Motorcycle Route through the Arribes del Duero

Motorcycle routes are a unique experience for lovers of adventure and freedom. Motorcycles are the perfect way to explore picturesque roads, enjoy beautiful landscapes and feel the breeze on your face while enjoying the speed and excitement that this mode of transport provides.

Motorcycle routes

As you probably know, one of the most popular routes for motorcyclists is Route 66 in the United States. But you also know that travelling along it is a very expensive luxury only available to a select few. But don't worry, here's an alternative that won't disappoint, where you can explore the Arribes del Duero (Zamora) while travelling through spectacular landscapes steeped in history, enjoying a variety of dishes from the cuisine of Castile and León, tasting the best wines and meeting people who share your hobby, with whom you can plan your next getaway.

Los Arribes del Duero is a stunning region located in north-western Spain, on the border with Portugal. This area has a large number of picturesque roads and spectacular landscapes, making it an ideal destination for a motorbike tour.

The motorbike route through Arribes del Duero covers 200 kilometres and takes an estimated 3½ hours without stops. However, I recommend taking your time to enjoy the most iconic and beautiful spots you will pass through.

You can choose between different starting points: Madrid, Zamora, Salamanca... But in this post we are going to focus on the route that runs through the region of Castile and León.

Tour

We start our journey in Zamora, a city bathed by the River Duero. A must-see in this city are its numerous Romanesque churches and cathedral, which welcome hundreds of tourists every year. And to start the journey with energy, I can't think of a better plan than to take a seat in a local restaurant or bar to enjoy some typical dishes from the Zamora recipe book: Zamora-style rice, garlic soups or Zamora-style cañas. Now that's what I call starting the journey on the right foot.

Now you're ready to set off. Take the CL-527 towards Fermoselle, which you'll find by crossing the river. Oh, and remember, so you're not caught out, there's a petrol station in this area where you can fill up your tank.

The road connecting Zamora with Fermoselle is quiet, with hardly any bends, and surrounded by large holm oak forests.

When you reach Fermoselle, turn off the ZA-316 Trabada road to see the Bemposta dam on the border with Portugal. Returning to the marked route, you will encounter some sharp bends, so drive carefully and don't put your foot down. Take your time to do so safely, at a pace that allows you to enjoy the scenery.

You will know you have reached the province of Salamanca when the road surface changes. After crossing the River Tormes, you will reach the small town of Pereña de la Ribera. Despite its small size, it has many tourist attractions, such as the Almendra reservoir, numerous viewpoints and the Pozo de los Humos, an impressive 50-metre waterfall fed by the waters of the River Uces.

Next, you will pass through the villages of Villarino, which also has interesting viewpoints, and Trabanca. After these villages, you will find yourself in the land of Fermoselle.

Take a couple of hours to discover everything this place has to offer. Fermoselle is not only considered the cradle of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, but also has several points of interest that are not to be missed. Stroll through its narrow, steep streets, enjoying its popular architecture, and visit the Romanesque façades of the Church of La Asunción, the Plaza Mayor and the castle. What's more, if you're a wine lover, you're in the right place. If there's one thing Fermoselle is known for, it's its numerous wineries, which you can visit and taste their wines. Another option is to visit its long list of viewpoints, from which you'll have a panoramic view of the entire landscape of the Arribes del Duero.

And don't worry, I haven't forgotten that the main purpose of this trip, apart from enjoying your motorbike, is to discover the cuisine of Castile and León. This region has its own distinctive cuisine, made with local produce. Enjoy exquisite dishes featuring cod from Portugal or Sayago beef, cooked with unique olive oil and accompanied by locally produced wines.

Would you like to find all this in one place?

Then stay at the Posada de Doña Urraca, located in Arribes del Duero, Fermoselle. A four-star inn where you can relax in its different settings, enjoy unbeatable views of the town of Fermoselle from its outdoor terrace and sample quality products in its award-winning restaurant. And if that weren't enough, the inn will provide you with information on the excursions available so that you can learn more about the secrets of the Arribes. Without a doubt, this is the perfect place if you are looking to relax, leave your routine behind and make the most of the experience.

After this ideal plan, it's time to continue on the route. We cross Masueco, known for the church of San Nicolás, and arrive at Aldeadávila de la Riebera. This small village stands out for its town hall square, the church of San Salvador and, of course, its hallmark, the small stone houses surrounding the square. Another characteristic of this village is that it has few signs, which means you could get lost and not find the correct exit, SA-314. A trick to know if you are on the right track is to look for the Mirador del Fraile viewpoint on your right, which is also a recommended place to visit.

We head towards Zarza de Pumareda until we reach the Saucelle waterfall, where I recommend you leave your motorbike behind and swap your wheels for your legs to take in the views from the Picón del Moro and Salto viewpoints. From here, you can see the Duero disappear into Portugal.

If we resume our journey, we head towards Hinojosa de Duero, to enter the interior of Salamanca. This section runs along winding roads around the mountains until we reach the Mirador del Contrabando viewpoint.

Nearby is a village with an interesting name, Lumbares, which you will have to pass through to reach Ciudad Rodrigo. But before arriving at our destination, we come to a charming little medieval village with another unusual name, San Felices. This village is also famous for sharing space with the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. If you have the opportunity, choose one of its hiking trails and discover the river ecosystem provided by the Águeda River, narrow paths and cobbled roads covered with holm oaks, oaks, poplars... that will lead you to places inaccessible by other means.

If you're not into hiking, another option is to visit the Arco del Puerto, the Ermita del Rosario or the Divino Cordero.

Once you've made the obligatory visits, it's time to get back on the road to cover the last few kilometres that separate us from Ciudad Rodrigo.

Ciudad Rodrigo is notable for its well-preserved surrounding walls and castle. The cathedral is another of its landmarks, particularly its Pórtico del Perdón (Portico of Forgiveness) with over 400 Romanesque and Gothic sculptures. Nearby, another point of interest is La Brecha, where walls, gates, moats and other defensive elements have been preserved. I also recommend visiting the Plaza Mayor, where you can enjoy a few tapas and admire the Town Hall and the House of the First Marquis of Cerralbo, both dating from the 16th century.

A unique experience

As you will have seen, the motorbike route through the Arribes del Duero is a unique experience for those seeking adventure and excitement in their free time. Whether enjoying the Arribes del Duero, the cuisine of each village or the history and culture of Salamanca.

So don't wait any longer, grab a calendar and organise your dates to see for yourself.

But before you hit the road, here are a few tips:

Plan your route: You can use tools such as Google Maps or Wikiloc. It is also important to consider the time of year you will be travelling, as some roads may be closed or dangerous in winter.
Bring the right equipment: To enjoy your motorcycle trip safely and comfortably, you will need a helmet, jacket and gloves. It is also advisable to wear motorcycle boots and trousers to protect your legs in case of a fall. If you plan to ride at night, bring night vision goggles to improve your visibility.
Obey traffic rules and speed limits.
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and avoid overtaking in dangerous places.
Take your time to visit the highlights: Don't miss the opportunity to explore everything this region has to offer.
Try the local cuisine: roast lamb, Iberian ham, goat's cheese and wines from the Arribes D.O.

And now... Enjoy your motorbike trip to Arribes del Duero!