drink you get a complimentary bowl of tapas. Unfortunately two glasses of vino was enough for me, pathetic, I know, so we had to move on to a pizza place after that.
We were going to get a bus back to the hotel but it was a bit complicated since the bus only went part way and then we were going to have to get a taxi. When the bus wasn’t going to be leaving for half an hour we pulled the plug and just got a taxi back the whole way. Much easier!
Now that we’re 12km out of town our 32km walk tomorrow has been reduced to 20km. We’re so sad about that….not!
Jenny
2023-05-19
Nice to see you enjoying a well earned day off girls…makes the hard slog seem with it doesn’t it? Chilly morning again here at 9 deg…I can hear you laughing at that!
Maxine
2023-05-19
Stunning architecture! Glad you’ve had a lovely relaxing day and nice food. Hope the next few days bring favourable walking conditions!
Karen
2023-05-19
You ladies look so well and happy. It seems the walk is everything you anticipated. Your meticulous planning has paid off. You would be good tour guides. Stay safe . Love Karen xx
Allan
2023-05-19
Looks to be a fascinating town/city - I may have to make a trip to northern Spain again. XX
Karry
2023-05-19
Sounds like a perfect rest day.
Kathryn
2023-05-19
Ditto to all the previous comments. Tapas plates etc will be the 'go to' for entertaining in your home on your return. Stay safe and well.
Teresa
2023-05-20
The food and architecture look amazing. So are both of you! I look forward to reading about your adventures every day.
Beth
2023-05-20
Loving living vicariously through you, Leanne. I'm feeling a bit crappy atm (viral, so the doctor says!) but thought that I could handle a few nights at the Convent of San Marcos 5* hotel when I'm feeling better!
Jodie
2023-05-20
You both look so relaxed. Nice place.
Jan
2023-05-20
Lovely read catching up on a number of days; I admire your energy to write such graphic detail st the end of every day! Intimate knowledge of these villages. 😊
Carole
2023-05-20
Looks a lovely city. What great experiences you’re having. I’m loving reading about your adventures each day. And full of admiration for the distances you’re covering and the places you’re visiting.
Helen
2023-05-20
A wonderful day in Leon with just a 12km ramble. 😁
Suzanne
2023-05-20
Gaudi buildings are always interesting to explore. Yes the benefits of drinking wine, a plate of Tapas! A delightful rest day for you both.
Jackie
2023-05-20
I told you Sheila would "talk the leg off an Iron pot" or in this cause a Gaudi!! This is another town/city I have never heard of & it just looks stunning-so clean & with the most astonishing architecture. Lovely to see you both relaxing after all the slogging it out you have done. I would tell you it's so cold here in Brisbane-but you both wake up to colder temps & begin your days walk-Champions!!!
Marl
2023-05-20
What a lovely town and sounds like you’ve had a great day off. Funny now how 20kms doesn’t seem too bad!
Claire
2023-05-20
Love the photo of Sheila and Gaudi in a deep discussion about the price of eggs no doubt 😂. Tapas look delicious too. A beautiful and interesting town to explore.
Liz Davis
2023-05-21
What a lovely day you both had. Those Roman builders certainly knew how to build walls that last!