The ultimate guide to Burgos: what to see to understand and enjoy the region

A visit to this province of Castile and León feels like travelling back in time. A fascinating historical heritage, astonishing natural landscapes, and comforting foods and wines await those who visit Burgos.

Ordunte reservoir in the Mena Valley. | Shutterstock

Fascinating Spain

Updated: 19/11/25 | 15:04 | Read time: 7 min.

Burgos is one of the nine provinces in Castile and León. Besides, it is the second most populated province, only behind Valladolid. However, its charm does not lie here; it is bordered by Cantabria and the Basque Country to the north, two communities that also stand out for their natural beauty and their delicious gastronomy. From historical heritage to green landscapes and good food, everything can be found in Burgos. Come with us to discover some of Burgos’ jewels.

The wonders of Burgos to experience at least once in life

Clunia, Burgos’ Roman city

We all have heard of Mérida’s imposing and majestic Roman Theatre. A Roman city that was even more important than the popular Emerita Augusta sits only 90 kilometres from Burgos’ capital: Cunia. This Roman settlement, once inhabited by the Celtic tribe Arevaci, is one of the most important in Spain. Remains of civil buildings, such as public baths, the forum, and the theatre, have been recovered, but so has domestic architecture, composed of mosaics and furniture of great value. To visit Clunia is to travel back in time to explore it and learn from it. Both adults and children will enjoy the museumisation of this archaeological settlement of great historical value.

Lerma, a Site of Cultural Interest

Lerma and the collegiate church of San Pedro. | Shutterstock

40 kilometres from the city of Burgos sits Lerma, a municipality that is a Bien de Interés Cultural (Site of Cultural Interest) and a Conjunto histórico (Historical Complex). Its majestic collegiate church of San Pedro can be seen from the road and reminds of a cathedral. There are diverse convents in Lerma thanks to the place’s importance for monastic orders during the Middle Ages. This place near Burgos is perfect to discover one of the most beautiful villages in Spain with family or a single partner.

Salas de los Infantes, perfect for the whole family

Church of Santa María in Salas de los Infantes. | Shutterstock

Everybody knows that Burgos is the province with one of the most important archaeological sites in the country: Atapuerca. However, Salas de los Infantes, a municipality that sits only 56 kilometres from the capital, also has great historical value. This village sits in a very important paleontological area, so it has a Museo de los Dinosaurios (Dinosaur Museum). This institution organises plenty of activities for children to discover the history of dinosaurs in the Peninsula, so this plan in Burgos is perfect for the whole family. There are many other examples of historical and architectural heritage that deserve a visit, such as the churches of Santa María and Santa Cecilia.

Routes and nature in the province of Burgos

The legendary Camino del Cid

Statue of El Cid in Burgos. | Shutterstock

This long path begins or ends in Burgos. It is based on the figure of Rodrigo Díaz, El Cid, as the famous literary work El Cantar de mio Cid tells. Although it is more than 2000 km, hiking and nature lovers will enjoy discovering the places where this famous Castilian hero is believed to have been. It can be completed by bicycle or motorcycle too and passes by emblematic places such as Vivar del Cid and Covarrubias, 10 and 40 kilometres from the capital, respectively. In the former, a singular Norwegian church awaits and stands out among the Romanesque and medieval heritage of the area.

The Mena Valley, an oasis of calm and greenery

Those looking for calm and disconnection will find it in the Mena Valley. This area is composed of numerous municipalities and sits 100 kilometres away from the capital as an oasis in the province of Burgos. It is perfect for staying in a country hotel with family, a partner, or solo. Besides, it offers possibilities for every taste: hiking routes, outdoor sports, natural and architectural monuments…

In conclusion, many wonders to cater to every taste await in the province of Burgos. Each corner of this region is unique, and no matter where you look, you will find its three main pillars: its heritage, its nature, and the kindness of its people. Even if you are just passing by Burgos, you should stop and enjoy everything it has to offer.

The gastronomy of Burgos, a must to enjoy the province

Burgos is well known for its comforting food, and there is a reason why it is so popular. Its hot dishes are the core element of its cuisine, composed of humble but nutritious ingredients. Olla podrida is the best example, a simple (but full of flavour) stew of beans, meats, and the popular morcilla, a sausage of blood, onion, rice and lard.

Meats and game meats are also an important part of Burgos’ gastronomy, with roasted lechazo (suckling lamb) and cochinillo (suckling pig) being probably the most popular choices. But its cheeses are also worth a mention, particularly its most recognised cheese: queso de Burgos, usually prepared with a mixture of sheep and cow milk, characterised by its soft texture.

But Burgos gastronomy goes beyond main dishes, and the province offers white, red and rosé wines that have earned a denominación de origen: the Ribera del Duero. 60 municipalities in Burgos belong to this D.O. But there are two other drinks with D.O. in this province: Ribera de Arlanza wines and cava.

Every good meal deserves a good dessert, and Burgos’ gastronomy has many of them. Chevaliers, perrunillas, canelitos del cid… There is a sweet in Burgos to cater to every taste.