If you are planning a trip to León, you must read this article. The 10 most beautiful villages in León should be part of your plans, as you will find an important historical, cultural and natural heritage that is well worth exploring.
The province of León is characterised by having an important past, being the result of the ancient kingdom of Léon and being along the Way of Saint James (the Pilgrims’ Route to Santiago de Compostela). Many villages have grown thanks to that pilgrimage route which, over the centuries, has left an indelible trace.
- Peñalba de Santiago
- Molinaseca
- Astorga
- Ponferrada
- Villafranca del Bierzo
- Castrillo de los Polvazares
- Hospital de Órbigo
- Balboa
- Caín
- Oseja de Sajambre
Peñalba de Santiago
The small village of Peñalba de Santiago is one of the jewels in the province of León that you should not miss. Located in the Montes Aquilanos mountain range in the Valley of Silence, the village is part of the network of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain as a result of preserving its traditional architecture and Santiago de Peñalba church, built in the 10th century in Mozarabic style.
Peñalba de Santiago, León
Molinaseca
Very close to Ponferrada is Molinaseca, also a member of the network of the Most Beautiful Villages of Spain. The medieval charm of that historic-artistic site is beyond doubt, with well-preserved popular architecture, churches and its famous Roman bridge to access the village.
Astorga
Astorga is another well-known town in León, famous for its maragato stew, the Way of Saint James and for being one of the three places in the world to have a Gaudí building outside Catalonia. Its original Episcopal Palace, the work of the brilliant architect, is a must, as are the cathedral, the medieval walls and the main square.
Ponferrada
Ponferrada is the capital of the El Bierzo region and the second largest town in the province of León. It is also an important stop on the Pilgrims’ Route to Santiago de Compostela. It stands out for its famous Templar Castle, a fortress built in 1178 and which has evolved over the centuries. As well as strolling through its streets, in Ponferrada you can also admire the Basilica of La Encina, the patron saint of the city, the Town Hall square, the Clock Tower, and museums such as the Energy Museum and the Radio Museum from a famous Spanish radio presenter, Luis del Olmo, a native of the town.
Villafranca del Bierzo
Villafranca del Bierzo is the last major stop on the Way of Saint James before ascending towards Galicia. That historic town has survived to the present day with an important historical and religious heritage as a result of its geographical location. Its 16th century castle, the Saint Francis and Saint James churches, and the convent of Saint Nicolás el Real are some of the points of interest in this pleasant village where the rivers Valcarce and Burbia meet.
Castrillo de los Polvazares
Very close to Astorga is the village of Castrillo de los Polvazares. This municipality is no more than a line of houses along the Way of Saint James. Its uniqueness lies in the perfect architectural preservation, from its cobbled streets to its characteristic reddish stone houses. Nowadays, Castrillo de los Polvazares is an excellent place to eat the maragato stew, as many of the buildings are now taverns and restaurants.
Hospital de Órbigo
Also close to Astorga and along the Way of Saint James is Hospital de Órbigo, a small village famous for its 13th century Honourable Passage bridge that crosses the river Órbigo and for its history since one of the last medieval tournaments was held there in the Compostela Holy Year of 1434. To commemorate this, every year, on the first weekend of June, a representation of the Medieval Jousting of the Honourable Passage is held, a great historical re-enactment at the foot of the bridge that includes a medieval market and dinner.
Balboa
Balboa is a small village located in the heart of the Ancares region, very close to the border with the province of Lugo. There you can find out about the traditional pallozas, the circular stone and thatched-roof constructions that are characteristic of many places in the north-west of the Iberian Peninsula. In Balboa you will also find the ruins of its 14th century castle, the river beach, and impressive chestnut forests where you can go hiking.
Caín
If you are travelling through the province of León and like hiking, the Cares route is a must on your agenda. To do this, you must pass through Caín, a hamlet in the municipality of Posada de Valdeón, from where the famous hiking route starts. Located at the foot of the Picos de Europa mountain range, Caín is a charming place to enjoy a wonderful natural environment. It also has several bars and restaurants, as well as the Corona chapel where, according to legend, Pelagius of Asturias was crowned.
Oseja de Sajambre
In the north-east of the province of León, you will find another village where you will want to stay. On the border with the Principality of Asturias is Oseja de Sajambre, a small mountain hamlet located in the heart of the Picos de Europa National Park. By looking around, you will be absorbed with the beauty of endless mountains, valleys and the small river Sella, which is at a very early stage there. It is a privileged location in one of the most beautiful valleys in northern Spain.
