Are you one of those who takes advantage of spring to do rural tourism? Well then you should be very attentive to what we tell you below! And the thing is that today we are going to talk to you about a province of Castilla y León that has a lot to offer when it comes to this type of tourism. We are referring to León , the largest province in this autonomous community, which hides such wonderful corners as the Picos de Europa National Park, which can be discovered through the Ruta de los Cares.
Beyond its natural corners, among which Las Médulas also stands out, a landscape of open-pit mines, we like León for its rich gastronomy, with its cured meats and its wines with Designation of Origin, and its wonderful charming towns. Today at Vuela Viajes we want to show you some of the most beautiful, although we have to admit that many have remained in the pipeline. Therefore, we encourage you to make us your own suggestions through the comments. Can you come with us?
Astorga
First of all, we want to talk about Astorga, the capital of the Maragatería region, which offers a rich medieval legacy due to its location (it is located on the Camino de Santiago and on the Via de la Plata route). In its walled enclosure you can find churches, hospitals and convents that transfer tourists to the Jacobean tradition. Of course, we must highlight the Episcopal Palace, the work of the genius Antonio Gaudí.
Peñalba de Santiago
A town that could not be missing from this list is Peñalba de Santiago, which is located in the Valdueza region. The church of Santiago de Peñalba stands out, of Mozarabic architecture. In addition, it is important that you bear in mind that the town is a Site of Cultural Interest with the category of Ethnological Ensemble.
Villafranca del Bierzo
On the Camino de Santiago we can also find Villafranca del Bierzo, which houses an important monumental complex . In fact, its old town has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. Its main square, the Town Hall, the Calle del Agua and its mansions stand out, as well as the Agustinas Recoletas convent.
Castrillo de los Polvazares
We continue our journey through the most beautiful towns in León in the municipality of Astorga, where we find Castrillo de los Polvazares. The most surprising thing about this place is that it is practically preserved in its original state. In fact, their houses are built in stone and their streets are cobbled.
Balboa
We also want to highlight Balboa, one of the municipalities of León where Galician is spoken. Located in the El Bierzo region, it houses an important heritage , highlighting the Balboa Castle, the Santa Marina church and the Casa de las Gentes, which is a museum and a civic center at the same time.
Cain de Valdeón
Another corner of the province of León that is worth visiting is Caín de Valdeón, a village belonging to the municipality of Posada de Valdeón. It is located in the Valdeón Valley, in the Picos de Europa , and houses interesting points of interest, such as the Hermitage of the Crown, the Garganta del Cares, the Chorco de los Lobos and the Mirador de Tombo.
Molinaseca
In the El Bierzo region we find Molinaseca, another of the towns in León through which the Camino de Santiago has traveled. Here you can enjoy a beautiful natural landscape and an abundant and rich gastronomy . The Puente de los Peregrinos (Pilgrims’ Bridge) stands out, a Romanesque construction.
Sahagun
Finally, we want to talk about Sahagún, a historic city whose nerve center is the Plaza Mayor, which retains its structure of arcades. Its half -timbered and brick houses or with mud and straw plasters are surprising. In addition, we want to highlight the monastery of San Benito el Real and the churches of San Tirso and San Lorenzo.
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