Car Rental León

Driving in León is a pleasant and relatively easy experience due to its well signposted roads. Although the majority of the city can be enjoyed on foot, car rental in León enables you to fully explore the surrounding area.

The LE-20 road network covers half the city, from the north working its way east and south. Av. Facultad de Veterinaria runs parallel with the river – peel off down Av. Ordoño II and make use of the parking lots throughout the historic part of the city. From here, you can discover the city’s 13th-century cathedral and Plaza Mayor, the vibrant central square.

A number of freeways, known as autovias (A) or autopistas (AP) if they’re tolled, link León to the top destinations in the region of Castilla y León and northern Spain.

Take the AP-66 and in 90 minutes you’ll reach the sophisticated town of Oviedo . Famous for its fabulous shopping and delicious food exports, the historic old town deserves a place on your vacation itinerary. Luanco on the Atlantic coast is further on from here if you’d like to explore the wild beaches of this part of Spain.

Another great road trip is from León to Redes Natural Park. Take the two-hour drive through the lush green countryside to this natural beauty spot, where plant life and wildlife thrive. Follow the scenic route along the CL-624 and watch as the fairly flat land transforms into emerald green rolling hills. Sierra de la Culebra, another natural park near to the Portuguese border, is slightly closer to León, approximately an hour and 45 minutes by car via the A-66 and A-52.

Salamanca is just over two hours away via the A-66 south, but is worth the drive to see its golden Renaissance-style architecture. For something a little closer to León, take the AP-71 to discover the walled Old Town of Astorga, just a 40-minute drive away.

While driving in Spain you’ll use the right-hand side of the road. In urban areas, such as the center of León, you’ll need to keep to the inner city speed limit of 30mph, which rises to 75mph on freeways.

With its gothic buildings, imposing cathedral towers and sea of terracotta rooftops, León is bursting with historic culture. Take it all in and discover the religious importance of the city before heading out to explore more of northern Spain.

Discover León’s Catholic heritage

Towering proudly in the center of León, this glorious cathedral celebrates the city’s Catholic heritage. Admire the 13^th century Gothic-style building from Plaza Regla, taking in the trio of arched doorways, honey-toned stonework and soaring twin towers.

Inside, marvel at the colorful stained glass windows as your footsteps echo through the large cathedral chambers, home to some of Spain’s oldest choir stalls and the glistening Rose Window. You can also visit ancient tombs and pay your respects to the original sculpture of the Immaculate Virgin in the Chapel of the White Virgin.

Unearth hidden treasures at the ancient Kingdom of León

Discover more of León’s Catholic heritage at the 11^th century Real Basílica de San Isidoro. Behind the Romanesque façade you’ll find a mesmerizing main chapel, decorated with lancet arches and an intricate 16^th century altarpiece.

At the onsite museum, wander the collection of historic treasures, which includes the 10th-century Mozarabic Bible and the Chalice of Doña Urraca, a sacred jewel-encrusted artifact thought to be the Holy Grail.

Wander to the Renaissance-style Palace of the Guzmanes, a 16th-century stronghold that now serves as the seat of Provincial Government of León. Take the guided tour and you’ll find a Mediterranean gem at its core. Stroll through the arches into the enclosed picturesque courtyard, bathed in northern sunshine.

Be in awe of León’s modern and historic art

Further evidence of the city’s history can be unraveled at the spectacular Casa Botines, created by legendary Spanish artist Antonio Gaudí. He left his magical touch on León when he created this textile warehouse in the late 19^th century, a celebration of his iconic architectural style.

Spend time here to discover the story behind the building’s heritage, then head up the original tower for panoramic views over nearby tiled houses.

Swap history for a dose of modern art at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo. Multicolored tiles decorate the front of the building, emulating the stained glass windows of León Cathedral in contemporary style.

The gallery is devoted to showcasing the best in modern art, with a revolving series of exhibits filling the huge space.

Car rental in León will enable you to discover more of the city’s religious heritage, as well as the surrounding towns and villages of northern Spain.