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Discovering inland Spain

Living the gastronomic experience

In inland Spain, gastronomy is much, much more than simply sitting down to eat. It is a genuine way of life in which you are warmly invited to take part. Scouring the forest in search of wild mushrooms, enjoying the pleasures of Spain's gastronomic festivals, visiting food-themed museums... and even the chance to form part of a culinary team led by one of Spain's top chefs! Come and savour life to the full.

Somontano wineries. Huesca

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Castile-León

Mycotourism

Did you know that Castile-León is home to over 1,500 species of wild mushroom, and that many of them are edible? Come and visit this area, and you'll find organisations and businesses who will be happy to arrange a mushroom collecting excursion to the countryside. What's more, between October and November in Navaleno (Soria), you can enjoy this experience in a very special way: accompanied by musicians in a natural setting who play music while you search for mushrooms. And if you prefer to savour this delicacy sitting at the table? Then the best time is in November, because for ten days over 100 restaurants throughout the region create special set menus based on wild mushrooms during the mushroom-themed gastronomic festival.

Burgos, Spanish Gastronomy Capital 2013

Make a date with the city of Burgos in 2013. To celebrate the fact that it has been named Spanish Gastronomy Capital it is holding a range of activities that are sure to interest you. For example you can enjoy discounts on set menus in top restaurants, attend introductory wine-tasting courses, have fun at the Cidiano weekend and its mediaeval market… You're guaranteed to love the typical local products when paired with world famous wines. What's more, the Ribera del Duero has been named "2012 Wine Region of the Year" by the jury of the Wine Star Awards. Doesn't Burgos sound appetising?

Gastronomic festivals

Would you like to see how to make a paella for hundreds of people? Would you like to learn what is meant by a 'gran caldereta' (macro-stew) or 'pimentada' (roast pepper feast)? And how about taking part in a country pilgrimage, or browsing for typical produce at stalls while you sample the wares? All this is waiting for you in the more than 50 gastronomic festivals held throughout the region of Castile-León. You only have to find out what festivities are scheduled in each town or village, and when they take place. You're guaranteed to have a great time!

Wine tourism

Anyone wanting to raise their glasses and drink to a successful stay must definitely make the acquaintance of the best-known wine in the region of Castile-León: the wine with the Ribera del Duero Designation of Origin. In September and October there are numerous wine harvest festivals to enjoy, and the rest of the year you can take part in wine-tasting sessions and visit wineries.

Practical tips

If you're thinking of trying mycotourism (mushroom collecting), it is advisable always to be accompanied by a specialised guide who will show you the right way to pick the mushrooms and guide you to the most likely spots.
If you decide to go on your own, remember that you need to request a permit and to be aware of both the regulated zones and the type of mushrooms you are permitted to collect. The standard permit is for one day, a weekend, or the whole collecting season.
Before consuming any mushrooms you have picked, check with an expert, as they could be poisonous.
Check with the tourist office in Navaleno to confirm the schedule for the 'Mushroom Symphony' concerts.
Remember that the basic equipment for mushroom collectors is a basket and a knife. If you're on your own, don't forget to take a map, a compass and a mobile phone. And of course, comfortable clothing for an excursion to the countryside.
For the exact dates of the Buscasetas gastronomic festival, we recommend checking with the regional tourist offices in September and October.