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What to see in the Arribes del Duero?

The provinces of Zamora and Salamanca are home to the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. It offers tourists impressive landscapes, which, by taking the time, allow them to look out from incredible viewpoints, visit mighty waterfalls and even sail by boat through the dammed waters of the Duero River.

 

Reaching more than 120 kilometers long and encased between large rock walls up to 200 meters high, the Douro River flows and becomes the natural border between Spain and Portugal . Hence, its waters and the territorial area that makes up the park become a protected cross-border space. It should also be noted that this shared area has incredible natural treasures, typical of international tourism.

Viewpoints that leave you speechless

On both the Spanish and Portuguese shores you will find numerous viewpoints, which are precisely one of the key points of the park, since they will not only serve as a guide for the adventure, but also allow you to contemplate each place from a prodigious position.

Among the things to see in Salamanca is the Mirador el Picón de Felipe in Aldeadávila, which offers a spectacular view of the Duero canyon and its vertical walls. Similarly, in a nearby area and at the foot of the road is the Mirador del Fraile. Which has a platform with a railing to enjoy the panorama and observe the Aldeadávila dam.

Other places that are also suitable for observing the nature of this territory are the viewpoints of Mieza, which, although less known, also offer a spectacular view; such as the Code viewpoint, Uncle Paco’s Colagón and the Peña del Águila viewpoint.

On the other hand, a short distance from Salamanca to Zamora you will be able to appreciate other viewpoints of this last province, such as the Mirador del Meandro, through which you can see the iconic curve that the Duero makes here or the Mirador de las Escaleras, to which you can access from Fermoselle. Historical town that due to its geography is considered one of the balconies of the Duero. Position for which it has unparalleled views, even from its iconic castle.

Now, if you find yourself on the other side of the border, you could take advantage and visit the Salto de Castro Viewpoint in Portugal, where at first sight you can see the Castro dam and the flowing river. Also, within this territory is the Mirador de São Joao das Arribas, Mirador de Picote and some others in Miranda do Douro.

Navigate the Douro

Another way to take advantage of the time and contemplate the beauty of this natural landscape is to take a cruise through Arribes del Duero. There are many agencies that offer tourists the opportunity to navigate these international waters. These offer tours with different duration; therefore, the choice will depend on your financial availability and time.

The important thing is to make the trip inside the boat, listen to the detailed explanations of the guide and, above all, enter the interior of the canyon to appreciate the height of the mountainous walls and the narrowness of the channel, not to mention the unique trees and the possible fauna that makes life there, and even one or another waterfall that makes the trip a unique experience.

amazing waterfalls

Look for that lost trekking boot and get your other clothing ready for you to visit the beautiful waterfalls that this natural park offers. If you wish, you can start with the hiking trails in Salamanca, which will bring you closer to one of the most famous waterfalls in Spain, the Pozo de los Humos. This spectacular waterfall reaches great beauty in spring when it transforms into a cloud of steam.

In this sense, to get to the Pozo de los Humos in Salamanca there are two alternatives: one from Masueco, where there is a short hiking route , which between walkways and suspended viewpoints leads to this destination. The second is from Pereña de la Ribera, which offers a complete view of the 50-meter free fall of the water.

But, if you want to start with Zamora, this province offers you the Abelón waterfall formed by the waters of the Regato de la Cunca, which rush down the walls of the arribe just over the Duero River. The Pilas waterfall is also another waterfall that forms in the Arribes del Duero in Zamora, but unlike the previous one, it starts from the bed of the Los Molinos stream and is a succession of waterfalls that form pools of water. crystalline with green tones.

Now, in Portugal you will find other tourist alternatives, such as Faia da Água Alta whose path is short, but has some unevenness along the way. If you want to explore the waterfalls in their maximum splendor, the best time to visit the Arribes del Duero is in spring or autumn, just after some rainfall.

Towns of Arribes del Duero

If the beautiful villages of Arribes del Duero have something in common, it is the traditional architecture based on stone . In Zamora is Fermoselle, a town with narrow and steep streets. Also, in its interior it keeps squares and religious temples that revive history, a clear example is the church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción or the Convent of San Francisco.

Another small town that could not be left aside is Aldeadávila located in Salamanca. At first glance you can see the tower of the church of San Salvador, the facades of its houses and the Palacio del Marqués de Caballero; not counting the viewpoints already mentioned, where scenes from the movie ‘Terminator’ were filmed. If you cross the border, the city of Miranda do Douro has a cathedral, ruins of the episcopal palace, a Museum of the Land of Miranda and the remains of the Castle available to tourists.

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