Villaquilambre is a municipality located about 5 kilometres (3 mi) north of León on the right bank of the river Torío.

[2] The slopes to the west and north of the town are forested with oaks, including the Mediterranean oak, and the land near the River Torío to the east has willow and poplar, with pine forests on the slopes above.

[3] There are the remnants of a Roman villa at Navatejera, with fine mosaics and the remains of hot baths; agricultural tools found at the site are on display at the León Museum.

[8][9] In part because it provides a cheaper alternative to inner city living in nearby León,[10] Villaquilambre has increased in size dramatically in the 21st century.

Between 2001 and 2008, there was an increase in population of 6,224 inhabitants, making it the fastest growing municipality in the province, ahead of Ponferrada and León.