Those who do choose to head to this historic capital of Castile, get to see some seriously wonderous architecture amidst flavours of local tapas and wine, and trace the tale of some of Iberia's most fabled figures.

Of course, every Burgos tour guide will want to show you the mighty Cathedral of Burgos. It's the piece de resistance of the town center, crowning the plazas with a display of French Gothic architecture so elegant that it's come to be hailed as one of the finest churches in Spain. There's a maze of domes, spires, carvings, murals, and chapels to get through before seeing the most haunting treasure of the lot – the tomb of El Cid: warrior, hero, (re)conquistador, and servant to the Spanish kings.

Of historical importance too is the Monasterio de Santa María la Real de Las Huelgas, the Romanesque abbey a resting place to nine kings and queens. Step further back in time at the archaeological site of Atapuerca, promising an enthralling visit to the oldest hominid fossils in Europe.

With a history touting medieval glory from trade and a privileged location on the Pilgrim's Road to Santiago de Compostela Burgos proudly displays painted homes from centuries gone by, lining picture-perfect flagstone alleys all around the main plaza. Cantinas serve hardy, hearty highland foods with a twist of Spanish flair, and cafés spill onto sidewalks to make for excellent people watching.