Treasures of unknown Spain in Castile and Leon

An hour and a half from Madrid you will find this medieval cobbled town that will take you back to the 16th and 17th centuries, the period to which many of its mansions belong. Its prosperity back then was thanks to the high quality cloth made there, competing with the imports from Flanders.Its Plaza Mayor is especially charming, with porticoes and pavement cafés offering shady spots to sit and have something to eat or drink. After that, you might want to visit the castle and the restored city walls. At lunchtime, follow your nose and the delicious smells coming from the asadores – restaurants specialising in roast meat. The area is famous for suckling pig and lamb.There is one time of year when Pedraza is even more special: On the first two Saturdays in July, the Night and Concert of the Candles is held. When night falls the village is lit by thousands of candles, and the silence is broken only by the sound of a classical orchestra. However, we recommend you book in advance.Some more villages in Segovia worth visiting: Maderuelo, Ayllón, Sepúlveda, El Muyo, Sotosalbos… to name a few.

In the middle of Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park, this is one of the prettiest villages in the area, about an hour’s journey from the city of Salamanca. As you stroll around its cobbled streets, you’ll discover examples of traditional architecture, and the terracing system that enables farming on the steep hillsides, integrating perfectly with the surroundings.Mogarraz is also a kind of outdoor museum. Its façades are adorned with hundreds of portraits of past and present residents. They were painted on metal plates by a local artist who wanted to pay homage to the people who have kept the village alive over the years. Some more villages in Salamanca worth visiting:La Alberca, Candelario, Cantalapiedra, San Martín de Castañar…

This village boasts five museums, 12 bookshops and a reading room, despite having very few inhabitants. Urueña is known as a Book Town and is just a 45-minute drive from Valladolid.It retains its medieval layout and 80% of its original walled enclosure, as well as the outer walls of its castle. It’s a delight to walk through its orderly streets of stone houses to the Renaissance church of Santa María de Azogue. For a lovely view of the town, climb up to the nearby chapel of Nuestra Señora de la Anunciada, an example of Lombard Romanesque architecture.Some more villages in Valladolid worth visiting: Trigueros del Valle, Villalba de los Alcores, Medina de Rioseco, Íscar, Simancas...

Soria is one of the least densely populated areas in Europe, so in this small village (less than half an hour from the city of Soria) you will be able to connect with nature and people in a way you haven't done for a long time.When you arrive, the first thing you’ll notice is the landscape, the gorge of the river Milanos, and probably some griffon vultures on the horizon. You can expect houses made of juniper wood and conical chimneys that seem to have come out of a fairy tale, cobbled streets, a Romanesque church, a shop selling typical products such as torreznos and a restaurant in a place as original as an old dovecote... And above all, its little jewel: The castle and the 14th century keep. The scenery from here is stunning, especially at sunset.Very close to the village is the Sabinar de Calatañazor, a forest with trees up to 14 metres high. And just a 10-minute drive away, the natural monument of La Fuentona is a mysterious lake of crystal-clear water. 

Time seems to stand still in this beautiful village. In an area known as the Valley of Silence, it is surrounded by lush forests, rivers and waterfalls in an unspoilt landscape. It can be explored in a pleasant walk through its well-tended streets of traditional stone houses with slate roofs. In winter the village looks like a Christmas card under a blanket of snow, dominated by the 10th century Mozarabe style church of Santiago.The surrounding area is perfect for nature walks. You can spend the day hiking in the Valle del Silencio or climbing the Montes Aquilianos, or even walk to some of the nearby villages, such as Espinoso de Compludo, San Cristóbal de Valdueza, Riego de Ambrós, and San Esteban de Valdueza.Some more villages in León worth visiting: Castrillo de Polvazares, Hospital de Órbigo, Molinaseca, Balboa, Oseja de Sajambre…