Discover Arcones: Romanesque architecture, pastoral traditions and landscapes

You can get to know Arcones through three specific themes: Romanesque architecture, pastoral culture and a landscape shaped by karst formations and hiking trails. When planning your stay, consider which of these interests you most: taking a closer look at historic architectural styles, hiking to Arcones or learning about local customs.

Landscape, protected area and karst

The fifth stage of the Cañada Real Soriana Occidental Nature Trail runs from Navafría to Arcones entirely through the Sierra Norte de Guadarrama Natural Park. The park is also part of the Natura 2000 network as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Looking at the province of Segovia more broadly, the Cañada Real Soriana Occidental is a 103-kilometre-long historic nature trail that passes through varied landscapes.

The caves of Arcones are also shaped by geology: they are karst caves with springs and underground rivers. Their water flow varies depending on the season. Another geological site is the Arcones calcite deposit, which contains well-crystallised geodes of great museum value. It lies about 600 metres northwest of the N-110 and can be reached via an unpaved road.

Romanesque architecture and local culture

The Iglesia de San Miguel is a 13th-century Romanesque parish church. One distinctive architectural feature is its unusual fourth apsidal section, which served as the atrium’s terminal chapel. Alongside its Romanesque character, the church therefore has a distinctive spatial layout to look out for when exploring its architectural history.

In the La Lastra area of Arcones stands the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de La Lastra, built on limestone ground. The Museo de las Hundas y la Trashumancia also brings together geology and pastoral life: its permanent exhibition explores the area’s geological significance and features depictions of pastoral life, including men and women.

The September festivities in honour of the Virgen de La Lastra include Paloteo dances. Another tradition is the symbolic Vaquilla at the Carnaval de Arcones, also known as the Fiesta de la Vaquilla. It is not a real bullfight: a person stands inside a wooden structure fitted with bull’s horns. Caldereta is also part of the pastoral tradition. This dish, made with mature sheep meat or lamb, is prepared for various public and private celebrations.

Hiking, cycling and getting there

For hikers, a 16.19-kilometre route suitable for beginners runs from Gallegos to Arcones along the Cañada Real Soriana Occidental. Cycling routes range in difficulty. These offer two different points of reference: a specifically measured hiking route ending in Arcones, and a selection of cycling routes with varying levels of difficulty.

From Segovia, you can reach Arcones by taking the N-110 towards Soria for 41 kilometres. If you plan to visit for the September festivities, check the exact dates in advance. When looking for a hotel in Arcones, you can use your interests as a starting point—for example, the Iglesia de San Miguel and the museum, the hike from Gallegos or customs connected with pastoral traditions.

Discover more destinations: Santo Domingo de Pirón, Los Huertos, Valdevarnés, Tolocirio, Segovia, Adrada De Pirón, Yanguas De Eresma, Trescasas.

Go to the main travel overview: Segovia.