Driving Route Through the Arribes del Duero: Step-by-Step Guide and Map

Discover the best route by car through the Arribes del Duero with a detailed itinerary and map featuring spectacular stops and viewpoints. Plan your trip here!

The Arribes del Duero offer a natural landscape unique in Spain, where the river takes centre stage, carving out deep canyons and spectacular formations.

Travelling through this area by car allows you to enjoy numerous viewpoints and charming little villages that invite you to take a break.

In this detailed guide, you will discover how to plan a complete route that includes the best viewpoints in the Arribes.

Get ready for an unforgettable getaway through the Arribes del Duero!

Why explore Arribes del Duero by car?

Taking a road trip through Arribes del Duero gives you the freedom to explore the natural park at your own pace and enjoy every corner this region has to offer.

This natural park, shared between Spain and Portugal, has numerous viewpoints that are easily accessible by car, villages with a rich history and, of course, landscapes that look like something out of a postcard.

By car, you can choose the most attractive stops, enjoy scenic routes and make changes to your itinerary as you wish.

You can also take the opportunity to stop for lunch, dinner or even stay overnight in Fermoselle, a strategic location and a gem in the heart of the Arribes.

Plan your route by car through the Arribes del Duero

To get the most out of the Arribes del Duero, planning is key. Here are some points to consider:

Duration: Although you can visit some of the main points in a day, it is best to spend at least two days there. This will allow you to explore more leisurely and make longer stops to take in the scenery.
Best time to visit: Spring and autumn are the most recommended seasons due to the mild temperatures and vibrant colours of the landscape. In spring, the river has a higher flow and offers impressive views from the viewpoints.
Departure time: To make the most of the light, it is recommended to leave early in the morning. This will allow you to make longer stops and arrive in time to enjoy a meal in Fermoselle.

What to bring to make the most of the route by car?

To make your getaway comfortable and complete, here is a list of recommended items:

A camera or mobile phone with good resolution to capture the landscapes.
Comfortable clothing and footwear for walking along viewpoints and trails.
Water bottles and snacks, as some sections are long and there are no shops.
Physical maps or an offline map app to help you find your way, especially in areas without coverage.
Sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself, especially in summer.

Interactive map of the route by car through the Arribes del Dueroo

To make your trip easier and ensure you don't miss any stops on this route by car through the Arribes del Duero, we have created an interactive map with all the recommended stops, from the best viewpoints to the charming village of Fermoselle.

Just click on the link, and Google Maps will guide you step by step through this incredible natural experience.

Day 1: From Aldeadávila de la Ribera to Fermoselle

Stop 1: Aldeadávila de la Ribera

Recommended departure time: 9:00 a.m.
Description: Start the route in Aldeadávila de la Ribera, one of the most picturesque villages in the area. Spend some time strolling through its old town, visiting its church and buying some local products.
Recommended duration of visit: 1 hour
Next stop: Mirador del Fraile viewpoint, about 15 minutes away by car.

Stop 2: Mirador del Fraile viewpoint

Description: This viewpoint is one of the most spectacular in the park and offers privileged views of the Duero. Canyon and the Aldeadávila Dam. It is ideal for taking photos and admiring the magnitude of the landscape.
Recommended duration of visit: 45 minutes
Next stop: Mirador de Picón de Felipe viewpoint, about 10 minutes away by car.

Stop 3: Picón de Felipe Viewpoint

Description: A less crowded but equally impressive viewpoint. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the river and see how its waters meander through the canyons.
Recommended duration of visit: 30 minutes
Next stop: Fermoselle, about 30 minutes away by car.

Stop 4: Fermoselle

Estimated time of arrival: 1:00 p.m.
Description: Arrival in Fermoselle, a beautiful village known as the ‘Balcony of the Arribes’. Here you can take a break for lunch and rest. We recommend eating at this restaurant in Fermoselle, which offers a selection of local dishes.
Duration of the stop for lunch and exploration: 2 hours
Places of interest: Narrow streets of the historic centre, underground wine cellars of Fermoselle, and Fermoselle Castle.
Next stop: Mirador de las Barrancas, about a 20-minute drive away..

Stop 5: Las Barrancas Viewpoint

Description: This viewpoint offers spectacular views and is ideal for watching the sunset. The cliffs and the river at its feet create a breathtaking landscape.
Recommended duration of visit: 45 minutes
Accommodation option: Return to Fermoselle to stay at the Posada Doña Urraca, an excellent choice if you decide to spend the night in a comfortable and well-located place to continue the route the next day.

Day 2: From Fermoselle to the Almendra Dam

Stop 1: Fermoselle (if you spent the night here)

Recommended departure time: 9:30 a.m.
Description: Have breakfast at Posada Doña Urraca and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the village before continuing your journey by car.
Next stop: Villarino de los Aires, about 35 minutes away by car.

Stop 2: Villarino de los Aires and Mirador de la Faya viewpoint

Description: Villarino is a charming little village, and its Mirador de la Faya viewpoint offers views of the Almendra reservoir and the mouth of the River Tormes where it flows into the River Duero.
Recommended duration of visit: 1 hour
Next stop: Almendra Dam, about 15 minutes away by car

Stop 3: Almendra Dam

Description: The Almendra Dam is one of the largest engineering works in Spain and a perfect place to end your car route through the Arribes del Duero. From the viewpoint, you can see the entire structure of the dam and its natural surroundings.
Recommended duration of visit: 30 minutes
Next stop: Contrabando Viewpoint, about 30 minutes away by car.

Stop 4: Contrabando Viewpoint

Description: This viewpoint is located in Bemposta, right on the border with Portugal. From here, you will have a magnificent view of the Douro River and its impressive cliffs. It is a quiet place and less crowded than other viewpoints, making it an ideal stop to enjoy nature in peace.
Recommended duration of visit: 45 minutes
Next stop: Return to Fermoselle for lunch, about 25 minutes away by car.

Stop 5: Return to Fermoselle

After the morning tour, return to Fermoselle for lunch and relaxation. Once again, we recommend the restaurant at the Posada Doña Urraca, where you can enjoy traditional dishes prepared with local ingredients..

End of the route and return home

After resting from your meal, it's time to start your return journey.

This itinerary will allow you to experience the Arribes del Duero in depth by following this 2-day car route.

Touring the Arribes del Duero by car is an experience that combines nature, culture and relaxation in spectacular surroundings.

Following this route, you can discover unique landscapes and stop off in Fermoselle, where you can relax and enjoy the hospitality of the Posada Doña Urraca.

Enjoy the journey and the natural beauty of this unique region!