In the heart of Castile-Leon, the Province of Valladolid occupies a sprawling plain that connects Madrid with the north of Spain. It once served as the capital of the Spanish Empire and is dotted with centuries-old castles and fortifications, while it’s also one of the leading sculptural museums in Europe.
Things to do in Valladolid
Whether you’re a history buff or a keen twitcher, the Province of Valladolid won’t disappoint.
Sightsee in Valladolid. Centred around the 16th-century Plaza Mayor, Valladolid is a lively provincial capital renowned for its buzzing nightlife. Admire the imposing facade of the Valladolid Cathedral and explore the Isabelline-style Convento de San Pablo y San Gregorio before learning about the life of one of Spain’s most famous authors at the House of Cervantes. At the National Sculpture Museum, you’ll find works dating back to the Middle Ages within an ornately decorated college.
Birdwatch along the Riberas de Castronuño-Vega del Duero. Encompassing an area of moorlands and riverbanks west of Valladolid, the Reserva Natural de las Riberas de Castronuño-Vega del Duero is the only protected area in the province. It provides a habitat for tufted ducks, cormorants and peregrine falcons, as well as frogs, polecats and badgers. Elevated boardwalks wind their way through the swamplands and offer magnificent views across the River Douro.
Explore the Canal de Castilla. Constructed between 1753 and 1849 to transport wheat to Cantabrian Sea ports, this 207-kilometre-long waterway extends through the provinces of Valladolid, Palencia and Burgos. It is heritage listed and continues to irrigate dozens of municipalities, while it also supports wetlands of high ecological value. From the Mirador de San Martín de Valvení, there are elevated views across the Rio Pisuerga and the Canal de Castilla.
Getting around Valladolid
Valladolid Airport is the main aviation gateway to the Province of Valladolid and has flights to destinations across Spain. The much larger Adolfo Suarez Madrid–Barajas Airport is around two hours away. Regular trains connect to the Valladolid railway station and buses travel throughout the province.