Free walking tours in Tiedra and what to see

Must-sees

Tiedra sits high in the Montes Torozos, in the south-west of Valladolid province, and from its hills you look out over a vast plain of cereal fields. The castle, built in the 13th century and restored, is the main visit: climbing the keep lets you see the Castilian fields in every direction. In the village, the Plaza Mayor, with arcades of arches and columns, and its three churches stand out.

In summer Tiedra has become known for its lavender fields, which turn the surroundings purple and have an interpretation centre on growing and distilling it. On the outskirts are the hermitage of Nuestra Señora de Tiedra Vieja, built on a Vaccaean and Roman site, and an archaeology room with finds from there. The area's clear skies have given rise to an astronomy centre with telescopes and a planetarium.

Free tours and guided visits

Tiedra has no free walking tours, but there are several guided activities. There are guided visits of the castle and village, tours of the lavender fields explaining the growing and the distillery, and a beekeeping experience where you learn about working with bees. At night, the astronomy centre runs stargazing sessions with astronomers.

How long to spend

Three or four hours are enough for the castle, the square and the hermitage. If you come in lavender season and want to add the fields or the bee experience, allow a whole day. With a night you can round off with stargazing, one of the most unusual plans in the area.

Where to stay

Tiedra has a rural house or two and small places to stay, which fill quickly when the lavender is in flower. Book ahead if you want to sleep in the village and take part in the night-time astronomy session. Alternatively, Urueña and Mota del Marqués are close, and Toro or Tordesillas have much more choice about thirty minutes away by car.