What to See in Segura<\/strong><\/h3>\nSegura<\/a>\u00a0was born in the 13th century and thrived for 500 years thanks to the Royal Road that connected the markets of Castile with the ports of the Cantabrian Sea. This road ran through the village and, naturally, brought merchants and travelers. Later, new routes were developed\u2014less rugged and faster\u2014to connect the plateau and the sea, diminishing its importance.<\/p>\nSegura still preserves from its glorious days a peculiar urban layout (shaped like a medieval almond), numerous noble buildings, three access gates from the old walls, and an impressive church: Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Asunci\u00f3n. This church features a fortified apse, a legacy from the time when the village resembled a castle.<\/p>\n
The Calle Mayor, narrow and sloping as tradition dictates, is the town\u2019s finest showcase, with a wide array of noble buildings and mansions: the Guevara Palace with its gargoyles; the Baroque-style Balenzegi Palace; Ardixarra House, a gem with a sturdy wooden structure; and Lardizabal Palace, now the town hall, which has long been rumored to be home to a ghostly resident.<\/p>\n
What to Do Near Segura<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe San Adri\u00e1n Tunnel in the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park<\/a> is the very reason for Segura\u2019s existence: it is a spectacular mountain pass at 1,000 meters above sea level that connects Gipuzkoa with the \u00c1lava plateau. It\u2019s worth the trip to visit (by car, then walking for about an hour) to see the medieval road, a dense beech forest, and a natural cave (the aforementioned tunnel) that was once home to a handful of buildings, of which only a modest little chapel remains today.<\/p>\nSurrounded by gently sloping meadows and governed by a charming square \u2013 where the Jauregi Palace stands out with its enigmatic sun carved in stone \u2013 the village of Zerain<\/a> is another gem in the Goierri region of Gipuzkoa. It features a 16th-century prison and an interesting Ethnographic Museum that showcases objects, customs, and traditions of rural Gipuzkoa. Very close by, nestled in the folds of Mount Aizpita, lies the other great treasure: the so-called Iron Mountain with its lime kilns.<\/p>\nCarmona (Cantabria)<\/h2>\nWhat to See in Carmona<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe first thing to see in Carmona is, without a doubt, Carmona itself. That is, to contemplate its most attractive panoramic view to understand the charm of the village. The ideal way to do this is to approach the town from the Saja River valley, ascend to the pass via the CA-182 road, and, on the descent, stop at the Asomada del Ribero. That cluster of houses surrounded by a green carpet is Carmona, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain.<\/p>\n
This picturesque village, located next to the Nansa River and declared a Historic-Artistic Site, is reminiscent of an inland Santillana del Mar due to its exquisite restoration and preservation, but here everything takes on a different scale. Centuries have passed since time stood still in this corner, and everything, down to the last corn cob hanging from the wooden railings, seems to belong to the past.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no need for instructions to explore Carmona; just let yourself be guided by the smell of firewood and hearth. Soon, the immense Mier Palace will appear, the sculptural tribute to the Tudanca cow (it\u2019s not uncommon, either, to see real Tudanca cows grazing on the land near the village), along with several mansions featuring lowered arches, delicately crafted in ashlar stone.<\/p>\n
What to Do Near Carmona<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf we leave Carmona heading east, we\u2019ll reach the Cabu\u00e9rniga Valley (crossed by the aforementioned Saja River) and look for the town of Ruente. The Fuentona de Ruente is a curious spring that emerges from a grotto and turns into a rushing stream. Following its course will lead us to the famous eight-arched stone bridge. Interestingly, it\u2019s said that a anjana<\/strong>, a benevolent fairy from Cantabrian mythology, resides in the spring and regulates its flow at will.<\/p>\nIf we leave Carmona heading west, a very specific instruction for the GPS is needed: it\u2019s time to guide us to the Soplao Cave, known as the \u2018Sistine Chapel\u2019 of Cantabrian geology. This natural cave boasts an extraordinary array of unique rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and eccentric formations of all shapes, sizes, and colors.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ingreenspain.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Taramundi.png\")
<\/h2>\nTaramundi (Asturias)<\/h2>\nWhat to See in Taramundi<\/strong><\/h3>\nTaramundi<\/a>, the principal village of its namesake region, lies hidden among the mountainous folds of Asturias, near Lugo. Though it feels remote, it\u2019s only 30 kilometers from the coast. The drive from the Ribadeo estuary to this verdant haven is part of the Biosphere Reserve of R\u00edo Eo, Oscos, and Terras de Bur\u00f3n<\/a>.<\/p>\nKnown for its traditional knives and blades, Taramundi showcases this craftsmanship at the Traditional Knife Museum, home to the world\u2019s largest knife, and the Loom Museum
\nWander the village to visit the San Mart\u00edn Church, admire its tall bell tower, and explore Os Castros, a Bronze Age fortified settlement predating Roman occupation.<\/p>\n
Many people know Taramundi for its prized objects forged quite literally in this land: its distinctive knives and blades. These pieces are a true reflection of the landscape of this corner of Asturias: countless streams, creeks, and rivers that, in addition to water, provided hydraulic energy cleverly utilized by the locals. This entire history is engagingly explained in two must-visit museums: the Casa Museo de la Cuchiller\u00eda Tradicional de Taramundi, home to the world\u2019s largest knife (easy to spot, of course), and the Loom Museum, also in Taramundi.<\/p>\n
Taramundi is the perfect size for wandering aimlessly and unhurriedly, visiting the San Mart\u00edn Church with its tall bell tower, or discovering a Bronze Age curiosity: the Castro de Os Castros, a fortified settlement predating the Roman arrival on the Iberian Peninsula.<\/p>\n
What to Do Near Taramundi<\/strong><\/h3>\nA short walk of just a few minutes takes you to Mazonovo, home to the largest mill museum in Spain, featuring 19 hydraulic marvels that are still operational. Those eager for a longer walk can take on the full Ruta del Agua, a nearly 15-kilometer route.<\/p>\n
Heading up the valley, you\u2019ll soon reach Os Esqu\u00edos<\/a>, another fragment of the past that has remained practically untouched to this day. It consists of the Santo Domingo Hermitage, the small urban core, and, nearby, the Ethnographic Museum of Esqu\u00edos, which houses over a thousand antique pieces and objects that highlight the rural and cultural heritage of the area. Want more places like this? The ethnographic complex of Os Teixois<\/a>, a sort of ‘industrial park’ of the past with centuries of history, is a must-see.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ingreenspain.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/castro-caldelas-2.png\")
<\/h2>\nO Castro de Caldelas, Ourense (Galicia)<\/h2>\nWhat to See in O Castro de Caldelas<\/strong><\/h3>\nO Castro Caldelas<\/a> is one of the hidden gems of the Ribeira Sacra, which is saying a lot because this Galician region is brimming with superlatives: it boasts the highest concentration of Romanesque temples in Europe, a breathtaking river canyon (that of the Sil River), and is home to a wine appellation (D.O. Ribeira Sacra) whose wines enjoy international acclaim. And then, of course, there\u2019s O Castro de Caldelas.<\/p>\nThe Castle of the Counts of Lemos is the must-see attraction. It\u2019s impossible to miss because this 14th-century fortress, perched at the highest point, not only overlooks the village but also commands all the surrounding landscapes. No one in the Edo River Valley moves without the fortress noticing. Today, the building houses the fascinating Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum.<\/p>\n
It doesn\u2019t matter if the weather is less than ideal because O Castro de Caldelas was designed to shield walkers: narrow streets, cobblestone roads, or arcades like those in Praza da Torre provide ample shelter. Strolling along Sol and Grande streets, searching for hidden corners or visiting the Church of Santa Isabel, which marks the northern end of the village, is always a delight.<\/p>\n
d<\/span><\/p>\nWhat to Do Near O Castro de Caldelas<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf we could only visit one Romanesque monument in the Ribeira Sacra<\/a>, it might be the Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil<\/a>. Not only because of its immense artistic value but also because time and the relentless action of Galicia\u2019s humid nature have only enhanced its charm. Be sure to look for the rose window on the fa\u00e7ade, the erotic corbels, and the “armarium claustri,” where monks once stored their books during their strolls.<\/p>\nThe Sil River Canyon is such an expansive wonder that you could spend an entire day driving from viewpoint to viewpoint without losing your enthusiasm. The closest lookout to O Castro de Caldelas? The Mirador de As Penas de Matac\u00e1s. The most famous in the region? The Mirador Os Balc\u00f3ns de Madrid.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Do you want to discover cozy villages where you can connect with nature? Do you enjoy hiking and learning about the rural legacy of our ancestors? Are you looking for charming spots to impress your Instagram followers? We\u2019ve selected four enchanting villages in Green Spain, perfect for enjoying both winter and summer. Segura, Gipuzkoa (Basque…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2367,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[43,45,49,50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2385","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asturias-en","category-cantabria-en","category-euskadi-en","category-galicia-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Four Charming Villages in Spain's Green Spain that Smell of Firewood - Green Spain<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ingreenspain.es\/en\/four-charming-villages-in-spains-green-spain-that-smell-of-firewood\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Four Charming Villages in Spain's Green Spain that Smell of Firewood - Green Spain\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do you want to discover cozy villages where you can connect with nature? Do you enjoy hiking and learning about the rural legacy of our ancestors? Are you looking for charming spots to impress your Instagram followers? We\u2019ve selected four enchanting villages in Green Spain, perfect for enjoying both winter and summer. 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Do you enjoy hiking and learning about the rural legacy of our ancestors? Are you looking for charming spots to impress your Instagram followers? We\u2019ve selected four enchanting villages in Green Spain, perfect for enjoying both winter and summer. 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Segura still preserves from its glorious days a peculiar urban layout (shaped like a medieval almond), numerous noble buildings, three access gates from the old walls, and an impressive church: Nuestra Se\u00f1ora de la Asunci\u00f3n. This church features a fortified apse, a legacy from the time when the village resembled a castle.<\/p>\n
The Calle Mayor, narrow and sloping as tradition dictates, is the town\u2019s finest showcase, with a wide array of noble buildings and mansions: the Guevara Palace with its gargoyles; the Baroque-style Balenzegi Palace; Ardixarra House, a gem with a sturdy wooden structure; and Lardizabal Palace, now the town hall, which has long been rumored to be home to a ghostly resident.<\/p>\n
What to Do Near Segura<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe San Adri\u00e1n Tunnel in the Aizkorri-Aratz Natural Park<\/a> is the very reason for Segura\u2019s existence: it is a spectacular mountain pass at 1,000 meters above sea level that connects Gipuzkoa with the \u00c1lava plateau. It\u2019s worth the trip to visit (by car, then walking for about an hour) to see the medieval road, a dense beech forest, and a natural cave (the aforementioned tunnel) that was once home to a handful of buildings, of which only a modest little chapel remains today.<\/p>\nSurrounded by gently sloping meadows and governed by a charming square \u2013 where the Jauregi Palace stands out with its enigmatic sun carved in stone \u2013 the village of Zerain<\/a> is another gem in the Goierri region of Gipuzkoa. It features a 16th-century prison and an interesting Ethnographic Museum that showcases objects, customs, and traditions of rural Gipuzkoa. Very close by, nestled in the folds of Mount Aizpita, lies the other great treasure: the so-called Iron Mountain with its lime kilns.<\/p>\nCarmona (Cantabria)<\/h2>\nWhat to See in Carmona<\/strong><\/h3>\nThe first thing to see in Carmona is, without a doubt, Carmona itself. That is, to contemplate its most attractive panoramic view to understand the charm of the village. The ideal way to do this is to approach the town from the Saja River valley, ascend to the pass via the CA-182 road, and, on the descent, stop at the Asomada del Ribero. That cluster of houses surrounded by a green carpet is Carmona, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain.<\/p>\n
This picturesque village, located next to the Nansa River and declared a Historic-Artistic Site, is reminiscent of an inland Santillana del Mar due to its exquisite restoration and preservation, but here everything takes on a different scale. Centuries have passed since time stood still in this corner, and everything, down to the last corn cob hanging from the wooden railings, seems to belong to the past.<\/p>\n
There\u2019s no need for instructions to explore Carmona; just let yourself be guided by the smell of firewood and hearth. Soon, the immense Mier Palace will appear, the sculptural tribute to the Tudanca cow (it\u2019s not uncommon, either, to see real Tudanca cows grazing on the land near the village), along with several mansions featuring lowered arches, delicately crafted in ashlar stone.<\/p>\n
What to Do Near Carmona<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf we leave Carmona heading east, we\u2019ll reach the Cabu\u00e9rniga Valley (crossed by the aforementioned Saja River) and look for the town of Ruente. The Fuentona de Ruente is a curious spring that emerges from a grotto and turns into a rushing stream. Following its course will lead us to the famous eight-arched stone bridge. Interestingly, it\u2019s said that a anjana<\/strong>, a benevolent fairy from Cantabrian mythology, resides in the spring and regulates its flow at will.<\/p>\nIf we leave Carmona heading west, a very specific instruction for the GPS is needed: it\u2019s time to guide us to the Soplao Cave, known as the \u2018Sistine Chapel\u2019 of Cantabrian geology. This natural cave boasts an extraordinary array of unique rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and eccentric formations of all shapes, sizes, and colors.<\/p>\n
<\/h2>\nTaramundi (Asturias)<\/h2>\nWhat to See in Taramundi<\/strong><\/h3>\nTaramundi<\/a>, the principal village of its namesake region, lies hidden among the mountainous folds of Asturias, near Lugo. Though it feels remote, it\u2019s only 30 kilometers from the coast. The drive from the Ribadeo estuary to this verdant haven is part of the Biosphere Reserve of R\u00edo Eo, Oscos, and Terras de Bur\u00f3n<\/a>.<\/p>\nKnown for its traditional knives and blades, Taramundi showcases this craftsmanship at the Traditional Knife Museum, home to the world\u2019s largest knife, and the Loom Museum
\nWander the village to visit the San Mart\u00edn Church, admire its tall bell tower, and explore Os Castros, a Bronze Age fortified settlement predating Roman occupation.<\/p>\n
Many people know Taramundi for its prized objects forged quite literally in this land: its distinctive knives and blades. These pieces are a true reflection of the landscape of this corner of Asturias: countless streams, creeks, and rivers that, in addition to water, provided hydraulic energy cleverly utilized by the locals. This entire history is engagingly explained in two must-visit museums: the Casa Museo de la Cuchiller\u00eda Tradicional de Taramundi, home to the world\u2019s largest knife (easy to spot, of course), and the Loom Museum, also in Taramundi.<\/p>\n
Taramundi is the perfect size for wandering aimlessly and unhurriedly, visiting the San Mart\u00edn Church with its tall bell tower, or discovering a Bronze Age curiosity: the Castro de Os Castros, a fortified settlement predating the Roman arrival on the Iberian Peninsula.<\/p>\n
What to Do Near Taramundi<\/strong><\/h3>\nA short walk of just a few minutes takes you to Mazonovo, home to the largest mill museum in Spain, featuring 19 hydraulic marvels that are still operational. Those eager for a longer walk can take on the full Ruta del Agua, a nearly 15-kilometer route.<\/p>\n
Heading up the valley, you\u2019ll soon reach Os Esqu\u00edos<\/a>, another fragment of the past that has remained practically untouched to this day. It consists of the Santo Domingo Hermitage, the small urban core, and, nearby, the Ethnographic Museum of Esqu\u00edos, which houses over a thousand antique pieces and objects that highlight the rural and cultural heritage of the area. Want more places like this? The ethnographic complex of Os Teixois<\/a>, a sort of ‘industrial park’ of the past with centuries of history, is a must-see.<\/p>\n<\/h2>\nO Castro de Caldelas, Ourense (Galicia)<\/h2>\nWhat to See in O Castro de Caldelas<\/strong><\/h3>\nO Castro Caldelas<\/a> is one of the hidden gems of the Ribeira Sacra, which is saying a lot because this Galician region is brimming with superlatives: it boasts the highest concentration of Romanesque temples in Europe, a breathtaking river canyon (that of the Sil River), and is home to a wine appellation (D.O. Ribeira Sacra) whose wines enjoy international acclaim. And then, of course, there\u2019s O Castro de Caldelas.<\/p>\nThe Castle of the Counts of Lemos is the must-see attraction. It\u2019s impossible to miss because this 14th-century fortress, perched at the highest point, not only overlooks the village but also commands all the surrounding landscapes. No one in the Edo River Valley moves without the fortress noticing. Today, the building houses the fascinating Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum.<\/p>\n
It doesn\u2019t matter if the weather is less than ideal because O Castro de Caldelas was designed to shield walkers: narrow streets, cobblestone roads, or arcades like those in Praza da Torre provide ample shelter. Strolling along Sol and Grande streets, searching for hidden corners or visiting the Church of Santa Isabel, which marks the northern end of the village, is always a delight.<\/p>\n
d<\/span><\/p>\nWhat to Do Near O Castro de Caldelas<\/strong><\/h3>\nIf we could only visit one Romanesque monument in the Ribeira Sacra<\/a>, it might be the Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil<\/a>. Not only because of its immense artistic value but also because time and the relentless action of Galicia\u2019s humid nature have only enhanced its charm. Be sure to look for the rose window on the fa\u00e7ade, the erotic corbels, and the “armarium claustri,” where monks once stored their books during their strolls.<\/p>\nThe Sil River Canyon is such an expansive wonder that you could spend an entire day driving from viewpoint to viewpoint without losing your enthusiasm. The closest lookout to O Castro de Caldelas? The Mirador de As Penas de Matac\u00e1s. The most famous in the region? The Mirador Os Balc\u00f3ns de Madrid.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Do you want to discover cozy villages where you can connect with nature? Do you enjoy hiking and learning about the rural legacy of our ancestors? Are you looking for charming spots to impress your Instagram followers? We\u2019ve selected four enchanting villages in Green Spain, perfect for enjoying both winter and summer. Segura, Gipuzkoa (Basque…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2367,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[43,45,49,50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2385","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asturias-en","category-cantabria-en","category-euskadi-en","category-galicia-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
Four Charming Villages in Spain's Green Spain that Smell of Firewood - Green Spain<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/ingreenspain.es\/en\/four-charming-villages-in-spains-green-spain-that-smell-of-firewood\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Four Charming Villages in Spain's Green Spain that Smell of Firewood - Green Spain\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Do you want to discover cozy villages where you can connect with nature? Do you enjoy hiking and learning about the rural legacy of our ancestors? Are you looking for charming spots to impress your Instagram followers? We\u2019ve selected four enchanting villages in Green Spain, perfect for enjoying both winter and summer. Segura, Gipuzkoa (Basque...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/ingreenspain.es\/en\/four-charming-villages-in-spains-green-spain-that-smell-of-firewood\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Green Spain\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/InGreenSpain\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-01-14T15:33:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-01-14T16:09:09+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/ingreenspain.es\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Castro-caldelas.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"admin\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ingreenspain.es\\\/en\\\/four-charming-villages-in-spains-green-spain-that-smell-of-firewood\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ingreenspain.es\\\/en\\\/four-charming-villages-in-spains-green-spain-that-smell-of-firewood\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"admin\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ingreenspain.es\\\/en\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/7f2342fb4822b27fc17b63c938915742\"},\"headline\":\"Four Charming Villages in Spain’s Green Spain that Smell of Firewood\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-14T15:33:50+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-01-14T16:09:09+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ingreenspain.es\\\/en\\\/four-charming-villages-in-spains-green-spain-that-smell-of-firewood\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1516,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ingreenspain.es\\\/en\\\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ingreenspain.es\\\/en\\\/four-charming-villages-in-spains-green-spain-that-smell-of-firewood\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ingreenspain.es\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/01\\\/Castro-caldelas.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Asturias\",\"Cantabria\",\"Euskadi\",\"Galicia\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/ingreenspain.es\\\/en\\\/four-charming-villages-in-spains-green-spain-that-smell-of-firewood\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ingreenspain.es\\\/en\\\/four-charming-villages-in-spains-green-spain-that-smell-of-firewood\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/ingreenspain.es\\\/en\\\/four-charming-villages-in-spains-green-spain-that-smell-of-firewood\\\/\",\"name\":\"Four Charming Villages in Spain's Green Spain that Smell of Firewood - 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Surrounded by gently sloping meadows and governed by a charming square \u2013 where the Jauregi Palace stands out with its enigmatic sun carved in stone \u2013 the village of Zerain<\/a> is another gem in the Goierri region of Gipuzkoa. It features a 16th-century prison and an interesting Ethnographic Museum that showcases objects, customs, and traditions of rural Gipuzkoa. Very close by, nestled in the folds of Mount Aizpita, lies the other great treasure: the so-called Iron Mountain with its lime kilns.<\/p>\n The first thing to see in Carmona is, without a doubt, Carmona itself. That is, to contemplate its most attractive panoramic view to understand the charm of the village. The ideal way to do this is to approach the town from the Saja River valley, ascend to the pass via the CA-182 road, and, on the descent, stop at the Asomada del Ribero. That cluster of houses surrounded by a green carpet is Carmona, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain.<\/p>\n This picturesque village, located next to the Nansa River and declared a Historic-Artistic Site, is reminiscent of an inland Santillana del Mar due to its exquisite restoration and preservation, but here everything takes on a different scale. Centuries have passed since time stood still in this corner, and everything, down to the last corn cob hanging from the wooden railings, seems to belong to the past.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no need for instructions to explore Carmona; just let yourself be guided by the smell of firewood and hearth. Soon, the immense Mier Palace will appear, the sculptural tribute to the Tudanca cow (it\u2019s not uncommon, either, to see real Tudanca cows grazing on the land near the village), along with several mansions featuring lowered arches, delicately crafted in ashlar stone.<\/p>\n If we leave Carmona heading east, we\u2019ll reach the Cabu\u00e9rniga Valley (crossed by the aforementioned Saja River) and look for the town of Ruente. The Fuentona de Ruente is a curious spring that emerges from a grotto and turns into a rushing stream. Following its course will lead us to the famous eight-arched stone bridge. Interestingly, it\u2019s said that a anjana<\/strong>, a benevolent fairy from Cantabrian mythology, resides in the spring and regulates its flow at will.<\/p>\n If we leave Carmona heading west, a very specific instruction for the GPS is needed: it\u2019s time to guide us to the Soplao Cave, known as the \u2018Sistine Chapel\u2019 of Cantabrian geology. This natural cave boasts an extraordinary array of unique rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and eccentric formations of all shapes, sizes, and colors.<\/p>\n Taramundi<\/a>, the principal village of its namesake region, lies hidden among the mountainous folds of Asturias, near Lugo. Though it feels remote, it\u2019s only 30 kilometers from the coast. The drive from the Ribadeo estuary to this verdant haven is part of the Biosphere Reserve of R\u00edo Eo, Oscos, and Terras de Bur\u00f3n<\/a>.<\/p>\n Known for its traditional knives and blades, Taramundi showcases this craftsmanship at the Traditional Knife Museum, home to the world\u2019s largest knife, and the Loom Museum Many people know Taramundi for its prized objects forged quite literally in this land: its distinctive knives and blades. These pieces are a true reflection of the landscape of this corner of Asturias: countless streams, creeks, and rivers that, in addition to water, provided hydraulic energy cleverly utilized by the locals. This entire history is engagingly explained in two must-visit museums: the Casa Museo de la Cuchiller\u00eda Tradicional de Taramundi, home to the world\u2019s largest knife (easy to spot, of course), and the Loom Museum, also in Taramundi.<\/p>\n Taramundi is the perfect size for wandering aimlessly and unhurriedly, visiting the San Mart\u00edn Church with its tall bell tower, or discovering a Bronze Age curiosity: the Castro de Os Castros, a fortified settlement predating the Roman arrival on the Iberian Peninsula.<\/p>\n A short walk of just a few minutes takes you to Mazonovo, home to the largest mill museum in Spain, featuring 19 hydraulic marvels that are still operational. Those eager for a longer walk can take on the full Ruta del Agua, a nearly 15-kilometer route.<\/p>\n Heading up the valley, you\u2019ll soon reach Os Esqu\u00edos<\/a>, another fragment of the past that has remained practically untouched to this day. It consists of the Santo Domingo Hermitage, the small urban core, and, nearby, the Ethnographic Museum of Esqu\u00edos, which houses over a thousand antique pieces and objects that highlight the rural and cultural heritage of the area. Want more places like this? The ethnographic complex of Os Teixois<\/a>, a sort of ‘industrial park’ of the past with centuries of history, is a must-see.<\/p>\n O Castro Caldelas<\/a> is one of the hidden gems of the Ribeira Sacra, which is saying a lot because this Galician region is brimming with superlatives: it boasts the highest concentration of Romanesque temples in Europe, a breathtaking river canyon (that of the Sil River), and is home to a wine appellation (D.O. Ribeira Sacra) whose wines enjoy international acclaim. And then, of course, there\u2019s O Castro de Caldelas.<\/p>\n The Castle of the Counts of Lemos is the must-see attraction. It\u2019s impossible to miss because this 14th-century fortress, perched at the highest point, not only overlooks the village but also commands all the surrounding landscapes. No one in the Edo River Valley moves without the fortress noticing. Today, the building houses the fascinating Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum.<\/p>\n It doesn\u2019t matter if the weather is less than ideal because O Castro de Caldelas was designed to shield walkers: narrow streets, cobblestone roads, or arcades like those in Praza da Torre provide ample shelter. Strolling along Sol and Grande streets, searching for hidden corners or visiting the Church of Santa Isabel, which marks the northern end of the village, is always a delight.<\/p>\n d<\/span><\/p>\n If we could only visit one Romanesque monument in the Ribeira Sacra<\/a>, it might be the Monastery of Santa Cristina de Ribas de Sil<\/a>. Not only because of its immense artistic value but also because time and the relentless action of Galicia\u2019s humid nature have only enhanced its charm. Be sure to look for the rose window on the fa\u00e7ade, the erotic corbels, and the “armarium claustri,” where monks once stored their books during their strolls.<\/p>\n The Sil River Canyon is such an expansive wonder that you could spend an entire day driving from viewpoint to viewpoint without losing your enthusiasm. The closest lookout to O Castro de Caldelas? The Mirador de As Penas de Matac\u00e1s. The most famous in the region? The Mirador Os Balc\u00f3ns de Madrid.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Do you want to discover cozy villages where you can connect with nature? Do you enjoy hiking and learning about the rural legacy of our ancestors? Are you looking for charming spots to impress your Instagram followers? We\u2019ve selected four enchanting villages in Green Spain, perfect for enjoying both winter and summer. Segura, Gipuzkoa (Basque…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2367,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[43,45,49,50],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2385","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-asturias-en","category-cantabria-en","category-euskadi-en","category-galicia-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nCarmona (Cantabria)<\/h2>\n
What to See in Carmona<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What to Do Near Carmona<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/h2>\nTaramundi (Asturias)<\/h2>\n
What to See in Taramundi<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nWander the village to visit the San Mart\u00edn Church, admire its tall bell tower, and explore Os Castros, a Bronze Age fortified settlement predating Roman occupation.<\/p>\nWhat to Do Near Taramundi<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/h2>\nO Castro de Caldelas, Ourense (Galicia)<\/h2>\n
What to See in O Castro de Caldelas<\/strong><\/h3>\n
What to Do Near O Castro de Caldelas<\/strong><\/h3>\n