Spanish cities are beautiful, but I prefer hidden gems, unique places off the beaten path that leave you speechless. In Spain you can find countless quaint villages with cobblestone streets, houses with geraniums on their balconies and so peaceful that will make you want to move in. In fact, there is an association that gives them the distinction of “most beautiful villages in Spain”.
In the region of Burgos, there are three beautiful villages that are worth visiting: Lerma, Covarrubias and Santo Domingo de Silos. Two of them, Lerma and Covarrubias, are in the Pueblos Mas Bonitos de España -most beautiful villages in Spain- list. They are near each other and they are great day trips if you are in Burgos or an amazing weekend getaway if you are in Madrid.
If you need to spend the night, the best place to stay in the area is the former Ducal Palace of Lerma, now Parador the Lerma. Imagine feeling like a Duke for a night! If you are on a day/road trip you can find parking in Plaza Mayor -main square- in front of the Parador. It’s easy to find parking on the other villages as well.
3 Beautiful Villages in Spain: Lerma
Lerma can be spotted up on a hill by the side of the A-1 motorway. This magnificent village catches your attention ever from there. In the 17th Century, the Duke of Lerma ordered to construct Lerma on a whim. The most famous construction in the village is the Ducal Palace of Lerma, nowadays a Parador hotel.
What to do in Lerma:
El Parador is a must-see monument but there’s much more in this beautiful Spanish village:
- Church of San Pedro
- Convent of Santa Teresa
- Monasterio de la Ascension
- Convent of San Blas
- Parador de Lerma has an amazing restaurant and also a cafeteria for a light meal.
- Restaurante Galoria is a very original restaurant with a fun terrace for eating al fresco.
Distances:
Burgos 40km, Madrid 205km.
3 Beautiful Villages in Spain: Covarrubias
This picturesque village is one of Castilla y Leon’s hidden gems. Its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses are an example of typical Castilian urban layout.
What to see in Covarrubias:
Stroll through the old town to find these wonderful gems.
- Casa de Doña Sancha
- Palacio de Fernan Gonzalez
- Church of Santo Tomas
- Gothic Collegiate Church of San Cosme and San Damian
- Statue of Kristina, princess of Norway.
You may wonder what does a Norwegian princess have to do with this Spanish village. Well, Kristina Olaf, daughter of king Haakon Haakonson of Norway, married don Felipe, brother of king Alfonso X el Sabio -the wise- and she is buried in Covarrubias.
Burgos 42 km, Madrid 220 km.
3 Beautiful Villages in Spain: Santo Domingo de Silos
This village is best known for the Monastery of Silos which is thought to have been founded around the 7th century. Another temple was built in 1088 on this site which was later replaced by the present one, of Neoclassical style. The monastery houses one of the most beautiful cloisters in Spain and the monks’ Gregorian chant is known all around the world. Apparently, it even made the British pop charts in the mid-1990s! As you can imagine, the piece and quiet in this place is quite unique as well.
The monastery is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm and then from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. On public holidays and Sunday it’s open from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and then from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. It’s closed on Monday. General admission is 3,5€. If you want to hear Gregorian chant you can attend the service at 9 am from Tuesday to Saturday or 12 pm on public holidays and Sundays. Those times can change so I advice you to make a call when you plan your visit.
If you have time for more, just two and a half kilometers from Santo Domingo de Silos you can find an amazing gorge at La Yecla. To cross it there is a narrow cement walkway -with vultures flying overhead- that reveals the force of water erosion. It’s a short -around 600m- but spectacular path great for taking photos of nature. Fun fact: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly was filmed in this area.
Distances:
Burgos 59km, Madrid 211km.
3 Beautiful Villages in Castilla y Leon Map
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Summer in Spain is hot, even in the region of Burgos. Light and airy dresses are your best choice and don’t forget very comfortable shoes for exploring all those cobblestone streets!
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Love your photographs, very nice shots! You look beautiful, carina!
Marie
The Flower Duet
I love Spain, I love France and I can't wait to go back. We had a wonderful time there this summer so it will be a few years before we go back =(
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
My husband studied abroad in Spain and has wanted to take me back to explore these beautiful towns!! Looks so lovely! xo, Biana –BlovedBoston
Thank you so much for sharing these hidden gems! Every place looks so stunning! I'm sure it's even more beautiful in person. 🙂
https://colorandgrace.com/
What a lovely trip! Also, that's such a cute outfit on you dear. Love the florals!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Lovely places, all of them.
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2019/08/faces-of-forrest.html
Beautiful architecture, absolutely stunning!
Anika | anikamay.co.uk
Wonderful architecture and scenery!
Your link at 'My Corner of the World' this week sure made my day!
My Corner of the World
There's so many beautiful places in Spain. I love seeing these photos and I can't wait to see them in person. The architecture is really magnificent!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
I was just in Spain recently – I enjoyed your photos – thanks
I really hope to one day go to Spain. It looks beautiful there. That hotel in the first pictures is just beautiful!
http://www.ruthyannie.com
Such beautiful places to visit! i'd really like to see Spain one day! these look like must-sees while there! Your floral dress is the cutest and perfect for summer too 🙂
Hope that you have had a great week and have a nice weekend ahead of you 🙂
Away From Blue
Ive never been to Spain, but the architecture, the churches and history all sound fascinating. The exhibition of the Angel sounds interesting too. Thanks for sharing this.
jess xx
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Seu site é fantástico, sempre com artigos legais!
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Love the architecture. I hope to visit Spain someday.
Thank you for sharing these gorgeous photos.
Hidden gems, unique places off the beaten path – it´s my favorite thing ever! Besides, I´ve seen so little of Castilla y Leon, although its def one of the coolest Spanish provinces for sightseing! Covarrubias looks so pretty!
Anna / http://atlifestylecrossroads.com
So beautiful and serene! Love your dress too!
I love seeing all your photos of these small villages. They're all so beautiful.
x, Julie | ThisMainLineLife.com
It looks amazing! I've only been to Madrid but I'd love to explore Spain more, maybe take a road trip. I love your pretty sundress! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks, Anna! Stay tuned for more off the beaten path, they are my favorite as well!
Thanks, Amy 🙂
Thanks, Emma! I live in Madrid, it's a beautiful city. I hope you enjoyed when you visited
I really hope you get to come, Mica 🙂
Thanks, Jess. I hope you can come to Spain some day. I'm sure you'd love it
Your words mean a lot to me, thanks Veronica!
Thanks, Julie!
Thanks for hosting, Betty!
Thanks, Maureen!
Thank you!
I really hope you get to come some day
Oh, they really are!
Thanks, Jess!
Thank you 🙂
Thanks, Anika!
Aww, thanks!
I feel the same about the US! I've always had a wonderful time there but I can't go as often as I'd like to
That'd be such a wonderful trip! Where in Spain did he study?