5.0
(3)
465
riders
34
rides
Road cycling routes around Palacios De Sanabria are set within a diverse landscape in the province of Zamora, characterized by mountainous terrain, river valleys, and the presence of glacial lakes and reservoirs. The region's topography includes altitudes up to 1230 meters, providing varied gradients for cyclists. Notable features include the Sanabria Lake Natural Park, home to the largest glacial lake on the Iberian Peninsula, and the scenic Tera River Valley. The area offers a mix of paved roads and challenging…
Last updated: May 18, 2026
21
riders
106km
05:13
1,540m
1,540m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
53
riders
92.2km
04:52
1,710m
1,710m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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18
riders
104km
05:57
2,190m
2,190m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
25
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
16
riders
116km
06:13
2,220m
2,220m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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The Portela da Canda Pass, also known as the Canda Pass or simply A Canda, is a mountain pass of great geographical, historical, and cultural value that connects Galicia (province of Ourense) with Castile and León (province of Zamora). Located in the Sierra Segundera mountain range, within the Galician Massif, it has traditionally been a crossing point for travelers, merchants, and pilgrims. It forms part of the Sanabrés Way of St. James, an extension of the Silver Route (Vía de la Plata), and is the entry point into Galicia for pilgrims coming from the south. The surrounding area features Jacobean sculptures and wayside crosses (cruceiros) that guide the route, the work of the artist Nicanor Carballo.
5
0
Rio de Onor is not just a beautiful village; it's a "living museum" of a way of life that has almost disappeared in Europe. It's worth visiting because it is possibly the village with the most fascinating social history in Portugal. Here are the 4 main reasons to go there: 1. It's a Community Village ("Communitarianism") This is Rio de Onor's great trademark. For centuries, the village lived under a system of total sharing among neighbors, something very rare: Sharing of Goods: The bread oven, the watermill, and even the village bull belonged to everyone. The "Rod of Justice": Decisions and fines for infractions in the village were marked on a wooden rod, managed by the "judge" elected by the people. You can see this history explained at the Casa do Touro (House of the Bull), a small, unmissable museum in the village. 2. One Village, Two Countries Rio de Onor is a village bisected by the international border. On this side is Rio de Onor (Portugal); on the other side is Rihonor de Castilla (Spain). For the inhabitants, the border never really existed: they share land, livestock, and even speak their own dialect (Rionorês), an ancient mixture of Portuguese and Castilian. It's very curious to cross from one country to the other on foot in the middle of the main street. 3. The Schist Landscape and Nature Located in the Montesinho Natural Park, the village is visually stunning. The houses are made of dark schist with wooden balconies, typical of Trás-os-Montes, and are very well preserved. The Onor River, which crosses the village, has clear waters and creates a very pleasant natural river beach in the summer, perfect for picnics. 4. The "Roman" Bridge The old stone bridge (which is actually from the 19th century, despite its popular name) is the village's postcard image. The reflection of the arches in the water with the schist houses in the background creates one of the most photogenic landscapes in Northern Portugal. Visiting Rio de Onor is like stepping back in time and understanding how communities survived in isolation in the mountains, supporting each other. It's a lesson in life and history in an incredible natural setting.
2
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Rio de Onor is a sleepy little village right on the Portugal/Spain border. The drive through it is a challenging one and absolutely not recommended for larger campervans.
3
1
Small village in the Montesinho National Park. From here you can follow the old levadas to the river and there is also an excellent river beach...
3
0
Rio de Onor is one of the most emblematic villages in Bragança and the Montesinho Natural Park, and was elected the 7th Wonder of Portugal in 2017 – a village in a protected area. Crossing the border with Spain, on one side is Rio de Onor, and on the other, Rihonor de Castilla, which is why it is said to be “one village, two countries”!
5
0
very nice place. Was recently voted one of the 10 most beautiful places in Spain. A bit touristy, but not overcrowded
2
1
Personally, I don't like this area a lot. I have seen hares, rabbits, deer, wolves and it's always quiet. I always go alone and explore paths
2
0
Small Zamorana town near Portugal in the Sanabria region. Picturesque town with numerous fountains and a bar where you can stop to recharge your batteries.
0
0
There are over 30 dedicated road cycling routes around Palacios de Sanabria, offering a wide range of experiences for different skill levels. The komoot community has explored these routes extensively, with more than 400 road cyclists using komoot to discover the area's varied terrain.
The region around Palacios de Sanabria is characterized by diverse and scenic landscapes. You can expect mountainous terrain with significant ascents and descents, picturesque river valleys like the Tera River, and routes offering views of glacial lakes, most notably within the Sanabria Lake Natural Park, and reservoirs such as the Cernadilla Reservoir.
Yes, Palacios de Sanabria offers numerous challenging routes. For instance, the Palacios de Sanabria – tour around Eriá river and Truchas – Alto Peñón is a difficult 106.4 km route with over 1,500 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Puebla de Sanabria – Lubián Village loop from Puebla de Sanabria, covering 115.6 km with over 2,200 meters of ascent.
Absolutely. Many routes in Palacios de Sanabria are classified as moderate, providing a balanced challenge. An example is the Old Town of Puebla de Sanabria – Hermitage of the Incarnation loop from Puebla de Sanabria, a 44.6 km route that takes about 2 hours and 11 minutes to complete, leading through historic areas.
Many routes offer spectacular scenery, particularly those that traverse the Sanabria Lake Natural Park or follow the Tera River Valley. The region's glacial landscapes, oak forests, and views over Lake Sanabria provide a beautiful backdrop for rides. Routes around the Cernadilla Reservoir also offer picturesque settings.
Yes, many of the routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For example, the Rio de Onor Village – Puebla de Sanabria loop from Puebla de Sanabria is a difficult 92.2 km path offering views of local villages and the natural landscape.
The routes often pass by charming towns and historic sites. You can explore the Old Town of Puebla de Sanabria, visit the impressive Castle of the Counts of Benavente, or see the Hermitage of the Incarnation. Many routes also feature scenic viewpoints overlooking the diverse landscapes.
While specific weather data isn't provided, the region's mountainous terrain suggests that spring and autumn would offer pleasant temperatures for cycling, avoiding the potential heat of summer or the colder conditions of winter at higher altitudes. These seasons also showcase the diverse ecosystems, from oak forests to chestnut trees, in their full beauty.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from 3 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, which includes challenging ascents and scenic descents, as well as the stunning natural beauty of the glacial lakes, river valleys, and mountainous backdrops.
Yes, several routes allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture. The Puebla de Sanabria Castle – Old Town of Puebla de Sanabria loop from Puebla de Sanabria, for example, is a moderate 37.4 km ride that takes you past historic sites and through charming areas, including the historic center of Puebla de Sanabria.
While many routes feature significant elevation, there are some easier options. Out of the 34 routes, 1 is classified as easy and 17 as moderate. These routes typically have less elevation gain and cover shorter distances, making them more accessible for families or those new to road cycling in mountainous areas.


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