Silver Way from Salamanca to Puebla de Sanabria

Stages

• day 1

  Arrival at Salamanca

  We leave the town of Fuente de Cantos via the Constitution square, heading towards the road to Medina de las Torres, from where we will divert to an ancient Roman road towards Zafra. Not long after, we arrive at Calzadilla de los Barros, sheltered by the fields. From here, we will continue along a path parallel to the N-630, from which we will soon diverge while crossing several streams. We keep moving through fields and livestock farms, cross the railway tracks, and head towards Puebla de Sancho Pérez, where we can take a short break before tackling the last 4 kilometers. We leave this town behind and continue along a path parallel to the Old Puebla road until we enter Zafra.

  Things to consider

  This is not a very long stage, but it can be shortened by spending the night in Puebla de Sancho Pérez. It is quite a monotonous stage, as from Fuente de Cantos we traverse agricultural areas with little tourist appeal until we reach Zafra. These stretches can be ideal for reflection and self-discovery, an essential part of the Camino de Santiago.

  Places of interest

  • Church of Santa Lucía – Puebla de Sancho Pérez
  • Church of San Salvador – Calzadilla de los Barros
  • Chapel of Our Lady of Bethlehem
  • Collegiate Church of Candelaria – Zafra
  • House of Ajimez – Zafra

  Typical dishes

  • Retinto
  • Lamb or pork stew
  • Oxtail
  • Migas
  • Almond hearts
  • Santa Clara pastries
• day 2

  Stage 1. Salamanca - El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino (36 km)

  We begin the stage from the main square of Salamanca heading towards the Helmántico Stadium, to exit towards the A-62 and continue along the N-630 until El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino. We follow a path to Aldeaseca de la Armuña, cross the village, and cross the A-66 via an underpass to continue to Castellanos de Villiquera.

  From here, we continue along a dirt track to Calzada de Valdunciel, the midpoint of the stage. We head north to Ribera de Cañedo, cross the river, and advance to Topas Prison. From there, we continue on asphalt until we enter Zamora and return to the N-630, which takes us back to El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino.

  Things to consider

  Long and monotonous stage in its second part, with no services from Calzada de Valdunciel. It is recommended to consider staying overnight there if departing from Salamanca.

  Places of interest

  • Miliarios – Calzada de Valdunciel
  • Crucero – El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino
  • Church of Santo Domingo de Guzmán – El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino

  Typical dishes

  • Iberian cured meats
  • Lamb and suckling lamb
  • Toro wine and Tierra del Vino
  • Homemade jams
  • Cheeses and honey
• day 3

  Stage 2. El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino - Zamora (31.6 km)

  We leave the town of Cubo de la Tierra del Vino behind, passing its church and magnificent crucifix to continue through the lands of Zamora. We continue crossing the stream of San Cristóbal, which leads us to a dirt track towards the abandoned railway lines. We proceed along the tracks until we divert five kilometers into a pass from which we will descend to Villanueva de Campeán. We leave this town behind to return to another dirt track that takes us to San Marcial, a village not included in the original route, but it does not divert or lengthen the path. We continue until we reach an ascending grassy path that leads us to the road ZA-313, from where we can already see the city of Zamora.

  We continue along a poorly defined but well-signposted track that takes us to cross the stream El Perdigón, and we will continue for three kilometers until we reach the access to the industrial estate of Los Llanos, which guides us to the city of Zamora through a residential area. We arrive at the Medieval Bridge over which we will cross the Duero and continue to the Plaza de Santa María and later to the Plaza Mayor.

  Things to consider

  Zamora is a city with much to see, and its historic center is a delight with a marked medieval heritage. If you want to make the most of the day, we recommend leaving early from El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino. Another option is to split the stage into two, spending the night in Villanueva de Campeán.

  Places of interest

  • Castle – Zamora
  • Plaza Mayor – Zamora
  • Palacio del Cordón – Zamora
  • The Cathedral – Zamora
  • Plaza de Viriato – Zamora

  Typical dishes

  • Pimiento Fresno-Benavente
  • Zamoran cheeses D.O.
  • Wine from Toro
  • Offal casserole
  • Chorizo and rice a la zamorana
• day 4

  Stage 3. Zamora - Montamarta (19.2 km)

  We leave Zamora from the Plaza Mayor towards the Puerta de Doña Urraca, cross the wall and descend towards La Hiniesta in the direction of Montamarta. We continue until we cross the A-11 and arrive at Roales del Pan.

  We traverse the village and follow paths parallel to the N-630 until we cross the AVE Madrid-Galicia line. From here, we continue by road to the shelter of Montamarta.

  Things to consider

  Stage with sections along the road and crossings of the motorway. Caution is recommended, and it is advisable to take it as a rest day before reaching Granja de Moreruela.

  Places of interest

  • Hermitage of Santa María del Castillo – Montamarta
  • Church of San Miguel Arcángel – Montamarta
  • Reservoir of the Esla River – Montamarta

  Typical dishes

  • Bollo coscarón
  • Rebojos
  • Pork meats and sausages
  • Mantecados
  • Aceitadas
• day 5

  Stage 4. Montamarta - Granja de Moreruela (22.6 km)

  We leave Montamarta to reach the hermitage of Santa María del Castillo, heading towards Granja de Moreruela. We leave the hermitage and continue along a path close to the national road, which will take us in a couple of kilometers to cross the tracks of the AVE Madrid - Galicia. We continue to the N-631, from where we go straight until we reach a bridge over the A-66, and then cross an arm of the Ricobayo reservoir via a small bridge.

  We continue and cross the national road and the motorway again via another bridge to head towards Fontanillas de Castro. On the way, we find a detour to the ruins of Castrotorafe and another towards a bar in Fontanillas, but we proceed without deviating until we reach the village. We leave the locality behind and continue towards Riego del Camino along a dirt path that crosses a stream via a concrete crossing.

  We leave Riego del Camino and follow a path parallel to the motorway until a junction, from where we continue directly to Granja de Moreruela.

  Things to consider

  This stage is calm, although heavily marked by the presence of roads and motorways. It is important to exercise caution when crossing them and when walking alongside them. This stage connects Montamarta with the Sanabrés Way, with the option to detour upon reaching Granja de Moreruela.

  Places of interest

  • Castle of Castrotorafe
  • Cister Interpretation Center – Granja de Moreruela
  • Ruins of the Monastery of Santa María – Granja de Moreruela

  Typical dishes

  • Sheep cheeses
  • Rosquillas de palo
  • Cocido and lamb
  • Tremés or candeal wheat bread
  • Lechazo and orejuelas
• day 6

  Stage 5. Granja de Moreruela - Tábara (25 km)

  We leave Granja de Moreruela behind the church and we see the two variants: the one that takes us to Benavente to continue with the Silver Route and the one that takes the direction to Tábara. We take direction Ourense, to the left. We leave the village on a dirt track and cross under the motorway.
  We follow the signs, the first kilometres are a slight climb, and then descend towards the river Esla, which we cross over the Quintos bridge. We continue along a road that turns off to the left, at this point cyclists should continue on the road as the road is quite broken.
  We go up the hillside until we reach a high point that offers good views of the area. We start descending, passing by the Val de la Rosa farm. We continue along tracks to Faramontanos de Tábara, where we find the church of San Martín (13th century) and the town hall.
  We leave Faramontanos, taking advantage of the village to recharge supplies, and continue for more than 5 km to Tábara. We cross the Molino stream and reach the end of the stage.
  

  To consider

  Just before leaving Granja de Moreruela we must be clear about the slope we must choose to get to Tábara, because although it is well signposted, we must be careful not to make a mistake. After passing the Quintos bridge, cyclists should follow the provincial road to Faramontanos, as the official path is quite uneven.
  

  Places of interest

  • Church of San Martín - Faramontanos
  • Tower of Tábara
  • Church of Santa María - Tábara
  • Church of La Asunción or "El Convento" - Tábara

  Typical dishes

  • Roast lamb
  • Seasonal mushrooms
  • Cod a la tranca
  • Zamorano rice
  • Garlic soups
• day 7

  Stage 6. Tábara - Santa Marta de Tera (23 km)

  We begin the stage from Tábara, next to the Church of San Salvador, and we leave the village following a dirt track towards a junction that will lead us to Santa Marta de Tera. We follow the signs until we cross the AVE line and advance along a dirt path through oak forests.

  We arrive at a fork and two alternatives are presented to us:

  • Option A) Official route through Bercianos: a path of vineyards and chestnut trees towards Bercianos de Valverde, where the Church of San Pelayo is located, whose tower offers beautiful views. If you choose this option, despite being more scenic, you will not find any services.
  • Option B) Alternative via Villanueva de las Peras: A route 300 meters shorter but with a bar, so if you need to make a stop, we recommend this option.

  The two Ways meet in Santa Croya de Tera, a town that offers all services, including a natural pool to cool off. We continue our route crossing the Tera River via the long bridge of the road and arrive at Santa Marta, our end of stage.

  Things to consider

  This stage has two variants from the town of Tábara: one is more touristy, and the other is more recreational, so you will have to decide which way you will take to reach the town of Santa Marta de Tera. The church in this town hides the oldest statue of Santiago the Pilgrim, a beautiful stone sculpture. Brief guided tours are conducted.

  Places of interest

  • Church of San Pelayo - Bercianos de Valverde
  • Natural pool - Santa Croya de Tera
  • Romanesque Monastery Santa Marta de Tera
  • Sanabrés Way Museum - Santa Marta de Tera

  Typical dishes

  • Grilled liver
  • Cold cuts
  • Pork meat
  • Goat cheese
  • Typical dessert: cuscarones
• day 8

  Stage 7. Santa Marta de Tera - Mombuey (36.1 km)

  We leave from the Plaza Mayor of Santa Marta and advance parallel to the course of the Tera River, along a pleasant path among riverside forests and poplars that will be present until we reach Mombuey. Following the signs, we arrive at the road, which we follow to the left to cross the river. We enter a path that we always follow straight ahead.

  The vegetation forces us to divert towards a local road, which we follow until we turn onto a path that crosses an irrigation canal. We arrive at Calzadilla de Tera, where we find a bar, a shop, and a shelter. We continue our route to Olleros de Tera, where there is a shelter and several shops.

  At this point, we will find two alternatives.

  • Option A) Recommended for cyclists. Continue straight towards a service road and the Agavanzal reservoir.
  • Option B) To the right, along rural paths to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Agavanzal.

  Both paths lead to the dam, from where we proceed by crossing the reservoir and turning left towards the road. We arrive at Villar de Farfón, where there is a small shelter.

  We leave the village along a long path, crossing forests of pines, oaks, and holm oaks. We descend the slope, cross the Black River and the national road to reach the village of Rionegro del Puente, where there is a shelter.

  We have 9 kilometers to Mombuey. We continue walking parallel to the national road, leaving the shelter on the left. A few meters ahead, we enter a dirt path. After crossing the highway, we turn left and divert onto a path parallel to the national road. We come to an intersection, cross the road, and continue straight for a couple of kilometers until we reach the La Ruta restaurant hotel. We continue and enter Mombuey via the national road. End of stage.

  Things to consider

  As it is such a long stage, it can be shortened by staying overnight at the shelter in Rionegro del Puente, about 26 kilometers from Santa Marta de Tera, in order to reach Mombuey the following day. It is common to go several kilometers without seeing any yellow arrow or signage of the Camino. If this is the case, we must always continue straight ahead.

  Places of interest

  • Tower and Church of the Assumption - Mombuey

  Typical dishes

  • Boletus and seasonal mushrooms
  • Octopus
  • Sweetbreads
  • Veal
  • Cold cuts
  • Mombuey bread
• day 9

  Stage 8. Mombuey - Puebla de Sanabria (31.7 km)

  We leave Mombuey from the Church of Santa María, along a tree-lined path that follows the road towards Puebla de Sanabria. We cross the highway bridge and follow the signs to Valdemerilla, with the possibility of seeing the Church of San Lorenzo. We continue to Cernadilla, which has a Baroque temple dedicated to the Purification and a tower with good panoramic views. We proceed until we enter Palanzuelo, continuing along forest tracks to Entrepeñas and Asturianos. Both towns offer accommodation.

  We have 15 km left to Puebla de Sanabria, and we continue without losing our way, passing through the towns of Palacios de Sanabria, Remesal, Otero de Sanabria, and Triufé. From this last town, we have only 4 km left to our destination. We cross the bridge over the Tera River and turn left to reach the old town, concluding our stage in the fabulous Puebla de Sanabria.

  Things to consider

  It is advisable to start the stage well supplied with food and drink for the entire route. This is because in the more than thirty kilometers that separate Mombuey from Puebla de Sanabria, you will only find services in the towns of Asturianos and Palacios de Sanabria.

  The Natural Park of Sanabria Lakes is the largest glacial lake in the entire Iberian Peninsula. It is located 13 km from the town, off the Camino. However, it is worth taking a taxi to visit it and/or adding an extra day to your trip.

  Places of interest

  • Castle of the Counts of Benavente - Puebla de Sanabria
  • Church of Our Lady of Azogue - Puebla de Sanabria
  • Museum of Giants and Big-heads - Puebla de Sanabria
  • Natural Park of Lake Sanabria

  Typical dishes

  • Habones a la sanabresa
  • Caldo sanabrés
  • Salmon trout
  • Bacalao
  • Veal
  • Botillo and Farinatos
  • Torrijas and Buñuelos
    Fried milk
    Cheese ice cream
• day 10

  End of the Camino

  After arriving... End of the Camino