Lacking the beaches of neighbouring Asturias and Galicia, León is sometimes overlooked as a destination, although it is one of the prettiest inland regions of Spain. With mountains to the north and the lower-lying plains to the south, it is well-endowed with green fields and valleys.
The capital of the same name is an inviting place too, well-regarded in terms of town planning with an expert mixing of new and old. The famous Cathedral is an awesome structure, not only architecturally, but also as home to the numerous storks which seem to have settled on every surface.
Within the province, there are many sites of interest such as the Roman gold mines at Las Medulas near Ponferrada or the city of Astorga, known for Gaudi's Palacio Episcopal.
The province also plays a key part on the famous Camino de Santiago, as walkers from around the world every year pass through its lush countryside and tiny hamlets.
