La Alberca, Spain: A Family-Friendly Weekend Getaway Guide
When planning a family trip, there are a few crucial factors that we like to consider: proximity, price, and mobility. Recently, we visited La Alberca, a charming village in Salamanca, Spain, and found it to be the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. The drive from our home took about 3.5 hours, with opportunities to stop in Salamanca and Avila along the way. La Alberca offered great accommodations, delicious food, and activities that both kids and adults enjoyed. In this blog post, we'll share our top recommendations for visiting La Alberca, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat.
Getting There: Car
For this trip, I recommend driving. It's true that most places in Spain are easily accessible by train and bus, but this is one of those trips that when traveling by car is possible, I highly suggest it. Having our own car for this trip gave us the opportunity to plan around our kids schedules, and break the trip up. We were able to make stops in both Salamanca and Avila. In Salamanca, make sure to visit the beautiful Plaza Mayor (picture below). And in Avila, stop at the Mirador for a stunning view of the ancient walled city. Total travel time from Madrid to La Alberca is approximately 3.5 hours without traffic.
Where to Stay: Abadía de Los Templarios
This is a great option for families. The hotel itself is beautiful, located on a hill with amazing views and grounds overlooking Alberca. Inside the interiors are cozy, classic Spain, and inviting (I suggest visiting in fall for all the cozy vibes). For rooms, you can rent villas that can accommodate up to 6 people + babies, and breakfast and dinner can be included in the price. Our 3-night stay for a group of 12 cost us about 400 euros for our family for 3 nights. Additional bonus - the hotel has a shuttle service that takes you to and from the village for free in a van. You just need to talk with reception ahead of time.
What do Do: Hotel Activities, Museums, and Walking Tours
Hotel Activities
One of the best things about staying at Abadía de los Templarios is the list of extensive activities that you can do right here at the hotel. During our stay we visited the amazing spa (left the kids behind for this one!) and took a horseback riding tour with our older two sons. Other options that the hotel offers are scavenger hunts for kids, guided 4-wheeling trips, boat tours, tennis matches.. the list goes on! Depending on your activity, the cost is about 20-40 euros per person. Check them out here!
Casa Museo - House Museum
This was a group favorite and definitley a highlight of the trip. At the cost of 2 Euros per person, you can get a private guided tour of house that has been preserved over the last century to reflect what life used to be like in this small village. The owner (and tour guide) paints and AMAZING picture of what his life was like growing up in this home. This is something you do NOT want to miss. Check out more info here.
Village Walking Tour
Abadía is an extremely accommodating hotel. We were curious about finding a walking tour of the village, and they hotel set one up for us with one of their local employees. We took the shuttle to the main square and the guide walked us through the main street, square, and took us into the church. The only thing I would suggest is seeing if you can find an English speaking guide, if no one in your group speaks spanish. If your lucky on your tour, you might catch a glimpse of the town pig! Yes, you heard that right. It's a pig that everyone in the town raises together and it roams freely in the streets. See the picture I got here!
Where to Eat: Tapas & Traditional Spanish Food
Tapas (Small Bites):
If you're looking for a quick bite, or a cold beer and a snack, any of the bars in the main square should do the trick. But, if you are looking for something a little more special (and educational), I would check out "¡Oh! Espació del Jamón" this bar/museum will give you a great look into one of the most famous products of the region, Jamón! And if you know anything about Spain, you know it's that they love their Jamón.. and I can't blame them. Check out this bar for a new experience and take a tour of the museum upstairs to learn the different ways the pigs are raised and the curing is handled. It's super interesting!
Traditional Spanish Cuisine:
While we mostly ate at the hotel (equally as delicious), we had one really great meal in a restaurant situated in the towns center square.
La catedral had options for everyone, from fresh seasonal vegetable dishes to the traditional Cochinillo Asado (I'll let you research that one on your own.. but it is delicious!) . Everyone left here feeling full and happy! We spent apx 40 euros per person for LOTS of food and wine.
Overall, this trip was incredible. It was enjoyed by everyone. Weekends like this one remind me why we moved back to Spain in the first place. Family, food, sunshine, and culture. What more could you ask for? I'll leave you with this video that for me 100% captures the life in this small village. You really have to see it to believe it.
