Toledo is one of Central Spain's loveliest cities. Straddling the Tagus River around 70 kilometres south of Madrid, Toledo is also a fascinating city historically, a former capital of the Spanish Empire. Today, Toledo is a UNESCO World Heritage site on account of the city's impressive buildings and the role it played in shaping the political and cultural landscape of Spain.

Oropesa Castle (Parador), Toledo

Toledo is perhaps best known as a key inspiration to El Greco, the city's most famous former resident and one of Spain's finest and most influential painters. Of the landscapes painted by El Greco, only two survive, and both feature Toledo. View and Plan of Toledo can now be found in the city's Museo Del Greco and is one of the city's must see highlights.

Flamenco dancing, Toledo

Toledo's other attractions include the Alcázar of Toledo, the grand stone fortification that overlooks the town. There's also an impressive Gothic cathedral and a grand central meeting place, the Zocodover Square, which was the site of an ancient Arabian market and is nowadays ringed with pleasant cafes and bars and hosts a sprightly weekly market.