Ayuntamiento del Valle de Losa

Valle de Losa is a municipality in the north of Burgos province, in the Las Merindades region, bordering the Valle de Mena and the Basque valleys of Álava. The name covers a scattering of small villages along the Jerea river valley, where cereal fields, pasture woodlands, and rocky geological formations follow one another within a short distance.

How to get to Valle de Losa?

The municipality sits along roads linking Burgos with the Basque Country, right next to the Valle de Mena. A car is the most practical way to explore, since the villages are spread out across the valley and several kilometers apart from each other. The nearest larger towns are Villarcayo and Medina de Pomar, from where local roads lead into the valley.

What can you see?

The best-known landmark in the municipality is the Ermita de San Pantaleón de Losa, a small Romanesque church built in the second half of the 12th century and consecrated in 1207. It stands on a rocky outcrop shaped like a ship's bow, and together with the many legends surrounding its origins — some of which link it to stories about the Holy Grail — it has become one of the most distinctive examples of Romanesque architecture in Burgos province.

The area also preserves a stretch of an ancient Roman road, considered one of the best-preserved sections of Roman causeway in Spain. It is free to visit and takes about 30 to 45 minutes to walk, making it a good option for a quiet, historically rich stroll. Nearby, on the Peña Colorada hill, traces of a medieval defensive fortress are believed to have stood during the resettlement of the valley between the 9th and 11th centuries, when the region was repopulated after a period of turmoil.

Nature lovers should visit the Hayedo de San Martín de Losa, a beech forest that is especially striking in spring and autumn. The valley is also crossed by numerous walking trails connecting villages, fields, and woodlands, making Valle de Losa an appealing destination for hikers and landscape photographers alike.

When to visit?

Spring and autumn are the best seasons to explore — mild temperatures make walking comfortable, and the beech forests turn striking colors that add to the scenery. Summers can get warm in the lower parts of the valley, though higher ground stays cooler and pleasant for walks. Winter in this part of Burgos can bring snow and colder temperatures, worth factoring in when planning visits to outdoor sites such as the Roman causeway or the trails around the hermitage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main attraction in Valle de Losa? The Ermita de San Pantaleón de Losa, a 12th-century Romanesque church built on a rocky outcrop and surrounded by numerous legends.

Is visiting the Roman causeway free? Yes, entry is free and the walk takes around 30 to 45 minutes.

Are there hiking trails in Valle de Losa? Yes, the Jerea river valley and surrounding villages offer several walking routes, including access to the Hayedo de San Martín de Losa beech forest.

What's the best way to get around the municipality? By car — the villages are scattered across the valley, and the distances between them make it difficult to explore without your own transport.