Free walking tours in Medina de Rioseco and what to see

Must-sees

Medina de Rioseco is the great town of Tierra de Campos, in north-west Valladolid province, known as the City of the Admirals. Its main street, called the Rúa, keeps long wooden arcades that recall its trading past. The churches are the main draw: Santa María de Mediavilla, with the Benavente chapel, and Santiago, a Gothic hall church. The church of Santa Cruz houses the Holy Week museum.

In the Capilla de los Pasos Grandes you can see the Crucifixion and Descent from the Cross groups that are carried in procession on Good Friday. The other big chapter is the Canal de Castilla: the Ramal de Campos branch ends here in a broad dock surrounded by warehouses. Beside it, the San Antonio flour mill keeps its machinery and is open as a museum.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Medina de Rioseco. What you'll find are guided visits to the churches and museums, arranged through the tourist office, and boat trips on the Canal de Castilla from the dock. If you're coming from Valladolid, you can also do it as an independent day trip, as it's about forty minutes away by car.

How long to spend

You need a full day for the churches, the Rúa and the museums. If you add the boat trip and the flour mill, it's best to stay a night and spread it over two relaxed days. Holy Week, of International Tourist Interest, is the liveliest time, and for those dates it's best to book well in advance.

Where to stay

The best option is to stay in the centre, near the Rúa and the churches, to do everything on foot and enjoy the arcades in the evening. There's also a place or two to stay near the dock, quieter and beside the canal. The town's accommodation is limited, so Valladolid is the alternative with more choice if you can't find a room.