Viewpoints Route
The Posada Doña Urraca has the privilege of being located in the Natural Park of Arribes del Duero, a meticulously cared-for natural space protected for the conservation of birds and the special preservation of the biosphere.
The Posada Doña Urraca offers all the comforts to make you feel at home during your stay. Additionally, it has its own restaurant, allowing you to enjoy the delights of Castilla y León's gastronomy without leaving the premises.
However, what makes staying at the Posada Doña Urraca even more recommended is the surrounding environment. Vast landscapes covered in vegetation, diverse fauna, a wide range of activities to choose from, or simply taking those days to relax.
The Posada Doña Urraca is privileged to be located in the Natural Park of Arribes del Duero, a meticulously cared-for natural space protected for bird conservation and the special preservation of the biosphere.
As I have mentioned in previous articles, the Arribes del Duero, besides being a space formed by landscapes that leave you speechless wherever you look, also offers the possibility of countless outdoor activities through which you can discover its territory.
In today's article, I want to focus on a more tranquil activity, suitable for the whole family and with which to spend an unforgettable day.
As mentioned earlier, the Arribes stand out for the beauty of their landscape. The best way to explore them from different perspectives is undoubtedly the Mirador (viewpoint) route.
Therefore, I will mention some of the viewpoints you should visit to have the luxury of contemplating the best views hidden between Spain and Portugal.
1. FAULT VIEWPOINT:
From here, you'll have breathtaking views as it is located in an elevated area. You can observe both the landscape of Arribes del Duero, the town of Bemposta (Portugal), and small orchards covered with fruit trees and olive trees. This place has small benches for visitors to sit and take the iconic photos for social media or simply rest from the route while enjoying the views.
Also, over the years, archaeological remains have been discovered, as it was an area of settlement for ancient inhabitants and the remains of a castle.
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Author: A pie de campo
2. LA PEÑA DEL CURA.
If you visit Fermoselle, this is a must-stop. Through a small and steep path that departs from the Camino de los Arrierros, we reach this unique spot from where you can observe the olive groves covering the views of the Duero.
It's a straightforward route, well-marked with white and yellow beacons or signs scattered along the wide path. In this route lasting approximately three hours, you can contemplate different landscapes: the waters of the Duero River, numerous holm oak trees, large rocks on which to capture unique photos... Also, if you deviate a little from the route, you will reach the viewpoint of the Meandro del Duero or the town of Pinilla de Fermoselle.
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Author: Ruthirus
3. CASTLE VIEWPOINT.
Undoubtedly the best choice, as from here, you can enjoy a complete panoramic view of the Zamoran town and the course of the Duero River, forming a natural border with Portugal.
This viewpoint is located in Fermoselle, specifically at the castle of Doña Urraca. Access is through Antonio Regojo Street, better known as "la Cuesta del Castillo," which originates from the Plaza Mayor.
Being the highest point in the town, it offers breathtaking views, allowing you to gaze from the Duero and its Arribes to the pier from where the famous tourist catamarans depart or the slopes of the mountains covered with various vegetation: olive trees, orange trees, or almond trees, for example.
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Author: Senderismo proactivo
4. EMBANKMENT VIEWPOINT.
To access it, you must find Calle del Terraplén, as its name suggests, a narrow but charming street close to the Plaza Mayor.
This viewpoint is oriented to the west, making it possible to appreciate the classic system of terraces in the Arribes del Duero covered with fields of cultivation with a wide variety of trees. If you are not from the area, the terraces are a kind of stepped terraces along the slope.
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Los Bancales. Author: jjgonzalo.
5. ROCKS VIEWPOINT.
It is one of the many viewpoints located in the historic center of the city of Fermoselle. To reach it, you must access it from Calle Corral Concejo.
From this point, there are beautiful views of the small houses built in the lower part of the town, the ruins of an old Romanesque church known as the "Convent of San Francisco," the slope of El Seco, the neighborhood of Las Eras, or the landscapes of the Arribes del Tormes from where you can see the Duero River in the background.
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Convent of San Francisco. Author: Tiobabu
6. EL TOROJÓN VIEWPOINT.
This viewpoint is one of the most visited in Fermoselle. To reach it, you have two options:
If you are with children or people with reduced mobility, I recommend accessing it through Peñas street.
If you are looking for the charm of the landscape, even if it means having to climb steep stairs, choose a path that runs along a granite rock. Another difficulty is that the path is not marked, I can only tell you that the starting point is at the end of a street with a very peculiar name "El Guapo," from here, you'll have to ask the locals for directions.
Once you reach the viewpoint, every effort will be worthwhile as you contemplate unique panoramic views. At a glance, you can see the urban core, observe the historical-artistic ensemble of Fermoselle: the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption alongside the clock tower of the Town Hall, and the remains of the Castle of Doña Urraca. And if you lift your gaze a bit, you can admire the Arribes del Duero and our neighboring country, Portugal.
Moreover, to recharge your energy for the descent, you can enjoy a delicious sandwich while resting on one of the stone benches.
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Casas colgantes. Author: jjgonzalo.
7. FRAILE VIEWPOINT.
This viewpoint is located in the area of the Aldeadávila de la Ribera dam, and you can reach it by car.
Last year, the inauguration of a new viewpoint took place at a height of nothing less than 300 meters above the Duero, from which you can contemplate the Arribes del Duero from another perspective.
This impressive hydroelectric engineering work is only seven kilometers from "the heart of the Arribes" (as Unamuno called it) and is located in the center of the Natural Park where the Duero River marks the border.
I warn you: looking down from this balcony is a risky activity, only suitable for the brave. I advise you to better look into the distance to contemplate the narrowing of the Duero River before reaching the Aldeadávila Dam.
This impressive walkway protrudes into the void and has a gridded floor at the ends to add more adrenaline to the experience.
To access it, the path is not easy. To become familiar with the surroundings, you will have to walk through numerous ramps and cobbled stairs, but don't worry, you won't be alone. In your path, numerous griffon vultures or royal eagles will accompany you, protected birds in danger of extinction, and therefore, you should stop to admire them.
And taking advantage of being in this area, I recommend that you extend your visit a bit and enter the streets of the small town of Aldeadávila de la Ribera. Get lost in its narrow and cobbled streets with medieval names like Cilla, Atalaya, or Remoria. Visit some historical monuments such as the magical palace of the Marqués del Caballero, the Church of San Salvador, or its numerous hermitages. You can also go to Masueco and contemplate the wonderful waterfalls it hides or the famous "Pozo de los Humos," with a fall of 50 meters, coming from the Uces River.
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Author: Toniagusti.
MIRADOR DE LAS ESCALERAS.
Located near Fermoselle, along the route, you will come across numerous mills covered in vegetation that have climbed the walls over the years. In the distance, Portugal can be seen on the other side of the hills through which the Duero River flows. The path is simple and linear until you reach a sign where you will have to choose between two paths:
Ordial Path: Continue on the current route. The path may have some minor complications due to the accumulated undergrowth, but you'll have the luxury of contemplating various ancient mills.
Penao Path: If you prefer a quieter route, this is the path to choose. Moreover, on this path, you can visit important points of interest without deviating from the marked path, such as the Penao Spring, offering impressive views of the town. A small sanctuary, where numerous Fermosellanos gather every year, is the Santa Cruz Hermitage. Finally, you'll reach the same point as if you had chosen the other route, the Stairway Path, where you can see the effort and enthusiasm that the citizens put into caring for their vineyards.
Oh! Another very emblematic and historically rich place is the "Casita de Los Carabineros," a location from which smuggling from Portugal was controlled a long time ago. Behind it is the viewpoint, an extraordinary place to observe the beauty of this territory. You can see the Raya Region and the Natural Park of Arribes del Duero, bordering Portugal.
I recommend doing this route, especially in the spring season, to enjoy landscapes full of color and a unique fragrance from the various flowers that carpet the area: lavender, rockrose, juniper, and more.
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Casita de los Carabineros. Author: jbizarricas.
8. GRAND DUERO MEANDER VIEWPOINT.
This beautiful route in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park starts from Fermoselle. I recommend parking your car in the square of the church in Pinilla de Fermoselle. Following this route is relatively easy, as it is well-signposted with red and white markers of the GR14 and a large panel of the Duero Trail.
The marked route allows you to immerse yourself in the unique nature of this area and enjoy its charm. The path continues through impressive landscapes where, for years, hermitages, springs, and bridges have stood despite various natural disasters. If you look to the sky, you'll have the privilege of seeing numerous endangered birds such as the black stork, golden eagle, or the scavenging griffon vulture.
From the first steps, you'll be able to see on your right the view of the Duero River and the vast fields filled with holm oaks.
Once at the viewpoint, take your time and enjoy the views of the river in all its splendor. I recommend climbing a rock to capture a perfect perspective and frame this memory. No matter how many viewpoints you visit, none will offer you such impressive views as our whimsical nature provides here.
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Author: José Rey Martín
9. REQUEJO BRIDGE VIEWPOINT.
Or better known as "Pino Bridge," due to its proximity to the town of Pino de Oro, it has a viewpoint on the side of the road that belongs to Aliste. At this point, the Duero River no longer serves as the border with Portugal, flowing only through the province of Zamora.
Without a doubt, this viewpoint, inaugurated in 1914, is one of the most incredible engineering works in all of Spain. A curious fact that you probably didn't know is its origin.
Its builder drew inspiration from none other than the famous Eiffel School to connect the two Zamoran regions: Sayago and Aliste.
If you visit it, you'll agree with me that, despite being a large infrastructure, it manages to perfectly blend in with the landscape while giving us some of the most symbolic views of the Arribes del Duero.
Furthermore, another point in its favor is that you can see this bridge from different perspectives: from above through a drone, cruising its waters in a kayak, or from the car as you cross it.
I recommend that on one of those starry summer nights, you come here to contemplate the starry sky in all its glory.
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Puente de Pino. Author: Jesús Camarero.
10. HULLÓN'S BENCH.
Well, if you're looking for the perfect photo to share on your social networks, without a doubt, this is your viewpoint.
In this small Zamoran town, Villadepera, you'll find one of the most photographed viewpoints in the Arribes del Duero. This is because, in addition to having breathtaking panoramic views, it features a small wooden bench that numerous tourists have sat on in search of the "perfect photo."
To reach this viewpoint, you should take the road that connects Villadepera and Moralina.
Completing the 4-kilometer route on foot is a challenging task, so I recommend driving the first kilometers to a small parking lot to appreciate the landscape.
From the viewpoint, once you've taken the respective photos, take advantage of the luxury of being able to glimpse the Duero River in its calmest state due to the Castro waterfall.
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Author: Verdenosa.
So, now you know, don't hesitate any longer and come to discover the wonders that the surroundings of the Arribes del Duero hold.
And, of course, for a complete experience and maximum enjoyment, get in touch with us. In addition to offering you accommodation and quality local products, perfect for exploring these routes, we provide you with all the information you need.
Count on us: La Posada Doña Urraca, Fermoselle (Zamora).
ADDRESS: C/ Requejo, 272. Arribes del Duero
