🚴♂️ Cycling the Via de la Plata – Stage from Zamora to Rionegro del Puente
Join me on another epic day along the Camino de Santiago as I ride from Zamora to Rionegro del Puente, following the Via de la Plata and beginning the Camino Sanabrés.
This 126 km stage offers wide open plains, medieval history, ancient ruins, and moments of total solitude — perfect for reflection and connection with the road.
📍 Main stops on this stage:
00:00 – Zamora (starting point)
00:54 – Montamarta and Ricobayo Reservoir
05:30 – Granja de Moreruela (Sanabrés Camino split)
06:06 – Quintos Bridge over Esla River
08:14 – Tábara Village
09:24 – Final stretch (nature and open roads)
12:03 – Rionegro del Puente (end of stage)
12:23 – Stage summary and Final Thoughts
🛏️ Pilgrim tip: Rionegro has one of the most traditional albergues on the Camino Sanabrés — don’t miss it!
🎥 In this video:
✓ Scenic cycling footage
✓ Historical insights
✓ Tips for cyclists and pilgrims
Good morning! Everything is ready to leave Zamora Today the goal is to do 90 to 95 km (I did 126) Arriving in Santa Croya de Tera (I went to Rionegro del Puente) Let’s see, it looks like it’s going to start raining around noon today. May the rain not come with too much force Bye, see you later This is the Via de la Plata — one of the ancient pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostela. Today’s stage takes us from the historic city of Zamora to the quiet village of Rionegro del Puente, covering approximately 120 kilometers by bike through the vast, open landscapes of Castilla y León. About 16 kilometers in, we reach Montamarta, a small village with a simple church and a local bar where many cyclists stop for breakfast. Just after Montamarta, the path crosses the Ricobayo Reservoir. Depending on water levels, you may ride across dry riverbeds or along scenic watersides. This is one of the more photogenic moments of the route. This area also holds traces of older times — Roman roads, medieval bridges, and legends of hidden monasteries. A highlight of the stage is Granja de Moreruela, around 40 kilometers from Zamora. It was once the site of the first Cistercian monastery in Spain, dating back to the 12th century. Though in ruins today, the Monasterio de Moreruela stands as a powerful symbol of spiritual life along the Camino. This is also where the route splits: One branch continues north toward Astorga, connecting with the French Camino. The other — known as the Camino Sanabrés — veers west, entering Galicia through the mountains of Ourense. We’ll follow the Camino Sanabrés. I don’t know how I’m going to solve this noise if it is with voltaren Brufen or with a hammer I thought it was the bike but it’s the knee Let’s see Bye From here, the Camino becomes more rural. Villages are smaller and further apart. Cyclists must plan ahead — water and food are not always available. The terrain starts to change subtly. Fields give way to small forests. The air is cooler. We begin to sense the mountains ahead. In the final stretch, there’s little traffic, little noise — just nature and the open road. Pilgrims often speak of this portion as deeply introspective. After a full day of riding, we arrive in Rionegro del Puente, a quiet village with fewer than 500 inhabitants. Despite its size, it has a long tradition of hospitality toward pilgrims. The Albergue de Peregrinos is one of the most emblematic on this route. Day 8, on the Via de La Plata. We’re cycling
from Zamora to Rioenegro del Puente. The route took us through peaceful countryside, quiet
villages and long stretches of open road. Pure castillian solitude. We passed through Granja de Moreruela, the gateway to the Camino Sanabrés. Then climbed gentle hills with stunning
views over golden fields. After about 125 km, we finally reached Rionegro del Puonte,
a tiny town with deep pilgrim roots and a welcoming Albergue. Tired but inspired. Another unforgettable day on the trail to Santiago. If you’re following this journey
stage by stage, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave your thoughts or experiences
in the comments. Until the next chapter. Buen Camino.