The village in León that is located in a Biosphere Reserve and is home to brown bears

The province of León is home to some of the most impressive natural spaces in all of Spain, such as the region of El Bierzo (and Las Médulas) or Babia; in fact, several of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves in the national territory are located in the Leonese region, and one of them is the Laciana Valley, a natural paradise where incredible villages, such as Villablino, are hidden.

This beautiful municipality in León comprises 14 population centers, although the one that gives the entire area its name is the most prominent, especially due to its location in the heart of the valley and its traditional architecture. Besides being a haven for those seeking complete peace, the extraordinary natural surroundings of its town center are home to diverse treasures, including several brown bears, making it one of the most incredible destinations for a getaway in Castile and León.

Villablino, the town in León where you can find peace

The town of Villablino has a population of just over 4,800, and its quiet streets still showcase examples of the typical architecture of the Laciana Valley, such as an 18th-century palatial house where Francisco Fernández-Blanco de Sierra-Pambley, a member of parliament and important philanthropist, once lived. However, the best thing to do in the town center is simply to wander through it and discover its hidden gems.

The main attraction of the town is undoubtedly its surroundings. Along the 217 kilometers of the valley, towering mountains rise up, sheltering all the villages nestled within it. Furthermore, the biodiversity of both flora and fauna in Laciana makes this Biosphere Reserve a true natural treasure. Visitors can enjoy a route through several viewpoints, hoping to spot some of the brown bears that inhabit the area.

Near Villablino lies the Las Rozas reservoir, one of the most important natural areas in the entire region. Numerous hiking trails wind through stunning landscapes, perfect for complementing a rural getaway to the area. Therefore, it's an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and a break from routine for a few days.

The town of Villablino is located an hour and a half by road from the city of León. To get there from the provincial capital, you must first take the AP-66 (Autopista Ruta de la Plata) for many kilometers, and upon reaching the Barrios de la Luna reservoir, turn 180º onto the CL-626, which leads directly to the town.