A 700-kilometer adventure to discover the hospitality of Empty Spain
Natalia Gómez de Pozuelo, a 59-year-old woman, has recently completed an extraordinary journey through the country's interior. During her adventure, she traveled a total of 700 kilometers, combining stretches on foot and by bicycle. Her main objective was to explore the so-called "Empty Spain," those rural areas suffering from severe population loss.
The route took Natalia through various small villages and natural landscapes that are often left off traditional tourist routes. Despite the physical demands of the journey, the traveler highlighted that the experience was extremely enriching. Initiatives of this kind help to put the spotlight on the reality of many Spanish provinces struggling to maintain their vitality and traditions.
One of the most exciting aspects of her trip was the connection with the local people. Natalia recounted that the hospitality of the residents was fundamental to the success of her mission. On several occasions, when she could not find available accommodation, the inhabitants mobilized to help her. As the protagonist explained, they even went as far as opening the doors of the town halls so that she would have a safe place to sleep.
This story is an example of how slow and conscious tourism can help rediscover our own territory. Furthermore, Natalia's journey demonstrates that age is not an impediment to undertaking great physical and personal challenges. Her adventure serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing and protecting Spain's rural communities, which hold great human and cultural wealth.