Two Burgos towns to see lavender fields in bloom this summer (and they're not overcrowded)

Summer is much more than just the beach and the hustle and bustle. Vacations can also be dedicated to less crowded tourism , where the countryside offers the necessary peace and quiet to escape the constant hustle and bustle. In the province of Burgos, there are two places where you can breathe fresh air and where immense lavender fields bloom between July and August, creating landscapes where you can take some of the most beautiful summer photos.

Caleruega and Cilleruelo de Arriba are the Burgos towns whose mauve landscapes amaze visitors. Surrounded by wineries and boasting an interesting heritage, the landscape of both enclaves changes completely at the end of June, as lavender begins to bloom in these fields of the Ribera del Duero and Arlanza region.

Caleruega , included in the National Network of Welcoming Villages and chosen as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in Spain , celebrates the Lavanda Fest from July 11th to 13th . The place where Santo Domingo de Guzmán was born (father in the 12th century of the Dominican Order and the reason why this village appears in Dante Alighieri's 'Divine Comedy'), organizes guided walks through the lavender fields , workshops, traditional dance and music shows (Plaza de San Sebastián), a dance session, a food truck area (Calle Santo Domingo and Parque de las Monjas) and a craft market (Plaza de Santo Domingo). All of this accompanied by the best music.

Last year, almost 5,000 people attended this event to enjoy not only the impressive views of the lavender fields, but also a land full of vineyards and good wineries , such as the cave-winery carved into the rock by the Romans in San Martín de Bañuelos , as well as essential heritage, such as the Royal Monastery of Santo Domingo de Guzmán , with its late Romanesque cloister and impressive Baroque façade, or the Torreón de los Guzmanes , a watchtower and defense tower during the times of the Reconquista (12th century) from which you can enjoy the best views of the sea of ​​​​lavender.

Cilleruelo is a small corner of the Arlanza region where lavender fields are just beginning to bloom. Here, tranquility reigns, and Aire de Arlanza , a startup recognized by the University of Burgos that is committed to boosting lavender agrotourism in the area, organizes various activities, such as guided tours of the town's Aromáticas Cynol distillery and the fields where this popular plant grows, which has given so much life to this small Burgos town.

Here, travelers can learn about the entire process, from cultivation to distillation and subsequent use. In fact, this year there will be a lavender chocolate that promises to delight even those with a sweet tooth.

On August 2nd , Aire de Arlanza, in collaboration with the Cilleruelo Town Council, will celebrate its 2nd Lavender Harvest Festival. This festival includes activities such as beer and wine tastings, yoga sessions among lavender, floral workshops, activities, free children's workshops, an open day at the distillery and at the Lagar de Santiago (local winery), and, of course, live music. There will also be a market and food trucks, with lavender fields all around, including the church of Santa María de la Torre (17th and 18th centuries) and its statue of Christ Crucified.