Antoni Gaudí was a renowned architect from Catalonia famous for his fantasy-like buildings, the most famous one being the Sagrada Família in Barcelona. When he graduated, his professor said: "He aprobado a un loco o a un genio" (I either passed a fool or a genius.) The work of Gaudí is extraordinary, with natural forms and lines. Go and have a look at the Episcopal Palace in Astorga, and after that decide whether you think the architect is a fool or a genius.

On your way to Embalse Barrios de Luna, you will come across this viewpoint, which is a perfect place to stop for a few minutes and stretch your legs while you stare into the distance.
You can take some pictures, eat a snack on the bench (or use the bench for some stretching). You will oversee a pine forest. And do you see the mountains in the distance?

You have arrived at Embalse Barrios de Luna! From here you are going to drive all around. But first, do a little exploring here.
There is not much left of the castle of Luna, but when it was in its best state, it was considered one of the best defensive bastions of the Middle Ages. The stairs and paths were carved out of the stone of the rock, something you can still see now. You can access the castle for free, from the top part of the dam.

Before you are going to drive around the reservoir, make sure you have enough fuel. Yes, you! Not only your car needs fuel. Here at bar El Ventorrillo there is lots of choice in local dishes. Enjoy a tasteful Gazpacho, different kinds of sandwiches, meat, fish and more.

You have started your drive around the lake. On your way, you will find Miñera de Luna, a once lively town. In the 19th century, there were 26 houses here and a school, a bridge, cattle, and roads. People lived off fishing or growing grain and legumes. In the 20th century, it was one of 14 towns depopulated by the construction of the reservoir, which was officially opened in 1956.
Walking here makes you think of climate change because that is the reason you can see a lot of the former town. If you look carefully, you could see the water lines on the rocks.

While you are on a trip, it is fun to take pictures, right? That way, you can look back on a fun day whenever you want. This is the place to take such a picture. The big lake with mountains in the background is the perfect screensaver for your phone or laptop, so you can think of happy times when you get back home.

Although the lake goes on your right sight, you will have to cross the bridge now to get back home today. But don't worry, your road trip is not over yet. You still have an astonishing drive alongside the lake ahead of you.
The bridge you cross is a cable bridge with a length of 643 meters. It used to be the bridge that had the largest main span of any bridge in Spain, until a new bridge in Cádiz was opened in 2015.

Before you head home, take some time to let all the things you have seen and done settle into your mind. What was the best stop of today? Was it the palace or the castle? Or was it the viewpoint on the lake?
During your meal in this lovely place, you can discuss climate change, make your top three of the best parts of the road trip or just enjoy your dinner without talking.