The province of Burgos is full of beautiful towns that stand out for their medieval past and rich history, but beyond its best-known gems, such as Frías, Covarrubias or Santo Domingo de Silos, there are also other forgotten destinations that transport us to empty and most unknown Spain. And it won’t be because these places lack attractions. Nature, heritage and a lot of tranquility, that’s what you will find at Hontoria del Pinar, Aldea del Pinar and Palacios de la Sierrathree villages of Burgos which are the gateway to the Sierra Demand.
In these three mountain towns, you will see that it is still possible to enjoy time at a different pace and that serenity is a form of luxury. Without tourists, without stress and without haste, you will be able to enter corners that refuse to lose their most authentic character. Additionally, the three cities are located within a radius of less than 20 kilometers so they are perfect to visit on the same day.
Pinède Village
Located in the shelter of large stands of pine trees and with barely around thirty inhabitants, this town surprises with the good state of conservation of its houses built in local sandstone, cut stone and masonry. Between ancestral houses and manor houses, the walk will take you to the Plaza Mayor presided over by a fountain called the “new fountain”, to distinguish it from the “Roman fountain”, located on the outskirts of the city. Other places of interest are the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (from 1663) and the Hermitage of Angustiasone of three that this city had.
But the main attraction of this city of the Sierra of Demand is the Pozo Airón Lagoona small lagoon of karst origin, almost circular in shape and with a diameter of approximately 50 meters, surrounded by legends. Its waters are shallow, except in the central basin.
Hontoria del Pinar
Only two and a half kilometers separate Aldea del Pinar from Hontoria del Pinar, a town with fresh and cold air integrated into the Cañón del Río Lobos Natural Park. It is also the entry point to this impressive canyon with steep rock walls and vast forest areas. Among the points of interest we found are the Roman bridge, the Hermitage of San Juan and that of San Roque. In addition to spending a few hours exploring the city, you can experience Burgos cuisine, with dishes such as roast lamb and the potpourri, and of course, the famous Burgos blood sausage. And after tasting this traditional cuisine, around the town you will find marked trails for a relaxing walk between juniper trees and dense pine forests.
Sierra Palace
Known for hosting the largest necropolis in SpainIn this town of Burgos you will discover a rich history with which you can even travel back to pre-Roman times. As you stroll through its quiet streets of stone and wooden houses, you will also encounter architectural gems, such as the Church of Santa Eulalia, a Renaissance temple from the end of the 16th century who stays inside medieval steles (funeral monuments) of the necropolis of El Castillo and the Romanesque baptismal font from the 12th century. In addition, it is also a good place for interesting hiking routes through oak, pine and beech forests.
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