Published: 17:08, May 6, 2026
Spain’s tourism office promotes inland routes in Hong Kong
By Wang Zhan
Media representatives and travel professionals attend a Spain tourism promotional event in Hong Kong on May 6, 2026. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG — The Tourism Office of the Consulate General of Spain in Guangzhou held a promotional event in Hong Kong on Wednesday, aiming to introduce the city’s avid travelers to Spain’s inland territories.

The event sought to challenge the stereotype of Spain as only a coastal holiday destination. Instead, it spotlighted the country’s vast, varied interior — offering a deeper, more contemplative travel experience.

Three thematic routes were presented, each designed for visitors looking for authenticity and cultural depth.

First, the history-focused route begins in Spain’s capital and stretches to the UNESCO World Heritage cities of Segovia, Ávila, Burgos, León, and Salamanca. These destinations are described as places that “carry the cultural memories of different eras of Spain,” with ancient walls, magnificent cathedrals, and medieval streets.

The undated photo shows Salamanca, a historic city in northwestern Spain. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
The undated photo shows Burgos Cathedral in the historical center of Burgos, Spain. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Second, the multicultural heritage route highlights stops in Toledo, Cuenca, Cáceres, Mérida, and Córdoba. Together, these cities offer a living overview of Spain’s complex history, where Roman theatres, Islamic mosques, Jewish quarters, and Christian cathedrals coexist.

The undated photo shows the Roman Theatre (Teatro Romano) in Merida, Spain. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
The undated photo shows the Hanging Houses (Casas Colgadas) in Cuenca, Spain. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Third, for travelers interested in outdoor experiences, gastronomy, and world-class wine, the route runs from Barcelona into the Pyrenees, Aragón, Navarra, and La Rioja. Marketed as Spain’s “green heart,” it features Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park, the Irati Forest, and the renowned vineyards of Rioja.

The undated photo shows Ordesa y Monte Perdido national park, Spain. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)
The undated photo shows Irati Forest, Spain. (PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)