Hotels in Palencia

Calle Mayor and Plaza Mayor

Calle Mayor, pedestrianised and arcaded, runs through the centre from north to south and has much of the city’s shopping. Off one side opens the Plaza Mayor, with the town hall and the church of San Francisco. Around it are bars for a vermouth and long-established cafés. If you are coming to see the city without a car, this is the area: everything important is on foot.

Best-rated in this area: Hotel Don Rodrigo, with a score of 8.5 from 4,237 reviews.

The cathedral and the Carrión

The cathedral of San Antolín, with its Visigothic crypt, stands on the west side of the centre, near the church of San Miguel and its fortified tower. A few streets further runs the Carrión, with Isla Dos Aguas park, the Puentecillas footbridge and the Huertas del Obispo walk. It is a quiet area, perfect for riverside walks morning and evening.

From the city you can see, on a hill to the north, the Cristo del Otero, the huge figure sculpted by Victorio Macho, looking out over Tierra de Campos.

Best-rated in this area: Hotel Don Rodrigo, with a score of 8.5 from 4,237 reviews.

The station and El Salón

At the northern end of Calle Mayor are the train station and the Salón de Isabel II gardens. It is the best area if you arrive by train or will take excursions by public transport, and you are still a stroll from the cathedral.

Best-rated in this area: Eurostars Diana Palace, with a score of 8.4 from 3,109 reviews.

A base for Palencia’s Romanesque

Palencia works as a starting point for touring the province by car. To the north run the routes to Frómista, with the church of San Martín, and to the Montaña Palentina. To the south is Baños de Cerrato, with the Visigothic basilica of San Juan. For these trips, look for a place on the outskirts or with its own garage.