The best road cycling routes in Zamora

What to see and do Viewpoints: There are scenic viewpoints along the road and in the surrounding area offering views of the dam and reservoir. Ricobayo Reservoir: Ideal for water sports, fishing, and hiking. Natural surroundings: Very close to the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, with its spectacular landscapes.

The Ricobayo Dam is located on the Esla River, in the province of Zamora (Castilla y León), and is part of the Iberdrola hydroelectric system. Completed in 1934, it was one of the major hydraulic engineering projects of the 20th century in Spain.

The Alcázar of Toro is a historic fortification located in the town of Toro (Zamora, Castile and León), with great heritage and scenic value. It was built in the 10th century during the Christian repopulation, as part of the defensive system against Muslim incursions. It was reinforced in subsequent centuries, especially in the Middle Ages, when Toro acquired strategic importance in the Kingdom of León and later in Castile. It played a prominent role in the War of the Castilian Succession (1475), in the famous Battle of Toro between supporters of Isabella I of Castile and Joanna la Beltraneja.

It spans the Duero River in Zamora (Castilla y León), connecting Avenida de Portugal (Pinilla neighborhood) with Calle de Salamanca in the city. The project began in 1882, with construction starting in 1892, under the direction of engineer Prudencio Guadalajara, to alleviate the overloading of the old Stone Bridge. Inaugurated in 1900, it represented a significant improvement in handling the growing traffic in the city. It was designed in steel, using a metal lattice structure of the St. Andrew's Cross type, typical of the late 19th century.

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.

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.

Zamora Castle is a historic fortification located in the city of Zamora, in Castile and León. Built in the 11th century, the castle has witnessed numerous historical events and has undergone several modifications over the centuries. It has a rhomboidal plan and is surrounded by a deep moat. Its thick walls and the keep, which is the highest and served as the last defensive redoubt, stand out. The castle is a fascinating place to explore history and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

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”!