What to do around Salas de los Infantes (Burgos)
I spent this weekend in rural Spain, around Salas de los Infantes in Burgos. Along with my Dad and my brother, we visited some family friends in their village. In these uncertain times due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we really enjoyed unplugging and reconnecting with nature and the simple things in life. I might be biased but I’m always amazed by the number (and quality) of activities you can do when visiting Spain. Keep on reading to learn what to do around Salas de los Infantes (Burgos).
The Burgos province belongs to Castilla y León, which is the biggest region in Spain in terms of territory. This historic part of the country accumulates a vast cultural heritage and natural wonders.
Discover more destinations in Castilla y León.
Mecerreyes
Our first (quick) stop on our way to Salas de los Infantes was in Mecerreyes, a tiny rural village with a little over 200 inhabitants. A statue of the Cid (a Spanish medieval military leader) caught our attention and I had to snap a picture before resuming the road trip. In case you’re interested in knowing more about this historical character or the various routes along the ‘Camino del Cid‘, you can do so here.
Covarrubias
Covarrubias claims to be one of the most beautiful villages in Spain and it certainly has a lot of charm. Some of the mandatory stops in this medieval destination housing treasures from the 10th until the 16th century include the following:
- Squares (Plaza de la Infanta doña Urraca, Plaza de doña Sancha),
- Excolegiata de San Cosme y San Damián,
- Torreón de Fernán González,
- The statue devoted to the Norwegian princess Kristina.
For more information on all the historic sites worth visiting in Covarrubias, check out the municipality’s website.
Monasterio de San Pedro de Arlanza
Driving on BU-905 upon exiting Covarrubias on the way to Hortigüela, the road will take you along the Arlanza river. After ten minutes, you will find the ruins of the Monasterio de San Pedro de Arlanza to your right. Although this monastery is currently closed and fenced, it once was one of the most important monastic centers in the county and later in the kingdom of Castilla.
Salas de los Infantes
Our destination for the weekend, Salas de los Infantes, is located three hours away from Irún, my hometown. I had visited this village many years ago, as a kid. When the opportunity to come back presented itself, I didn’t think it twice. The maternal family of my childhood´s best friend originated from here and I remember having spent a summer weekend at the family mill back in the day, while playing in the nearby cold river.
After all these years, I was curious to see the mill again and acknowledge how much I remembered (or not). Indeed, the place wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. The poor mill was collapsing and there were some adjacent buildings that I didn’t even recall. As a matter of fact, our family friends were setting up the former storehouse as their new vacation home and we gave them a hand during the weekend. We also had fun watching the Perseid stars, eating outdoors, playing cards and sunbathing in the river. According to a local legend, the Seven Infantes of Lara came from here.
If you’re looking for a place to eat in Salas de los Infantes, head to El Pelayo. This local restaurant offers a variety of delicious specialties such as croquetas de boletus or their famous tortazos (a sort of thick sandwich).
The area of Salas de las Infantes is located in Sierra de la Demanda and borders La Rioja on the north. Interested in knowing more about La Rioja? Read my posts here.
Monasterio de la Sierra
On Saturday morning, we drove to a nearby village in the mountains called Monasterio de la Sierra. On your way from Salas de los Infantes, you will notice a dam (Presa de Castrovido, which has been in the making for years now). The main attractions here include the church, the Clock Tower (Torre del Reloj), the forge and the old laundromat. If you walk in the forest, you will also find the monastery giving its name to this Castillian destination.
Looking for accommodation in Monasterio de la Sierra? Casa del Toro is a rural house that comes highly recommended.
And if you’d like to bring some authentic products back home, stop by Bar Puri to buy some local honey.
Castrovido
On Sunday, we walked to Castrovido, which actually belongs to Salas de los Infantes. What you don’t want to miss here is the Castrovido castle, perched at the top of a hill and next to the Hermitage (Ermita Virgen del Carmen). Crossing this tiny place inhabited by just 18 people throughout the year, you’ll notice the charasteristic conic chimneys (chimeneas serranas) from this part of Sierra de la Demanda.
Tip: if you want to actually go inside the recently restored castle in Castrovido, ask Begoña for the key in Bar Macanas.
Contreras
Have you watched the movie ‘The Good, the bad and the ugly‘ featuring Clint Eastwood? Well, whether you’re a western fan or not, you will certainly enjoy walking around the epic landscapes where Sergio Leone directed the film shooting in 1966. You can follow this itinerary to visit the original locations filmed in Contreras and other villages in the area.
Have you visited the Burgos province in Spain ? I’m eager to read your comments below!
