Castrojeriz: A Hidden Gem on the Camino de Santiago
Perched beneath a hilltop castle in the province of Burgos, Castrojeriz is one of Spain’s best-kept secrets. This small town sits along the Camino de Santiago, and it charms every visitor who passes through. Cobbled streets wind past medieval churches. Golden fields stretch out towards the horizon. Best of all, the town rarely feels crowded, even in high season.
Whether you’re walking the pilgrim route or simply exploring Castilla y León by car, Castrojeriz deserves a stop. In this guide, we’ll cover the top sights, local traditions, where to stay, and how to get there.
What to see and do
First things first: climb to the Castillo de Castrojeriz. These ninth-century castle ruins crown the hill above town. The walk up is steep, so wear good shoes. Once you reach the top, though, the views stretch for miles across the Castilian plain.
Next, head to the Colegiata de Santa María del Manzano. Construction began in 1214 under Queen Berenguela. Inside, you’ll find the Museum of Sacred Art, packed with medieval carvings and Flemish paintings. Look closely at the entrance doors, too. Four horseshoes are nailed there, tied to a local legend about Saint James’s horse.
A few kilometres outside town, the ruins of the Monastery of San Antón straddle the Camino path. Pilgrims still walk beneath its arched gateway today. The site once housed monks who treated a disease known as Saint Anthony’s Fire, and the atmospheric ruins make for a memorable photo stop.
Back in the centre, don’t miss the Church of Santo Domingo. This Gothic building now houses an interpretation centre dedicated to the Camino de Santiago. It’s a great spot to learn about the route’s history before continuing your journey.
If you’d rather explore with an expert, several companies run guided walking tours along this stretch of the Camino. These tours often sell out during peak pilgrim season, so it pays to book ahead. Buy Tickets.
Local festivals and traditions
Castrojeriz knows how to celebrate. On 17 January, the town holds the Fiesta de San Antón. Locals gather for a special mass among the monastery ruins, followed by music and a lively procession. It’s a wonderful way to see genuine village life.
Come summer, the town bursts into life again. On 25 July, the feast of Santiago combines religious celebration with the Feria del Ajo, a garlic fair. Burgos is famous for its garlic, and this festival celebrates it properly. Visitors can even learn how to string and twist garlic braids alongside local farmers.
In September, residents honour the town’s patron saint during the Fiestas de la Virgen del Manzano. Expect fireworks, traditional dances, and plenty of shared meals in the main square. If you’re travelling through Castilla y León in autumn, this festival offers a genuine taste of local culture.
Where to stay
For the best experience, base yourself along Calle Real de Oteros. This is the town’s historic main street, and it runs straight through the old quarter. You’ll be steps from the church, cafés, and pilgrim hostels alike.
Travellers who want quieter surroundings should look near the foot of the castle hill. Rooms here often come with garden views and a peaceful, rural feel. Many properties also offer traditional Castilian architecture, with thick stone walls and wooden beams.
Budget travellers walking the Camino will find several albergues scattered through town, including some housed in converted historic buildings. These fill up quickly during summer, so booking early really helps. Wherever you choose to stay, Castrojeriz offers something for every budget and style. Book Accommodation.
How to get to Castrojeriz
Castrojeriz doesn’t have its own airport, so most visitors fly into a nearby city first. Burgos Airport sits closest, roughly 50 kilometres away, though it only handles limited domestic flights. For more options, fly into Madrid-Barajas Airport instead. From there, you can rent a car or catch onward transport north. Book flights.
Trains don’t stop directly in Castrojeriz either. Instead, take a Renfe train to Burgos, which has excellent connections from Madrid and beyond. From Burgos station, you’ll need a taxi or bus to finish the journey. Check connections.
Driving offers the most flexibility. From Burgos, follow the BU-400 and N-120 roads southwest for about 45 minutes. The route passes through gentle countryside, so it’s a relaxing drive. Hiring a car also lets you explore nearby towns like Sahagún at your own pace. Hire a Car. Already in Spain? Get directions.
Buses also run to Castrojeriz from Burgos, though services are limited and timetables change seasonally. Always check schedules in advance to avoid a long wait. Buy Tickets.
However you arrive, Castrojeriz rewards the effort. Its castle, churches, and festivals make it one of the most memorable stops along the Camino de Santiago. Pack comfortable shoes, bring your appetite for garlic, and enjoy this quiet corner of Castilla y León.