Visiting Spain

Welcome to León, Spain!

We are delighted to welcome you to the upcoming 2025 White Hat Conference in León, Spain. This document provides essential travel and local information to help make your stay as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Getting to León from Madrid-Barajas Airport

Madrid-Barajas Adolfo Suárez Airport (MAD) is the closest major international airport to León. Here are your options to reach León:

By Train

  1. From the Airport to Madrid Chamartín Train Station:
    • Take the Cercanías train (Line C-1 or C-10) from Terminal 4 to Chamartín station (about 15-20 minutes).
    • Alternatively, take a taxi or the Metro (Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, then Line 10 to Chamartín).
  2. Train from Madrid to León:
    • Direct high-speed trains (AVE or ALVIA) run from Chamartín to León, taking approximately 2 hours.
    • Tickets can be purchased via Renfe.

By Bus

  1. From the Airport to Estación Sur (South Bus Station):
    • Take Metro Line 8 to Nuevos Ministerios, then Line 6 to Méndez Álvaro.
    • Alternatively, take a taxi (approximately 25-30 minutes).
  2. Bus from Madrid to León:
    • ALSA operates direct buses from Estación Sur to León, taking around 3.5-4.5 hours.
    • Tickets can be booked via ALSA.

Arrival in León

Upon arrival at the León train or bus station, we recommend taking a taxi to your hotel. Simply provide the name of your hotel to the driver.

Getting Around León

León is a compact and walkable city, but taxis are readily available. For conference venues outside the city center, you may use taxis or public transportation.

Conference Venues

  • University of León Campus: 10-15 minutes by taxi or a short bus ride from the center. Faculty of Law (conferences), Faculty of Engineering (contest).
  • Palacio Conde Luna: Located in the historic center, within walking distance of most hotels.
  • Diputación de León: Located in the city center, easily accessible by foot or taxi.
  • INCIBE (Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute): About 10 minutes by taxi.

Places to Visit in León

  • León Cathedral (Santa María de Regla): A masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
  • Basílica de San Isidoro: Home to the Royal Pantheon, often called the “Sistine Chapel of Romanesque Art.”
  • Casa Botines: A modernist building designed by Antoni Gaudí.
  • San Marcos Monastery: A historic monastery and former pilgrims’ hospital.
  • MUSAC (Museum of Contemporary Art): A must-visit for modern art lovers.

Places to Visit in the Province of León

If you have extra time, consider exploring the beautiful surroundings of León:

  • Las Médulas: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, these ancient Roman gold mines offer stunning landscapes and hiking trails.
  • Astorga: A historic city with the Gaudí-designed Episcopal Palace and the famous Chocolate Museum.
  • Peñalba de Santiago: A picturesque village in the El Bierzo region, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture.
  • Riaño Reservoir: A breathtaking location surrounded by mountains, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor activities.
  • Valporquero Caves: An impressive underground cave system with stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Dining & Local Cuisine

León is famous for its gastronomy. Some recommendations:

Traditional Restaurants

  • Cocinandos: Michelin-starred restaurant with modern interpretations of local cuisine.
  • Cocina con Mimo: A gastronomic experience focused on signature cuisine.
  • La Marcela: Traditional cuisine with a modern touch and high-quality ingredients.
  • Nimú Azotea: A rooftop restaurant with panoramic views, specializing in fusion cuisine and innovative dishes.
  • El Capricho: Famous for high-quality beef and grilled meats.
  • Becook: Creative cuisine with international influences and a refined presentation.
  • Ezequiel: Renowned for cured meats like cecina (cured beef) and chorizo.
  • La Bodega Regia: A charming spot for traditional Castilian dishes.
  • Boccalino: A well-known Italian restaurant in León, famous for its handmade pizzas and pasta.
  • Restaurante Colegiata de San Isidoro: Traditional Castilian cuisine in a historic setting.

Tapas & Casual Dining

  • Barrio Húmedo & Barrio Romántico: These historic quarters are full of traditional bars serving free tapas with drinks.

Returning to Madrid-Barajas Airport

To return to Madrid, use the same transport options in reverse:

  • By Train: AVE or ALVIA trains to Madrid Chamartín, then Cercanías train or Metro to the airport.
  • By Bus: ALSA buses to Madrid Estación Sur, then Metro or taxi to the airport.

We hope you have a wonderful time in León and enjoy both the conference and the city!