If you are thinking of a getaway that includes everything you would expect from rural tourism, there is no doubt that your destination has to be El Bierzo, a region with heritage, nature and a gastronomy that is worthy of the best palates. Who can resist a place like this?
El Bierzo is a region in the province of León, located in the basin of the river Sil, which provides its territory with breath-taking views. In addition, historically it has always been an area whose economic engine was the mining and iron and steel industry, which has shaped some of its landscapes.
This region is also an area of passage of the Camino de Santiago, so it will not be strange to see some pilgrims crossing the region. This is also another of the current economic sources, and around which rural accommodation has been reinvented, where inns and hotels for pilgrims predominate.
What are the places not to be missed?
Firstly, a good starting point for your trip is the capital of El Bierzo, Ponferrada, a city in the heart of the region known as the Bierzo Bajo. This city is also home to one of the most characteristic sites: the Templar Castle, which dates back to the 12th century but was enlarged four centuries later with the palace that now sits next to it too.
Villafranca del Bierzo offers a wide range of heritage sites, including the Collegiate Church of Santa María and the Castle-Palace of the Marquises of Villafranca. Others such as Vega de Espinareda, with the Monastery of San Andrés; Molinaseca, where you can enjoy the essence of Bierzo, or the beautiful town of Peñalba de Santiago, where you can enjoy a collection of slate and stone houses, that will give you a uniquely traditional experience.
As for natural areas, we recommend that you make a list because El Bierzo has many striking landscapes that you cannot miss.
One of the flagships of tourism in this area is Las Médulas, an open-air mining site that is a spectacular sight for visitors. The intense orange colour of the excavations blends with the green of the vegetation. Both on a natural and cultural level, this is one of the most important areas to visit here.
From the natural part we also highlight the Sierra de Ancares, which is a Biosphere Reserve since 2006, and has traditional villages where it is not uncommon to see pallozas in their buildings. You can also visit the archaeological remains of Castro de Chano.
Have you ever heard of the Valle del Silencio (Valley of Silence)? Regardless of the answer, this area also belongs to the Bierzo region and it is within reason since tranquillity and good views are the two main characteristics here.
If all these natural sites are not enough for you, you can also visit the Valcarce Valley, where you will find the Busmayor beech forest and the church of Santa Marina. This is an area of great ecological importance.
As for its gastronomy, did you know that El Bierzo has wines with Designation of Origin? You can't leave without trying them, although they must be accompanied by the traditional meat-stuffed intestine botillo, some peppers or one of its typical sausages: androlla.
To finish with a good taste in your mouth, the conference pear or the reinette apple are two of the natural products that El Bierzo has to offer.
You won't be able to resist visiting this region!
