Pedraza, Segovia
Less than an hour from Madrid, this medieval village of cobbled streets will transport you to the 16th and 17th centuries, when most of its mansions were built. Its prosperity back then was thanks to the high quality cloth made there, competing with the imports from Flanders. Its Plaza Mayor is especially charming, with porticoes and pavement cafés offering shady spots to sit and have something to eat or drink. After that, you might want to visit the castle and the restored city walls. At lunchtime, follow your nose and the delicious smells coming from the asadores - restaurants specialising in roast meat. The area is famous for suckling pig and lamb. There is one time of year when Pedraza is even more special: the first two Saturdays of July, when they celebrate the Candlelit Night and Candlelit Concert. When night falls the village is lit by thousands of candles, and the silence is broken only by the sound of a classical orchestra. It is advisable to book in advance. Some more villages in Segovia worth visiting: Maderuelo, Ayllón, Sepúlveda, El Muyo, Sotosalbos… to name a few.