The best cycling routes through the Duero river valley
If you have come this far, you are probably a cycling lover or just a curious person who wants to know more about the majestic places hidden in the Arribes del Duero. Either way, welcome to our blog! We hope you like what we bring you this time.
We have already spoken on other occasions about the different activities offered by the landscape of Los Arribes del Duero; its countless viewpoint routes, impressive waterfalls or signposted hiking trails, for example. Each with a special charm that makes us connect with the depths of nature. Allowing us to contemplate every corner, appreciate the beauty of its landscape from different perspectives, meet its residents, observe its extensive and protected fauna in its purest state and enjoy its splendid gastronomy. And all this, in a single place: the Arribes del Duero Nature Reserve.
However, although we have mentioned that some of the activities allow access to bicycles, as there are more and more fans of this sport, we wanted to make a special Post for them. In it, you will find a wide variety of routes to travel on wheels. So, come with us to know the Arribes del Duero on two wheels.
But before we dive into these spectacular routes, we want to make sure that you only worry about enjoying yourself. That's why we take care of the most important things: rest and food. Stay at La Posada Doña Urraca, strategically located in the heart of Fermoselle, the capital of the Arribes del Duero. Here you can rest peacefully and delight yourself with the best local handmade dishes. Now you feel like starting the route? Well, let's go.
First stop: Pinilla de Fermoselle.
As we have said, the starting point will be La Posada Doña Urraca, since, thanks to its strategic location in the heart of the capital of the Arribes del Duero (Fermoselle), it offers endless hiking routes.
Pack a rucksack, water and a snack, because if nature is already hungry in itself, if we add to this the pedalling... Take your bike and head for Pinilla de Fermoselle.
This first section, of approximately 10 kilometres, will serve as a warm-up and will take you to a charming village known for its imposing morals and church. Both structures invite you to a wonderful walk along the left side of the Duero River. If you have time, explore its streets and visit the Fuente de Pila Blanca fountain or the Carabineros hut, ancient structures that are still preserved. The large cultivation of olive trees stands out, a species typical of the Mediterranean climate, which has prospered thanks to the hard work of the inhabitants over the generations. They have achieved this by building terraces on the slopes to level them until they reach the riverbank.
Pinilla de Fermoselle (Copyright Wikiloc: Carmen Julián)
With this experience in mind, return to the starting point, the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora Del Carrasco. Head to the lower area and look for the red and white sign, the route is clearly marked. This trail, the "GR.14", very popular with cyclists, will immerse you in a peaceful environment, surrounded by unique and captivating landscapes that are home to various species of birds of prey.
Second stop: Formariz.
Next stop: Formariz, a municipality of Villar del Buey. The distance between Pinilla and this second destination is similar to the previous section, so it won't take you long. Along this route, you will pass through enormous forests of cork oaks and holm oaks, steep mountains and small rivers... All of them, forming a beautiful landscape that could be the setting for a film. However, if this small region is characterised by anything, it is the remains of an ancient palace, the Palacio de los Cinco Bolos.
As for gastronomy, in Formariz you can enjoy typical dishes from the cuisine of Zamora and Alistana, such as Aliste cheese, bacalao a la tranca (cod) and lamb. If you are a sweet tooth, we recommend you to try some typical products of the traditional confectionery such as the famous rosquillas de palo or perrunillas. Also, its famous variety of wines under the Arribes Designation of Origin made by the local inhabitants themselves.
Third stop: Bermillo de Sayago.
Now, with our bellies full, we continue our route. This time we are going to Bermillo de Sayago, a town in Zamora which is situated in the centre of Sayago, geographically speaking. I hope you've charged up your energy because this section is a bit longer, but don't panic, it's about 17 kilometres on average, which will vary according to your pace and physical condition.
Bermillo de Sayago, despite being considered one of the villages of the Brotherhood of Councils of the Kingdom of León during the Middle Ages, is no longer so.
Old mill Sayago (Copyright Wikiloc: jjgonzalo)
Among its points of interest is the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción, built in the 16th century and subject to various alterations over time. The houses of the village, with two floors and built in stone. Their main function was to carry out different commercial activities on the first floor, while the upper part was used as a dwelling. And continuing with popular buildings, we cannot forget the old prison and courthouse, which today serves as a cultural centre. And finally, a place shared by all the villages, despite its small size, is the Plaza Mayor. An iconic place in the town and without doubt, the epicentre and meeting place for its inhabitants. It is crowned by the Town Hall and the monument in honour of Federico Requejo, a Spanish politician who was the driving force behind several civil works during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Fourth stop: Fariza.
After 45 minutes and about 15 kilometres, you will come to the next stop: Fariza. We will cycle through a similar landscape, covered with vegetation and a wide grove of holm oaks, cork oaks, rockroses and native oaks. We will pass through small villages, where hopefully a few old people live, such as Muga de Sayago or Zafara.
Once you enter the municipality of Fariza, you will notice a gentle undulation of the terrain characteristic of the Sayago peneplain. Although the maximum altitude is only 750 metres, the area is notable for its arribas, deep riverbeds formed by the Duero River. Weather permitting, we recommend you explore the municipality from the water, crossing the river at the famous chiselled cross near the church or the typical Palazuelo cross. If you prefer to opt for solid ground, don't miss the Ermita de la Virgen del Castillo, an impressive structure that hangs over the Duero riverbed, or the numerous bridges, mills and fountains.
Parish church of San Julián and transept in Fariza (Image rights Wikiloc:TURISMO en ZAMORA)
After all that cycling and exploring, you're probably hungry. How about a sandwich or, better still, a typical tapa in a local bar: cod a la tranca, potatoes with potatoes or cheeks in red wine?
Well, well, and now that you're rested and with a full belly there are no excuses, let's get on the bike!
Fifth stop: Fornillos de Fermoselle.
Where are we going now? To Fornillos de Fermoselle, also known as Hornillos because of its five ancient ovens. This is demonstrated by its archaeological sites. This town is 25 minutes away from the previous location, about 9 kilometres of cycling through a beautiful landscape full of vegetation.
Panoramic view of the Douro River from the Mirador de las Escaleras (Image rights Wikiloc: Fos Films)
In this town in Zamora, there are several monuments full of history. Among them all, we are going to stay with:
The Church of San Martín de Tours, built in the 17th century, in Renaissance style and with a striking bell tower that attracts all eyes.
The Potro del Reventón, a large stone used as a mould for making ploughshares.
Its houses, which fill the place with a special charm. Although some are better preserved than others, they all evoke the image of ancient Sayaguesas families who gave life to this magical place. To imagine how these silent streets were once filled with the bustle caused by the traffic of people and animals, the tinkling of bells and the joyful laughter is, without a doubt, an inexplicable and wonderful sensation.
In short, Fornillos de Fermoselle, seen from any perspective, is a treasure full of historical richness.
Final destination: Posada Doña Urraca.
And at this point, after cycling through the picturesque corners that make up the Arribes del Duero, we fully immersed ourselves in the essence of this region, discovering not only its breathtaking landscapes, but also its rich gastronomy and the hospitality of its people. Now it's time to return to our starting point, La Posada Doña Urraca.
A last stretch that will allow us to get back into the wild nature of the Arribes, from the high viewpoints to the winding paths along the river, each pedal ride connects us more with the pure essence of nature.
Fermoselle and its olive trees (Image rights Wikiloc:TURISMO en ZAMORA)
On our way back to La Posada Doña Urraca, we made an obligatory stop at some of Fermoselle's points of interest. Despite its small size, it is a charming village that stands out for its cobbled streets, its stone houses full of history and its lively squares.
If we had to highlight something about it, it would be its numerous viewpoints that offer spectacular panoramic views and, of course, its more than 800 officially registered wineries, which give it the title of "the town of 1,000 wineries".
And if you have time, we recommend you visit "La calle Requejo", the longest and most typical street in Fermoselle, full of traditional houses built into the rock and some of the best-known wineries. If you prefer to observe the landscape from the heights, don't forget to climb up to the viewpoint of Las Escaleras. Located next to the carabineros' house, it offers unbeatable views that you can enjoy while you have an aperitif in the picnic area.
In conclusion, after cycling through the charming villages that make up the Arribes del Duero and ending the route at the welcoming Hotel La Posada Doña Urraca, the experience has been more than a simple journey. After so many kilometres cycled, you deserve to enjoy the perfect combination offered by the Posada to recharge your batteries. A wide variety of homemade dishes that reflect the gastronomic tradition of the area, a glass of wine with the distinction of the Arribes del Duero Designation of Origin and a well-deserved rest in one of its cosy and quiet rooms, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This trip is not just another cycling route, but a complete immersion in the authenticity, beauty and culture that characterise the Arribes del Duero Natural Park.
Thank you for joining us once again in our adventures in the Arribes, see you next time!
At Posada Doña Urraca, not only accommodation awaits you, but the promise to make your visit an unforgettable experience.
ADDRESS: C/ Requejo, 272. Arribes del Duero (Fermoselle, Zamora).
