All of us associate the Leon province with locations such as Astorga, Ponferrada, Las Médulas, or León itself. Each of these locations has immense tourism and cultural significance, the Leon province conceals a plethora of awesome spots that lie beyond the conventional places to visit.
With the help of this post, I hope you will learn about some amazing locations in the province of León, besides the well-known ones. You may expect a journey through some of León’s most quaint villages, an unidentified forge, peaceful strolls across the countryside, and stops at historically significant sites.
*Post produced in association with Aletur.
Things to do in Leon province
Are you ready to discover the most magical places to visit in the province of Leon (Spain)? Let’s get started!
1. Riaño and its incredible natural surroundings
One of the most beautiful views of León can be found in Riaño, a municipality located in the south of the Cantabrian Mountains. In addition to being León’s gateway to the Picos de Europa, Riaño offers endless activities for the more adventurous. One of the most popular is the boat ride on the reservoir, a tour that allows you to enjoy the area nicknamed the Leonese Fjords.
Another recommended visit is Gilbo Peak. There is a 9 km circular route that takes you to the top of it, from which there are incredible views. Other places not to be missed in Riaño are the Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Rosario, the most beautiful bank in León, the Paseo del Recuerdo, and the Hazas viewpoint.
2. Las Medulas, a unique place to see in the Leon province
Las Medulas is a natural treasure that deserves the attention of any traveler exploring this beautiful region of Spain. This amazing landscape, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, is known for its hills and valleys formed by the extraction of gold in Roman times.
The most impressive thing about Las Médulas is its unique topography, created by the action of the Romans, who, in their search for gold, used a technique known as “ruina montium.”.
Today, Las Médulas offer an unparalleled visual spectacle. The reddish hills and mountains, sculpted by man centuries ago, resemble a landscape from another planet. The trails and viewpoints will allow you to enter this unique place.
Would you like to visit this incredible place with a guide? Don’t miss this guided tour of Las Medulas.
3. Ponferrada
Ponferrada is a town that will surely captivate you thanks to its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural surroundings. In the heart of the city stands the majestic Castillo de los Templarios, a medieval fortress dating back to the 12th century and towering over the Sil River. The castle offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. If you wish, you can take a guided tour of Ponferrada Castle.
Be sure to walk through Ponferrada’s old town and discover its maze of cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, and historic buildings, such as the Basilica de la Encina. In addition, the city is famous for its gastronomy, where you can taste traditional Leonese dishes in its cozy restaurants.
Other guided tours in Ponferrada:
4. Peñalba de Santiago, one of the most beautiful villages in Leon
Peñalba de Santiago is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Spain; therefore, if you make a route through León, it is highly recommended to make a stop in this charming corner of the region of El Bierzo.
The charm of Peñalba de Santiago lies in its traditional stone houses, its incredible natural environment, and its 10th-century Mozarabic church, one of the oldest in the province. Apart from taking a leisurely stroll through the village, you can also visit the Cave of San Genadio.
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5. Monastery of Santa Maria de Carracedo, a journey into the past.
If you like historical buildings, you will love the Monastery of Santa María de Carracedo. It was founded by Bermudo II of León, a former king of León, in the year 990. Throughout its history, the monastery was the victim of several reforms until it was finally abandoned. At present, the monastery is in ruins, but it is open to visitors.
If you want to visit it, you must go to the town of Carracedo del Monasterio, in the region of El Bierzo. You can visit the Monastery of Sta. Mª Catalina de Carracedo from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (between October 1 and March 31) and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (between April 1 and September 30). General admission is $3.
6. Lois and its pink marble church
Lois is a small village located in the municipality of Crémenes. It stands out for its beautiful pink marble church, known as La Catedral de la Montaña (The Cathedral of the Mountain). It is of late baroque style and was designed by Fabián de Cabezas, master builder of the cathedral of Toledo.
If you visit Lois, it is also worth visiting La Casa del Humo. It is a construction more than 200 years old, made of stone, wood, and straw, and has been awarded for being an example of sustainability.
7. Grajal de Campos, herencia renacentista
Grajal de Campos is located in the region of Tierra de Campos, next to the Valderaduey River. This small town in León, where the Camino de Santiago de Madrid meets the French Camino de Santiago, is considered a historic-artistic site. It is notable for its Renaissance heritage, formed by the Castle of Grajal de Campos, the Palace of the Counts of Grajal, and the Church of San Miguel.
8. Astorga and its incredible palace
Astorga is another of the places to visit in the province of León that you should not miss. It is a city that combines history, architecture, and culture in one place. Its Roman legacy is evident in the Roman Museum, where fascinating archaeological finds are on display. However, one of the city’s most emblematic treasures is the Episcopal Palace, a masterpiece designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi.
If you want to learn more about the history of this beautiful town in Leon, I encourage you to book this free tour of Astorga.
9. Leon city, Spain
Leon is a city that combines a rich historical heritage with a vibrant modern life. At its heart stands the majestic Cathedral of Leon, a masterpiece of the Gothic style that amazes with its stained glass windows and architectural details. If you wish, you can book a guided tour of the cathedral. Next to the cathedral is the Palacio de los Guzmanes, an impressive Renaissance building that houses the Provincial Council.
This city will surprise you thanks to its charming streets, which hide places like the Plaza Mayor or the Plaza de Santo Domingo. Sit down in one of the many bars and restaurants and enjoy the local gastronomy and the daily life of León. Do you prefer to know the most important places with a guide? I recommend this private tour of Leon.
10. Cave of Valporquero
The Valporquero Cave is a fascinating visit for nature lovers. This impressive cave, formed by the action of water over millions of years, stands out for its immense stalactites and stalagmites that create a subway world of incomparable beauty. If you visit, you can explore the different rooms of the cave, each with its own unique geological formations.
11. Herrería de Compludo, of unknown origin
Within the region of El Bierzo lies another magical place to visit in the province of León: the Herrería de Compludo, an old forge of unknown origin. In 1868, it was named a National Monument due to its antiquity and the fact that its mechanism (the Venus effect) is unique in Spain. Today, the forge is still in operation.
To reach it, you will have to take a pleasant walk along the Miruelos River. You can visit the Compludo Forge from Wednesday to Sunday between 11:00 a.m. and 14:00 p.m. or between 16:00 a.m. and 20:00 a.m.
12. Pozo Julia (Fabero), a journey through the mining profession.
If you would like to learn more about the mining industry, a very interesting visit you can make in the province of León is Pozo Julia, located in the municipality of Fabero. It is a vertical shaft 275 meters deep, built in the early 1950s.
Thanks to a tour lasting about two hours, you can discover the extreme conditions in which the miners worked for a long time.
13. San Miguel de Escalada, a monastery with a lot of history
The Monastery of San Miguel de Escalada, located about half an hour from León, is a clear example of Mozarabic architecture. It was built at the end of the 9th century over an ancient Visigothic temple, of which remains have been found. San Miguel de Escalada served as a monastery for a group of Cordovan monks led by Abbot Alfonso.
In 1886, after a series of restorations, it was declared a National Monument. The church is the only element that remains of the old monastery. It has a basilica floor plan with three naves, a transept, and a tripartite horseshoe-shaped chevet.
14. Visit Corullon, one of the best things to do in the province of Leon
Another small town in the province of León that is worth visiting is Corullón, located in the region of El Bierzo. A curious fact about this Leonese town is that, due to its proximity to Galicia, a large part of its population speaks Galician. Despite being a small town, Corullón has several attractions. One of them is the Castle of Corullón, built in the 14th century over a Roman castro and a medieval tower.
The Church of San Esteban, from the 12th century, and the Church of San Miguel, from the same century, are other essential visits in Corullón. Both are considered national monuments. Finally, do not miss the viewpoint of Corullón, from which you can observe the beautiful natural environment.
15. Castro de Chano, in the Valley of Fornela
In the valley of Fornela, you can find the Castro de Chano, a pre-Roman archaeological site dating from between the first century BC and the first century AD. There are a total of twenty constructions. It is necessary to emphasize its good state of conservation. The buildings are 4 meters high and have a thickness of 60 cm.
There is an interpretation center, thanks to which visitors can get a better idea of what life was like in the castro. There is also a restaurant, a store, and a recreation area. You can visit the Castro de Chano from Tuesday to Sunday between 11:30 and 13:30 or between 16:30 and 19:00 (from July 1 to September 30). During the rest of the year, it is necessary to arrange a visit in advance.
Map of Leon province, Spain
In the following map I have marked all the places mentioned in this article. This will make it easier for you to organize your trip through this beautiful province.
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Visit my Spain travel guide if you are going to visit other regions of the country.
Hope you enjoyed this list of the best things to do in Leon Province! If you have any questions or think I should add another corner of the province of León to this article, I encourage you to leave a comment. See you next time!
