Medieval villages, a sanctuary at 1,700 metres, valleys with prehistoric cave paintings, wine with history, and mountain cuisine. Your complete guide to one of the most charming regions of Salamanca.
The Sierra de Francia, in the south of the province of Salamanca, is a Biosphere Reserve and home to the Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park. Six of its villages are Historic-Artistic Sites, its wine holds a Protected Designation of Origin, and its cuisine features acorn-fed pork and chestnuts. Here is everything essential to enjoy it.
The roof of the region, crowned by the Sanctuary of Our Lady of La Peña de Francia — one of the highest Marian sanctuaries in the world — with its church, Dominican convent and chapels. From its viewpoint you can see almost the whole province. You drive up via a mountain road.
Six towns are Historic-Artistic Sites: La Alberca (the first ever declared in Spain, in 1940), Mogarraz — with portraits of its residents painted on house façades —, Miranda del Castañar, Sequeros, San Martín del Castañar and Villanueva del Conde. Cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and centuries of history.
At the heart of the Natural Park, this valley hides a Carmelite monastery, rock shelters with prehistoric cave paintings, and landscapes of mountains, water and silence. A spot with a reputation for magic between Salamanca and Extremadura.
The Sierra de Francia is the land of the native Rufete grape, with DOP Sierra de Salamanca status. In our 16th-century underground wine cellar you'll taste it paired with local products, learn about the winemaking tradition, and discover a secret kept for five centuries. By reservation only.
See experiencesHiking and cycling through chestnut and oak forests, rivers and viewpoints, with routes for every level within the Natural Park. The best way to discover the mountains at your own pace, with low impact.
Explore routesFar from big cities, the Sierra de Francia offers excellent dark skies for stargazing. Very close by, in El Maíllo, you can visit the new astronomical viewpoint opened by the Diputación de Salamanca.
See activitiesIberian pork cold cuts (ham, chorizo, salchichón), kid goat, suckling pig, patatas meneás and zorongollo (roasted pepper salad). And from the land: cheeses, honey, native olive oil, chestnuts, cherries and mushrooms. For dessert, leche frita (fried milk custard) or cheesecake.
The Sierra de Francia is about 70 km (just over an hour's drive) from the city of Salamanca. San Martín del Castañar, home to La Bodega Medieval, is a good starting point for exploring the region.
With 2 or 3 days you can see the main villages, climb La Peña de Francia and visit Las Batuecas at a relaxed pace. A weekend getaway works very well.
Spring and autumn are ideal (autumn brings chestnuts, mushrooms and colour). In summer, the villages' natural pools; and year-round, great nights for stargazing.
A car is highly recommended: the villages, viewpoints and trails are spread across the mountains, and public transport is limited.
About 70 km, just over an hour's drive from the city.
La Alberca, Mogarraz, Miranda del Castañar, Sequeros, San Martín del Castañar and Villanueva del Conde, the six Historic-Artistic Sites of the region.
Iberian pork cold cuts (ham, chorizo, salchichón), kid goat, suckling pig, patatas meneás, cheeses, honey, chestnuts and mushrooms; for dessert, leche frita or cheesecake.
Yes. There are family-friendly routes, natural pools, and in San Martín del Castañar a free mystery game around the village with GPS and QR codes.
Start your visit to the region in San Martín del Castañar. Address: Calle Callejina s/n, 37659, Salamanca. We open by prior reservation only.
Message us on WhatsApp at +34 623 022 323 or book on the website.
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