The Essence of Spanish Squares

Opened in 1755, its 88 granite arches seem to whisper centuries of university discussions. Locals say that if you look through the central medallion and make a wish, it will come true! At night, the square is bathed in golden light from baroque lanterns that illuminate the facades, creating a scene straight out of a movie.

Its more than 50 tiled benches represent all of Spain’s provinces, and in 2002, the plaza was transformed into the setting for Naboo in Star Wars: Episode II. Riding a boat along the semicircular canal under its four bridges (each dedicated to an ancient kingdom) is one of the most photographed scenes in Andalusia.

A local craft market comes to life at the foot of the bronze statue of Pizarro on Sundays, where artisans forge cauldrons and baskets in full view. In the nearby Church of Santa María, the moon is said to be projected onto the facade like a halo, captivating passersby on some nights.

After walking the Camino de Santiago, pilgrims place their hands on the cathedral’s imposing Baroque façade to receive the “blessing of the stone.” Sunsets present a play of golden lights that make Mateo’s carvings shine.

Built in the 17th century, the plaza has been the setting for auto-da-fé, bullfighting festivals, and even the settling of scores between kings. Today, its Christmas stalls attract thousands of visitors with handicrafts and churros with chocolate that perfume the air.

Designed in 1477, the plaza is so large that it was once used for jousting tournaments. The arcades are home to pottery shops, and open-air classical music concerts are hosted there on weekends, echoing among the soft-colored houses.

It is one of the few neoclassical spaces in the old city and was Gaudí’s last work before he devoted himself entirely to the Sagrada Familia. Its dragon-topped street lamps nod to Modernism, and palm trees and cafés with live jazz performances make it an urban oasis.

Renovated in the 18th century, it preserves the tradition of the Waters of San Pedro, a historic fountain that provides free drinking water. Surrounded by arcades, it is common to find groups of friends playing dominoes in the afternoon sun.

Spanning more than 20,000 square meters, it is known as “the city’s living room.” In October, the offering of flowers to the Virgin of Pilar turns the space into a sea of colors and aromas, and foodie trails featuring Aragonese cuisine attract visitors from around the world.

Its unique trapezoidal shape and central stone mosaic resemble the confluence of two rivers. In spring, nearby cherry trees blossom, carpeting the square in white and creating a magical contrast with the medieval houses.

With its 15 Gothic and Renaissance arches, the plaza was a meeting point for Muslim and Christian merchants. In August, traditional “charrada” dances fill the space with music and costumes, keeping the memory of the medieval frontier alive.

Nicknamed “Plaza de Alfonso II,” this plaza’s Gothic galleries house sculptures of Asturian heroes. In winter, the aroma of hot cider and roasted chestnuts accompanies visitors seeking warmth and tradition.

Its painted wooden galleries house the Corral de Comedias, one of Europe’s oldest theaters. Every summer, the Classical Theater Festival transports audiences to the Spanish Golden Age under a starry sky.

Raised one meter above the street, the arcades shelter century-old bookstores. Originally the inspiration of the enlightened bourgeoisie, today its pintxos bars attract gourmets eager to try bacalao al pil-pil and txakoli.

Located in the heart of the Gothic Quarter and surrounded by the Chapel of Santa Ágata and medieval palaces. Ancient music concerts are held here, and it is not uncommon to come across historical series being filmed in search of the atmosphere of medieval Barcelona.

Facing the Cantabrian Sea, it pays tribute to the local heroine María Pita. Its illuminated gardens and fountains turn the area into a romantic place for a stroll along the harbor at night.

Paved with boulders from the River Saja, its arcades shelter visitors from the Atlantic wind. At midday, the ringing of bells from the nearby collegiate church mingles with the sound of the river, creating a fairytale atmosphere.

Almost intact since the 13th century, the plaza’s stones hold the secrets of knights and royal visits. Every July, candles light up its cobblestones for the “Conciertos al Santo” (Concerts for the Saint), creating a unique spectacle.

Overlooking the Palau de la Generalitat and the basilica, the square is surrounded by fragrant orange trees. During Fallas, mascletàs (fireworks) rumble here and flower offerings turn the square into a blanket of petals.

It is unique for its rectangular shape and has been a venue for bullfights and markets since 1578. Today, its terrace cafés overlook a scene that still vibrates with the essence of Andalusia, complete with distant bulería music and the clinking of glasses of fino sherry.

Picture ending the day on a terrace in Salamanca’s Plaza Mayor with a glass of local wine in hand while the sun paints the stone ochre. Or imagine losing yourself at sunset on the canal in Seville, paddling under centuries-old arches. With Carameltrail, each of these scenes becomes your own personalized journey.

We don’t create prefabricated itineraries; we craft bespoke experiences where every detail, from the guide who shares local secrets with you to the intimate atmosphere of a street market, is designed to thrill. Book your adventure, feel the pulse of Spain, and let its squares reveal their thousand stories.