Active Tourism in Arribes del Duero
Enjoy a few days of adventure
If you're one of those people who don't consider outdoor plans a viable option, it's probably because the places you've visited haven't been the right ones.
Many see nature tourism as a waste of time, trekking long paths with steep slopes, high temperatures, and, as if that weren't enough, sharing space with various annoying bugs. If you stick with this perception, you'll end up returning home frustrated for having missed out on those anticipated days off without a fun plan and with the gift of numerous insect bites.
But that's where I come in; I assure you that by the time you finish reading this post, you'll be the one eager to enjoy a few days of rural tourism.
If you find nature boring, it's because you haven't experienced the myriad activities that the Arribes del Duero and its surroundings offer, including hiking, bird watching, wine or oil tastings, land or water sports, culture, tourism...
Countless plans that I'll try to share with you in just a few paragraphs and that will help you make the most of your getaway to the Arribes del Duero (Zamora).
- Land Activities. The great charm of the Arribes comes from the small villages within, each with areas to explore, gastronomy to savor, wines to taste... but what makes them even more special is the people who inhabit them, eager to share with hikers a multitude of stories about the origin of their town or anecdotes from their childhood. It must be acknowledged that they are the ones who truly give the village its magical touch.
Fermoselle A mandatory stop is Fermoselle, considered the cradle of wine and one of the most beautiful and picturesque municipalities in Spanish geography. This town is so hidden that it is designated by the Heritage Commission as an Artistic, Historical, Cultural, and Architectural Ensemble.
Monument visits may not appeal to everyone, but what will surely be a unanimous hit for the whole family are the routes to the viewpoints. So, to make your excursion a bit easier, here's a list of the viewpoints that offer the best views of the landscape.
Climb a narrow staircase, and you'll reach the Torrejón Viewpoint from where you can glimpse Fermoselle, the Arribes del Duero, and even Portugal. If you're looking for a panoramic view of the cultivated fields, the Peñas Viewpoint is ideal. And since you're exploring the historic center of Fermoselle, don't forget to peer out from the Barrancos Viewpoint to enjoy the various landscapes of the Arribes, the bullring, and the Santa Colomba neighborhood.
But if you're a wine lover, this is for you. As I mentioned earlier, Fermoselle has been known since its origins as the Land of Wine, and that's why it hosts numerous wineries. Due to the curiosity of oenophiles, several entrepreneurs have decided to open the doors of their wineries, realizing that this increases their sales. To explore the extensive world of wine, visit the underground cellar of Peños Martín Marcos, El Pulijón, or Angelita. You can book guided tours for all these wineries at a low cost, and the best part is that at the end, you can participate in a tasting and feel like a true expert.
Sayago
After touring the town, it's time to discover what its surroundings hold. First and foremost, the Sayago region stands out, and its small size is by no means synonymous with boredom. In this region, there are must-visit spots. If you're like me and don't consider any plan better than taking a stroll where the only sound is the chirping of birds, you must undoubtedly walk along the Rivera de los Molinos in Moral de Sayago. Adding a picnic to this makes it the ideal plan (as you won't deny that food in the countryside tastes better).
Bemposta
Now let's focus a bit on Portuguese municipalities near Fermoselle. First on the list is Bemposta, rumored to have been used by the Romans as a fortress analogous to Fermoselle to control the banks of the Duero River. In this small Portuguese municipality, you'll find the Natural Park of Douro International, where endangered birds are protected at both the national and international levels. It also boasts a huge dam and, of course, another viewpoint called "The Staircase Viewpoint." And since I know a great incentive for you to visit this place is to tantalize your taste buds, I can assure you that there are quality restaurants here where you can savor the local cuisine in the best possible way and at affordable prices. So now you have no excuse not to pay a visit.
Mogadouro
Another municipality that arouses great interest is Mogadouro, boasting a rich heritage of castles and Romanesque churches. So, even if your visit isn't specifically intended to see them, you won't be able to avoid stumbling upon several, and you'll be compelled to pause your journey to admire their beauty in detail. Despite these architectural gems, what attracts tourists the most are its viewpoints. Although, I won't deny that the biggest draw, as it should be, is its spectacular gastronomy and, of course, its excellent wines and oils.
Miranda Do Douro
And since we are close to Portugal, it would be remiss of me not to mention the important Miranda Do Douro. Despite being an attraction for foreigners, the majority of its visitors throughout the year come from nearby areas, such as the people of Zamora, as it is a nearby location with small businesses offering quality products. If you visit this city, don't forget to buy cod or some pieces of its famous kitchen cloths from one of its small shops. These could be considered the souvenir products of the area.
Setting aside the obligatory shopping in the area, Miranda stands out for having its own cathedral. For two centuries, it served as the episcopal see until the 18th century when it was moved to Bragança. The most interesting point inside is the visit to the Menino Jesús da Cartolinha, which is housed in an illuminated display case.
Other visits I recommend include the Church of the Holy Cross and the Church of Mercy. And if churches are not your forte, a visit to the Casa de Cultura is worthwhile. Regardless of when you visit, you can always enjoy an interesting exhibition and explore the area it is located in, known as the "customs of the city."
What to Do
Now that we've covered the places you should visit in each area, I'm going to recommend some activities you can engage in within the named regions.
If you're embarking on this type of trip, I imagine you're seeking fresh air, peace, nature, and a bit of physical activity. So, here's an activity that encompasses all these aspects: HIKING. And no, don't give me excuses that you're not prepared, that you want to rest, that you're traveling with children, and so on. This activity is suitable for children, and you don't need to be an elite athlete. I assure you; it's the best way to enjoy the scenery and achieve complete disconnection. So, stop dragging your feet and take a look at the suggestions I have for you below.
The most important aspect when choosing a route is the beauty of the landscape that surrounds the entire path. It will make the journey more enjoyable, but even better if, at the end of the road, breathtaking views await you. If this is what you're looking for, any of the waterfall routes will be a hit. The ones that attract the highest number of hikers are:
1. **Faya del Agua Alta Waterfall:** Offers waterfalls of over 40 meters.
2. **Desgalgadero Waterfall:** Besides enjoying the impressive waterfall, you can see the remains of an old water mill.
3. **Churriones Waterfall:** A linear route that takes an average of 2 hours to complete. The effort will undoubtedly be worthwhile when you stand in front of its beauty.
4. **Pozo de los Humos:** Considered the most admired waterfall in the western part of Salamanca, named after the steam cloud that the water forms when falling with such force.
5. **Pirinero Waterfall:** A straightforward route, and as you progress, you'll see the waterfall in the distance. A characteristic aspect is the opportunity to explore it thoroughly by passing behind it, so don't forget your raincoat.
If you're interested in these routes, you can find more information at [https://www.posadadonaurraca.es/es/actividades/la-ruta-de-las-cascadas-13](https://www.posadadonaurraca.es/es/actividades/la-ruta-de-las-cascadas-13).
On the other hand, if your goal is not to visit waterfalls but simply enjoy the green landscape and views during the journey, you can choose the Mirador de Rupitín path, the Hierro path, or El Rocoso.
Oh! And a little detail I forgot, if you're a mountain biking enthusiast, all these routes are adapted for biking, allowing you to experience the route from a different perspective.
Well, as you can see, all your excuses were in vain, and you can't deny that a part of you is eager to get lost on these paths, and who knows, maybe thanks to me, you'll become a hiking fanatic.
To conclude with terrestrial activities, another option offered by Arribes del Duero, if you're looking for a more tranquil activity, is the bird observatory in Aldea Dávila de la Ribera. It is located between the Ricobayo reservoir and the Arribes del Duero, away from the hustle and bustle, allowing you to observe and photograph raptors, scavengers, passerines, and the impressive Golden Eagle.
2. Water Activities.
And if you want to explore the Arribes from a different perspective, there are various water activities to choose from. The drawback of these activities is that, being a protected area requiring special resources, you need to hire professionals to carry them out.
Well, if you still have any doubts about the beauty of the Arribes, contemplate its landscape and fauna while sailing on the waters of the Duero in a catamaran. The silence that characterizes it allows you to hear the birds that inhabit the Natural Park of the Arribes. Undoubtedly, it will be a unique experience.
Another similar option is the fascinating boat trip along the natural border that separates Spain and Portugal. It's a journey of approximately two and a half hours, during which you can treat your palate to the typical gastronomy of the border region of Tras Os Montes.
But if you're looking for adventure, you can enjoy this 22-kilometer journey in a canoe. After a brief explanation of how to handle the paddle and fasten life vests, you'll be ready to zigzag through canyons and meanders for an hour and a half, leaving you in awe at the realization of how fortunate you are to witness such a landscape.
Well, as you can see, a visit to the Arribes del Duero won't disappoint you. What are you waiting for? Grab a calendar, choose the destinations you want to visit, decide which activities you'd like to try the most, and organize the perfect rural getaway.
And hey, don't worry about accommodation; at La Posada Doña Urraca, you'll find the perfect place to rest after your adventures. This four-star inn has 19 rooms and different unique spaces, ensuring you won't miss the unbeatable views of the Villa de Fermoselle from its outdoor terrace.
If you're looking for a place designed to relax, leave routine behind, and open your senses to an unforgettable experience, get in touch with La Posada Doña Urraca in Fermoselle, Zamora.
ADDRESS: C/ Requejo, 272. Arribes del Duero
