Fiestas de San Antolín
Palencia's main festival in early September honouring the city's patron San Antolín. Over ten days of concerts, folklore, sport and popular events, rooted in a medieval fair.
PlizioGo
Slow-roasted suckling lamb in wood-fired ovens, best enjoyed in traditional 'asadores' in the old town.
A unique vegetable stew where some ingredients are breaded and fried, available in local restaurants near the center.
Typical local sweets available in bakeries around Calle Mayor, excellent for a mid-day snack.
The main shopping artery where you can find both international brands and local specialty shops.
A beautiful early 20th-century market building, good for buying local cheeses, wines, and cured meats.
A peaceful park containing the San Juan de Baños church, moved here stone by stone to save it from flooding.
A large green island formed by the Carrión river, featuring parks, a golf course, and quiet walking paths.
Water temperature…
Palencia is the capital of its eponymous province in the autonomous community of Castile and León, located in north-central Spain. Situated on the banks of the Carrión River, the city’s history extends back to the pre-Roman era of the Vaccaei people. During the Middle Ages, Palencia rose to prominence as a key political and religious center, and in 1212, it became the site of Spain's first university, the Studium Generale. The city's architectural crown jewel is the Cathedral of San Antolín, often called "the Unknown Beauty" because its modest exterior belies an exceptionally ornate interior. Measuring 130 meters in length, it is one of the largest cathedrals in Spain and houses significant masterpieces by artists such as El Greco. Dominating the skyline is the Cristo del Otero, a colossal statue of Christ by sculptor Victorio Macho, which stands over 20 meters tall, making it one of the tallest of its kind globally. Today, Palencia is known for being a peaceful, green city with extensive parklands and a high standard of living.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 3 | 4 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 21 | 17 | 13 | 7 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 48 | 35 | 45 | 56 | 47 | 35 | 18 | 16 | 28 | 63 | 56 | 45 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your day on the bustling Calle Mayor. Spend the morning exploring the city's Gothic gems, the Church of San Miguel and the majestic Cathedral. After a lunch filled with local flavours, delve into history at the Museum of Palencia. Spend the afternoon admiring the Carrión River from Puente Mayor and relaxing in the peaceful Parque del Salón as evening approaches.
Start your day under the protective arcades of Calle Mayor, perfect for staying dry on a rainy morning. At midday, the magnificent Cathedral provides a grand indoor sanctuary from the weather. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the Museum of Palencia while the rain falls outside. End the day with a refreshing walk to the river, where the mist and rain create a uniquely atmospheric scene.
Enjoy the crisp, fresh winter air on Calle Mayor in the morning. At midday, the Cathedral's serene interior offers a peaceful respite from the Castilian cold. An afternoon at the museum provides warmth and a deep dive into local history. As the sun sets early, the city lights begin to sparkle beautifully over the Puente Mayor.
Start your bike tour in the leafy Parque del Salón. Cycle along the Carrión river, cross the historic Puente Mayor, and explore the bustling Calle Mayor. The majestic Cathedral awaits you in the morning. After a hearty lunch, take on the challenge of cycling up to the Cristo del Otero for panoramic views. End the day with a leisurely ride back along the river in the afternoon sun.
Cycle carefully through the morning rain in Parque del Salón. The historic Puente Mayor bridge looks mysterious in the misty weather. After lunch in the center, head towards Cristo del Otero. The climb is tougher in the rain, but the view of the city's glistening rooftops is worth the effort.
A fresh morning ride through the winter park. The clear air offers far-reaching views from Puente Mayor across the river. After a midday break, cold winds will test your endurance on the way to Cristo del Otero. The reward is a spectacular sunset over the vast Castilian plateau.
In the morning, drive up to the Cristo del Otero for breathtaking views. Then, park your car near the center for your first walking cluster, covering the majestic Cathedral and the bustling Calle Mayor, where you'll have lunch. In the afternoon, drive to the riverfront area. Park again, and explore the peaceful Parque del Salón and the historic Puente Mayor on foot for a relaxing end to the day.
Start comfortably at Cristo del Otero, admiring the rainy panorama from the shelter of your car. Next, the Cathedral offers a dry cultural experience. Calle Mayor invites you for a stroll under its arcades while your car is parked nearby. The day ends by the riverfront, where parking is often easier during rainy weather.
A morning drive to Cristo del Otero with seat heaters and panoramic views. Next, visit the cultural heart of the city, the Cathedral. In winter, Calle Mayor has a festive flair. Finish your tour by enjoying the atmospheric sunset at the riverfront before returning to your warm car.
A museum in Palencia dedicated to the history of water and the Canal de Castilla.
