Hidden Gem in Spain: Discover the Beauty of Soria Province

Spain is a popular vacation destination. While the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula is heavily trafficked by tourists, the northern part of the country still has many places that remain relatively unknown. That likely includes the province of Soria in the Autonomous Community of Castile and León.

However, the region in northwestern Spain is a worthwhile travel destination. Some of the landscapes in Soria are even reputed by Spanish media to be among the most beautiful in the country. The travel bettercities.net presents you with nine sites and attractions that you should see.

Soria Ciudad is the capital of the province of the same name. Located in the east on the banks of the Douro, it can roughly be positioned between Zaragoza (about 112 miles away) and Burgos (around 93 miles away).

In Soria, you should explore the historic old town, characterized by narrow streets, picturesque squares, and ancient buildings: The attractions include the Romanesque church San Juan de Rabanera and the Plaza Mayor, the city's central square. Especially noteworthy is the Palace of the Counts of Gómara.

You can enjoy a beautiful view of the river landscape and the city from the viewpoint Mirador de los cuatro vientos. The platform is located next to a medieval parish church on the Mirón Hill overlooking the city.

On November 1st, the city also celebrates the Fiesta de las Ánimas (the Festival of Souls). In the local vernacular, the Christian festival celebrated on November 2nd is also known as Día de Muertos. In Germany, it's called All Souls' Day. On this Catholic Church commemoration day, believers pray for the souls of the departed.

In Spain, this is accompanied by grand celebrations: For instance, on October 31st in Soria, a parade featuring stilt walkers, Templars, medieval banners, and skeletons marches through the city center-followed by a crowd of people. As part of the festival, there are performances, literary contests, and escape room events. In March 2023, the Fiesta de las Ánimas was even declared a 'Festival of Regional Tourist Interest'.

The city is a good starting point to explore the secrets of the landscape and surrounding areas. You can stay in various hotels, Casa rurales (country vacation homes), budget guesthouses known as hostals, or at campsites in the vicinity.

Only about four miles from Soria are the ruins of the ancient city Numantia. This archaeological site was once a Celtiberian settlement and was later conquered by the Romans. It is regarded as a 'symbol of resistance' and is also dubbed the 'City of Heroes'.

Numantia sits atop La Muela de Garray hill. Among other things, you can visit the remains of the city walls and the theater while enjoying a view over the vast plains.

The name sounds like something out of a fantasy novel. And just as fantastic is La Laguna Negra, around which numerous legends swirl, in reality: The mystical mountain lake is a popular excursion destination and is located high up in the Picos de Urbión.

This mountain range rises to a height of 7,313 feet and hosts several glacial lagoons. According to the local association Clubrural, the Black Lagoon is the most outstanding: Surrounded by dense forests, steep cliffs, and granite walls, the mountain lake offers a spectacular setting for nature observation (emerald lizards, birds, deer, wild boars) and hiking.

For example, the ten-kilometer hiking route Pico de Urbión begins at the last parking lot to the Black Lagoon. It leads through pine forests and over highland meadows to the peak of the same name, also passing the Laguna Larga and the source of the Duero.

The Río Lobos Canyon Nature Park is a nature reserve with a deep canyon, dense forests, and diverse wildlife. It stretches in the western part of the province of Soria, near the border with Burgos. According to the Foundation Patrimonio Natural de Castilla y León, the Nature Park was one of the first protected areas in Castile and León. Today it is considered one of the most beautiful landscapes in Spain.

Along the Río Lobos, which is also called Río Ucero, there are various hiking trails. They lead to spectacular viewpoints, such as the Cistercian hermitage San Bartolomé from the early 13th century.

From the parking lot next to the Casa del Parque del Cañón del Río Lobos in the town of Ucero, an 8.5-kilometer hiking route also begins. The 'medium difficulty' Gullurías Trail is named after a small bird, the woodlark, which you might even encounter along the way. Great views, however, are guaranteed!

On the tour, you will be offered an impressive view of the medieval Castle of Ucero that rises at the entrance of the national mountain. From the viewpoint Mirador de las Gullurías, you're finally greeted with a breathtaking view over the canyon: In it, 656 feet high limestone walls rise vertically. At the bottom of the canyon, the path runs parallel to the Río Lobos, passing places like Valdecea, Cuevafría, and Fuenteengómez.

In the heart of the nature park, directly at the Río Lobos, there's a campsite with bungalows and pitches from which you can embark on excursions into nature.

Not far from the town of Ucero is the next largest town, El Burgo de Osma. This small, narrow-streeted town is an absolute must-see. It is known for its well-preserved Romanesque architecture. Stroll along the old medieval walls, the Murallas, and cross the Puente de La Matilla o Puente Viejo bridge. It crosses the Río Ucero or Río Lobos. From the other shore, you can view the picturesque silhouette of the charming town.

The Cathedral of Burgo de Osma is particularly striking. It is regarded as an impressive example of Gothic architecture. At the foot of the cathedral rises a large baroque tower. It was constructed in the mid-18th century by José de la Calle and shapes the city's skyline.

You can take self-guided tours (from 5 euros) through the cathedral or book a guided tour (7 euros). With the latter, you can also visit the chapter room, which holds the tomb of Saint Peter of Osma.

Above the city, on a hill between the small rivers Ucero and Abión, sits the ruin of the Castillo de Osma. Admission is free.

In the west of Soria lies the Sabinar de Calatañazor Nature Reserve. It belongs to the municipality of Calatañazor and comprises the densest juniper grove in Europe. The grove in the area known as Dehesa del Carrillo even boasts being one of the best-preserved juniper forests in the world. Its name comes from the so-called Sabina albar, the Spanish name for the tree, a remnant from the Tertiary period.

Some juniper trees grow in bizarre shapes, and others are nearly 2,000 years old. Some reach heights of 46 feet. Although this might not sound very tall, for a juniper, this height is quite significant. Some specimens also have a trunk diameter of more than 16 feet.

The juniper trees provide a habitat and refuge for various animals and plants. For example, bats, dormice, or tawny owls feel at home in the grove.

A hiking route allows you to walk through the grove to the Fuentona de Muriel natural landmark.

In the municipality of Cabrejas del Pinar, you will encounter the very clean and spring-fed Lagoon La Fuentona. Legends of water nymphs and elemental spirits surround the clear, green shimmering natural site.

The Abión River, which flows into the Ucero or Río Lobos, originates in the 164-feet deep spring pot. The natural pond is a crucial resource, as it irrigates the fertile plains of Tierra del Burgo with their orchards.

The natural landmark is less than a kilometer from the town of Muriel de la Fuente and can be visited on a pleasant walk along the river. After rainfall, you can even admire a small waterfall nearby.

Near the Juniper Grove lies the medieval town of Calatañazor: It is characterized by cobblestone streets that open up to folk-style half-timbered houses with arcades made from adobe bricks and thick beams of hard juniper wood.

The location of the city is also remarkably impressive: Calatañazor is situated on a canyon, with the silhouette of the castle towering above it. From its top, you have an excellent view of the city's roofs, the plain, and the canyon.

No visit to the province of Soria would be complete without a stop at the castle of Gormaz, particularly if you're looking to spend a quiet vacation away from the hustle and bustle.

The Caliphate fortress, as the Arabic-origin castle is also known, has a perimeter of 3,937 feet. Twenty-eight towers shape the impressive silhouette of the monument, which has been a national cultural heritage site since 1931.

From the castle, there are numerous spectacular views of Soria's landscape, which are particularly magical at sunset. Legend has it that this impressive fortress was guarded by the legendary Spanish national hero El Cid Campeador. The Castilian mercenary lived in the 11th century during the Reconquista period. His real name was Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar. Because of his deeds, the knight became a legend, as documented by writings like the Old Spanish epic 'El Cantar de Mio Cid', which also mentions the castle.

The ruins above the village of Gormaz are constantly accessible and free of charge. The village is approximately 43 miles from Soria City. It's situated on the Río Douro and even offers a Casa Rural and a two-star hotel.

Looking for more inspiration? Find tips for all top travel destinations at bettercities.net.