Within the province of León is the municipality of Boñar which is a very tranquil destination, perfect for enjoying some rural tourism and its surroundings where you’ll find some spectacular nature and, in its town centre, some traditional architecture that’s worth getting to know.
This town is just over 50km from the capital which is why it’s perfect to spend a few days away from the hustle and bustle of Madrid and with the possibility of getting to know nearby towns that are also part of the region.
Boñar literally means warm water, which most likely comes from the community it’s situated in as the Porma river passes through whose waters were used as therapeutic baths like the hot springs in San Adrián.
It’s map is full of authentic gems you don’t want to miss like the Mampodre Natural Reserve, which is the natural habitat for a lot of animal species such as different types of deer that you can visit through the various hiking routes on offer.
In terms of the territorial distribution the municipality is made up of a total of 19 centres which combined make up a total of 1,800 habitants that get the pleasure of enjoying a spectacular patrimony every day.
What is there to see? There are a lot of points of interest and in this specific destination you’ll be able to enjoy a culture and history in any part of its territory.
In terms of the religious patrimony, without a doubt the San Pedro de Boñar church stands out. It was built in the 17th century and beside it the Maragato can be found, a human sized figure made from wood next to the bells, so it looks as though the figure is ringing them.
Another religious reference is the San Roque hermitage that will give you a warm welcome to the town as it’s right beside the entrance.
If we talk about the culture tied to water, we’ll find ourselves with some very important fountains: El Caño beside the church and Las Caldas which have medicinal mineral properties from the roman ages and reach temperatures of over 20 degrees Celsius. Another important one with properties is the Fuente de la Salud.
If you’re going to the natural spaces, you’ll find two different enclaves where you can enjoy the landscapes. One of them is the Puente Viejo (old bridge) with water from the Porma river while another is the Sillería de Pontón from the Arbejal stream which is located in the centre of the town where you’ll also find the town council building.
What is there to do with kids? One of the best plans to do with the little ones that will also allow you to explore the surroundings is to do the Ruta del Agua, an easy trail for everyone where you can immerse yourself in the landscape. One of the most enjoyable routes is the Huellas de las Xanas, a themed path that explains part of the mythology from León adorned with magic legends.
When do the festivities take place? If you want to live the folklore first hand, there’s nothing like doing it during one of their three festive periods: San Pedro Apóstol in June, Sam Roque in mid-August and the Feria del Pilar in October where you can enjoy one of their most precious goods: the Jota (traditional genre of Spanish music).
To have a completely stress-free experience, rent an accommodation in the area. There are lots of different types available: Cabins, homes with traditional orchards or holiday cottages to rent in Caldas de Boñar to relax in.
