Free walking tours in Haza and what to see

Must-sees

Haza is a small walled village in the Burgos part of the Ribera del Duero, perched on a hill above the valley of the river Riaza. Today it has very few inhabitants, but it was the head of a Comunidad de Villa y Tierra grouping several hamlets, which explains its fortress-like look. The defences, built up over the Middle Ages, include the wall following the contours of the hill, the castle and its keep.

Built into the wall is the church of San Miguel, of Romanesque origin. On the hillside, traditional wine cellars are dug in several levels, recalling the village's long relationship with wine. The best part comes when you look out from the edge of the hill: the views over the Riaza valley and the surrounding uplands are wide and very photogenic, especially at sunset and in autumn, when the vineyards change colour.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no free walking tours in Haza, but there is one activity on offer: a visit to a Ribera del Duero winery in the municipality, with a walk through the vineyard, a tour of the winery and a tasting. The castle can be visited by arrangement with the town hall. The rest of the village takes little time to see on your own, and in Aranda de Duero you will find more guided visits and winery routes.

How long to spend

An hour or an hour and a half is enough to explore Haza, the castle and the viewpoints. With the winery visit, allow half a day. Ideally, fit it into a day in the Ribera del Duero with Roa, Peñaranda de Duero or Aranda de Duero, or add a walk through the Riaza valley if you feel like stretching your legs.

Where to stay

Accommodation in Haza is minimal, with a rural place or two in the village that let you enjoy the silence once the visitors leave. If you cannot find a room, Aranda de Duero, less than twenty kilometres away, is the option with the most hotels and restaurants. Roa and the villages of the Riaza valley also have rural houses and are a good alternative for sleeping among vineyards.