Enjoy summer in Salamanca

Since Salamanca is the university city par excellence, one would be tempted to think that during the vacation months activity is reduced to a minimum; however, that is not the case. It is true that the city becomes quieter, but it is by no means left at the mercy of solitude. In fact, it is very likely that you will find numerous tourists—of Spanish origin, mind you—ready to have a good time exploring all its possibilities.

Cultural Activities and Summer Festivals

Some of the most interesting activities take place precisely in the university's "Colegios Mayores" (residential colleges). Those held at the Colegio del Arzobispo Fonseca are especially noteworthy. This college, founded in 1519, is hosting everything this year from theatrical monologues like “Misterios del Quijote” by the prestigious actor Rafael Álvarez “El Brujo,” to versions of Shakespeare's plays like or , and as a highlight, the performance of “El cerco de Numancia,” a play by Miguel de Cervantes.

The cultural offer extends to the nearby regions. If you are in Salamanca on July 15th and 16th, you can enjoy the Béjar Blues Festival (just an hour away by bus); a festival where the most authentic blues and the most personal voices take center stage. Have you heard of Shemekia Copeland or Lurrie Bell? If so, don't miss the event; and if you don't know them, now is the time to discover them.

Another important festival very close to Salamanca is the theater festival organized in Ciudad Rodrigo (also approximately an hour away by bus). From August 23rd to 27th, you can see avant-garde stagings, traditional storytelling, puppet shows, classical theater...

Taking a Dip in Salamanca's Pools

With so much cultural hustle and bustle, one simply feels like having a few hours of relaxation and, with the heat, cooling off. And where better than in one of the city's municipal swimming pools? The pools in Salamanca have unified their hours this year and are open from July 11th to September 11th, from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM. If you want to spend the whole day, it will only cost you about €3.56. One of the most recommended is the Garrido municipal pool, surrounded by vegetation and very well connected to the city center.

But if you want something different, you can also try one of the 5 natural pools in the region, such as Rio Frío (in Villasrubias, an hour from the city) or Las Batuecas (an hour and twenty minutes from the city).

The Most Typical Bars and Modern Pubs

We must not forget that wherever there are students, there are numerous cafés, pubs, and venues. The variety is vast, and there is something for every taste. Most activity is concentrated around the center and on Bordadores, Gran Vía, and Varillas streets; they are impossible to miss and easily accessible. Perhaps the most well-known is Gatsby (Bordadores, 16) with its great variety at accessible prices; the same goes for the medieval-themed Camelot. The elegant Birdland (Azafranal, 57) is also highly recommended; but if you are looking for a touch of distinction, you have to try the specialties at The Doctor Cocktail (Doctor Piñuela, 5); in fact, its bartender has been a finalist in international competitions.

Walking and Discovering Salamanca's Mysteries

Salamanca is a city with much, much history. Thus, something as ordinary as a walk can hold great surprises. We aren't going to tell you about the well-known sites like the Cathedral, the Plaza Mayor, or the Casa de las Conchas, but rather about lesser-known places. For example, do you know that in the Plaza del Corrillo there are capitals with astronomical and mythological motifs that no one knows how they got there? Or that in the courtyard of the Escuelas Menores there is a highly mysterious medieval representation of the sky? Not to mention the Cave of Salamanca, where it is said the devil taught classes to a few selected students.

Salamanca is a surprising city where the old, the modern, the "cool," and the traditional meet to give us an unforgettable summer. If you haven't come yet, what are you waiting for?