Expert travel tips!

Published September 26, 2023

All images are courtesy of the Spain Less Traveled team, unless otherwise stated.

A bit of history of Castilla y León Spain

Castilla Spain is a vast region that occupies more than one third of Spain’s surface, making it Spain’s largest autonomous community. It’s considered the heart of Spain not just for its central location, but also because the main origin of the Kingdom of Spain was the Kingdom of Castilla, created in the 11th century.

In the present, Castilla is divided into two comunidades autónomas (autonomous communities): Castilla-La Mancha, and Castilla y León.

Castilla y León Spain is the northern portion of Castilla, comprising nine provinces: Ávila, Burgos, León, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora. It’s the most historically relevant, and concentrates a lot of monumental cities.

Click here for more in depth guides by region. But for now, here are some of our top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain from our team at Spain Less Traveled about this vast and varied region.

And read up on why you should use a travel advisor to plan your trip to Spain too!

Where is Castilla y León?

Top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain are the historical cities

All nine provincial capitals of Castilla y León Spain are great destinations, and four of them (Ávila, Burgos, Salamanca and Segovia) are UNESCO World’s Heritage sites.

Several of them have AVE (high speed train) connections to Madrid, making them options for day trips from the city, although we recommend a night or two in most of them.

1. Salamanca

Salamanca, one of Castilla y León’s most popular cities is one of our favorite cities in Spain for so many reasons.

The Universidad de Salamanca is one of the oldest universities in the world, and of great historical and artistic importance. Most of the buildings are done in plateresque (Spanish Renaissance) style. Legend has it that if you can find the frog (one of the many carvings) on the facade of the main building, it means academic success for years to come.

But Salamanca also has its Plaza Mayor, which is often regarded as one of Spain’s most beautiful main plazas. Be sure to visit at night too, when it is illuminated.

Salamanca has two cathedrals, the old cathedral (catedral vieja) and the “new” cathedral (catedral nueva), constructed in the 1700s. Both can be visited. “Vieja” is mostly in Romanesque style, whereas “Nueva” is neo-gothic. For excellent views of Salamanca, go to the top of the bell tower of nueva. Look for “puerta del torre.” These twins are some of our favorite cathedrals in Spain!

The entire city is lit up beautifully at night, so make sure you stay overnight there and take some strolls after the sunsets.

A true gem, Salamanca absolutely should be on any list of top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain!

2. León

Anyone who knows the region would put the city of León on their top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain.

‘In the city of León you can visit what it’s considered the most beautiful Gothic cathedral in Spain, an architectural wonder. Don’t miss the interiors, as the stained glasses are truly amazing.

Not far from the cathedral you’ll find the Basilica de San Isidoro, famous for its Royal Pantheon with amazing Romanesque frescoes. It’s where the kings and queens of León are buried. (León was one of the original kingdoms of Spain, originated in Asturias).

And there is even a building by Gaudí, the “Casa de los Botines”, close to the Cathedral. It was originally an apartment building, but it has been converted into a museum, with displays about Gaudí, his art, and the history of the city during his time. This is only one of three Gaudís outside of Barcelona and Cataluña.

If you are in the city by lunchtime, go to ‘Barrio Húmedo’. It’s the area around Plaza de San Martín, with a lot of restaurants and tapas bars. A great place to be with the locals.

León also has what’s considered one of the the best Paradores in Spain. Built on the former Hostal of San Marcos , its façade is a masterpiece of Spanish Renaissance architecture.

Make sure to visit this fun and lively city during your Castilla y León Spain journey!

3. Segovia

Segovia is perhaps Castilla y León Spain’s most known city, and is on everyone’s list of top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain, and often of things to do in Spain in general. It attracts many international visitors.

Segovia can be reached by train and bus from Madrid, making it one of the best day trips from Madrid. There are three main sights in the city: The “Alcázar” is an impressive structure that was the inspiration for the castle in Disney’s “Snow White”. It has been heavily restored, so you can visit its many halls and towers.

This is by far one of the most popular castles in Spain.

The cathedral is one of the largest Gothic churches in Spain, with an impressive cloister. Be sure to enjoy the atmosphere in Plaza Mayor surrounding it.

But perhaps what Segovia is most known for is its impressive and massive Roman Aqueduct. Built in the 2nd century AD, it has survived wars and conquests, and even the main motorway that passed between its arches until recently. Aside from the monuments, the quaint streets of Segovia’s small historic center are charming.

Segovia’s regional gastronomical specialty is called cochinillo, which many visitors love trying. It’s a full baby pig, so tender that they cut it with a plate. (Please note: The presentation of this dish can be a bit upsetting to animal lovers). “Ponche Segoviano” is another local tricky delicacy: It’s not a punch, it’s a cake.

4. Ávila

Ávila, another provincial capital of Castilla y León Spain is best known for its medieval walls, which are very much intact, and surround the entire historical center. You can even climb them! It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ávila was the birthplace of Saint Teresa of Ávila, and you' can visit several places related to her in the city. And yemas de Santa Teresa, a sweet delicacy is the most famous food from the city.

Regular trains depart to Ávila‎ from Madrid Príncipe Pío and Chamartín stations, taking an hour and a half to get there making it another popular and doable day trip from the capital.

Just seeing those city walls put Ávila on our top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain

5. Valladolid

Valladolid is the regional capital of Castilla y León Spain (and the provincial capital of Valladolid), and its largest city.

It may not have the charm of Salamanca or Segovia, but it’s full of history and art. The ‘Plaza Mayor’ is one of the most majestic in Spain, and the area around San Pablo church blooms with Renaissance architecture. The ‘Museo de Escultura Policromada’ (Sculpture Museum), located in the gorgeous San Gregorio is one of the finest in the country. And you can even visit the house where Columbus lived.

To escape the bustle of the city center, you can go to Campo Grande park, famous for the peacocks that walk freely around. And there is even a river beach if the heat is too much. ‘Vallisoletanos’ (naturals of Valladolid) claim that they speak the most perfect Castillian Spanish in the world, and they also have the dubious reputation of being the most conservative city in Spain. But the city is very lively, due to the student population of its large university, and the nightlife is vibrant.

Many say that Valladolid’s Semana Santa (Easter) is Spain’s second more important (after Seville). The ambiance is more austere than in the Andalusian city, but the statues on parade have a greater artistic quality.

Valladolid is served by AVE (high speed train) from Madrid in just 55 minutes, so it can make for a less-traveled day trip from Madrid.

6. Palencia

Located just 50 km north of Valladolid (20 minutes in high speed train), Palencia is relatively unknown to many Spaniards, but it has many interesting things to visit: The mainly Gothic cathedral is the third largest in Spain, the elegant Plaza Mayor and its many convents and monasteries make Palencia worth a visit.

In the outskirts of the city you can see the “Cristo del Otero”, the tallest Christ statue in Spain, and the second one in Europe.

We love a good hidden gem, so Palencia is on our top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain.

7. Burgos

Burgos cathedral is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Spain, and the main attraction of Burgos. That alone gives it a spot on our top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain.

But there’s much more to see in the city.

The beautiful Monasterio de las Huelgas Reales, a monastery that is an architectura history lesson, the Charterhouse of Miraflores, or the amazing Arch of Santa María, marking the entrance to the old town. The castle on top of the mountain offers some impressive views of the city and the surrrounding plains.

Since the 1960’s, some of the oldest human remains ever found, almost one million years old, have been uncovered in Atapuerca, close to Burgos. You can learn about that in the modern Museum of Human Evolution.

And Burgos is the home of one of the most famous foods in Spain: Morcilla de Burgos, a black sausage made of pork’s blood, rice and spices. This puts it on Spain’s culinary map where you can try some of the best food in Spain!

8. Zamora

Zamora is a small and quiet province capital of Zamora province in Castilla y León Spain located along the Duero river.

It has many treasures, including its beautiful Romanesque cathedral, a cute main square, the remains of an impressive castle, and some charming promenades along the river.

Zamora’s Semana Santa is one of the most beautiful festivals in Spain.

9. Soria

For those looking for a really 'off the beaten path' experience, Soria is a great option.

Soria is the second smallest provincial capital in Spain, and sees very little tourists. It's a charming small city, where you can feel the real city life in Spain. It's one of the best places in Spain to appreciate Romanesque architecture, in churches such as San Juan de la Rabanera, or Santo Domingo. Or in the cloisters of the cathedral, or San Juan de Duero (this one in ruins).

Be sure to visit the city’s brand new market while you’re there too.

Soria is perfect for those who want to explore Spain's natural beauty. From there you can enjoy a lovely hike along the river Duero up to the San Saturio hermitage. You can also take a kakak to do the route.

It has a very lively nightlife, with a lot of terraces in its many squares.

Of course in the summer, as in winter Soria has the reputation of being one of the coldest cities in Spain, so pack a warm coat (you can read about more of our packing tips in our Spain travel checklist).

Make sure you try their famous 'torreznos' (Fried thick strips of bacon), and their delicious butter. You will soon understand why Soria is on our top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain.

10. Astorga

50 km south of León, in Castilla Y León Spain you’ll find Astorga. This is the only city that is not a provincial capital.

The main attraction in the city is the Palacio Episcopal (Episcopal Palace).

This is one of the few buildings by Gaudí out of Catalonia. It’s one of his first designs, very medieval in its look, but with surprising structural solutions. It opens daily, but is closed by lunchtime (from 2 to 4 pm).

This small city is one of the most popular with pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago and is on our top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain.

And a bonus! Some of our favorite Pueblos of Castilla y León Spain

Spain Less Traveled always loves a pueblo!

Apart from its historical cities, Castilla y León Spain has a myriad of small pueblos. It would be impossible to name them all, so we’ll mention some of our favorites.

Make sure to weave in some of these pueblos in your Castilla y León Spain travel itinerary!

Areválo is a prosperous small city north of Avila. It has some great features, such as the beautiful main square, and a castle comverted into a silo for grains. It’s famous for its ‘lechazo’ (suckling lamb) that you can find everywhere.

Medina del Campo is a nice city in the province of Valladolid, where you can visit “Castillo de la Mota”, one of the most famous castles in Spain.

In the 15th century, the jews were ordered to leave Spain by the Catholic Kings. Many converted to catholicism, many stablished in Northern Africa, and others hid in remote towns. The location of Orbaneja de Castillo, high on a mountain north of Burgos, made it ideal for that. It’s a charming town where you can find small traces of the those times, with carved stars of David or hebrew letters in some of the buildings.

Sepúlveda is a beautiful pueblo in the province of Segovia. It’s famous not only for its beautiful architecture, but because it’s the entrance to the ‘Hoces del Duratón’, a beautiful river canyon that offers a lot of hiking possibilities.

Not far, also in the province of Segovia you’ll find Pedraza. A stunning medieval town built around a castle. Two times every summer they celebrate the “Night of the Candles”, when all the town is illuminated by thousands of candles and classical music concerts take place in the main square.

La Alberca, in Salamanca province, gas managed to keep its medieval look intact, with Jewish and Muslim influences in its architecture and urban setup. Don’t forget to trey “hornazo”, a pastry filled with all kind of pork meats.

Toro is the quintesential Castillian pueblo, with its porticoed main street, its quiet plaza mayor, and one of the best Romanesque churches in Spain. And it gives name to its own wine region.

Calatañazor, in the province of Soria, was used by Orson Welles to shoot his film “Chimes at Midnight”, due to its medieval charm. It keeps most of its walls and a castle on top.

Finally, we could not do a top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain without mentioning the wine!

After La Rioja, Ribera del Duero is the second most important wine region in Spain.

So it’s a great area to explore and taste many different wines. The most important city in the area is Aranda de Duero, a quiet city that can be used as a base to explore the surrounding ‘bodegas’ (wine cellars).

Many of them are great buildings by world famous contemporary architects. Bodegas Portia, by Norman Foster, and Bodegas Protos, by Richard Rodgers are the two most well-known. But you can also visit more traditional ones, up to more than 200.

Peñafiel is the most beautiful town in the area. with an impressive castle on top, and a colorful main square.

Did our top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León feed your Spain wanderlust? Let us help you plan your trip!

After reading our top 10 things to do in Castilla Y León Spain, do you want to visit?

Castilla y León is the largest region in Spain, so you may require some extra planning. The good news is that we can help plan your dream trip to Spain including Castilla y León!

Ready to start your journey?

Book a FREE 15 minute discovery call

to help you decide which of our professional Spain travel planning services suits you best.