When it comes to literature, one of Spain's top destinations is the ancient (dating back to Roman Hispania) city of Alcalá de Henares, a half-hour drive and 45-minute train ride from Madrid. In addition to its old quarter being a UNESCO World Heritage Site mostly because of its august university, founded in the late 15th century, it's also the hometown of Spain's Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and you can visit his home on the main street. Another literary distinction is this, the Corral de Comedias, one of Europe's oldest preserved theaters (built in 1602 as an open-air corral, roofed in 1769, and still staging classic works of Spain's literary golden age of the 16th century after a restoration.

 (Fernando López)