A quieter side of Spain offers stars, wildlife and open space
By Emma Carter
Image information
This is a representative image for this Daily News lesson.
Intro
In western Spain, visitors are finding a slower travel experience under clear skies and among vulnerable wildlife.
Vocabulary
| Word | Part of speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| adjoining adjective | adjective | Meaning: next to or touching another place | Example: The adjoining villages share one small train station. |
| initiative noun | noun | Meaning: a new plan or action intended to solve a problem or reach a goal | Example: The school started an initiative to reduce plastic waste. |
| vulnerable adjective | adjective | Meaning: easily harmed, hurt, or affected | Example: Young animals are especially vulnerable during cold winters. |
| alternative noun | noun | Meaning: another choice or possibility | Example: Cycling is a healthy alternative to driving. |
| crowded adjective | adjective | Meaning: full of people, leaving little free space | Example: The train was crowded during the morning rush. |
The story
Spain is often associated with bright coastal resorts, busy ports and famous cities. But far from those tourist centers, two adjoining regions offer a much quieter experience: Extremadura and Castile and León.
The areas are part of La España Vacía, a name that means “Empty Spain.” Fewer people live there than in many other parts of the country, and they receive fewer visitors than places such as Barcelona and the coastal resorts. From space at night, the difference is easy to see. Coastal areas shine with lights, while much of the inland region appears dark. Madrid stands out as a bright group of lights near the center of the country.
That darkness is one reason some travelers are heading west, toward the Portuguese border. The regions offer clear, unpolluted skies, and visitors can enjoy seeing the stars without the bright lights found in larger cities. An astrotourism initiative called Extremadura Buenas Noches is helping draw attention to this kind of travel.
The quieter setting can also appeal to people who want to spend time in nature. Extremadura and Castile and León are linked with vulnerable wildlife, including lynx and wolves. Interest from visitors may bring hope to places where fewer people live, while giving travelers an alternative to crowded holiday destinations.
For people looking for space, dark skies and a closer connection with the natural world, “Empty Spain” offers a different kind of journey. It shows that a place with few people can still provide a rich travel experience.
Warm-up questions
- What kind of places do you prefer for a holiday: busy cities or quiet natural areas? Why?
- What can people see in the night sky when there are very few city lights?
Comprehension questions
- What are Extremadura and Castile and León offering travelers?
- Why does the region look dark from space at night?
- Why are some travelers heading west?
- What wildlife is mentioned in the article?
- What main idea does the final paragraph express?
Opinion questions
- Would you enjoy visiting a place with dark skies and few people? Why or why not?
- Do you think tourism can help protect wildlife? Explain your opinion.
Further discussion
- How could small rural regions attract visitors without becoming crowded?
- What problems might travelers face in a place with few people and services?
Writing prompt
- Write a short paragraph explaining why someone might choose “Empty Spain” for a holiday.
