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The ground behind you: what the walk into Zamora crosses, and where it could have been broken.
Tomorrow from Zamora
Nothing says you have to stop here, or there. These are simply the towns within a comfortable day's walk, so you can decide tonight.
| Town | km from here | Shared | Private | The walk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montamarta | 19.1 | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | The walk from Zamora to Montamarta |
| Fontanillas de Castro | 31.6 | ✓ Yes | — No | The walk from Zamora to Fontanillas de Castro |
| Riego del Camino | 35.0 | ✓ Yes | — No |
Zamora is one of the great Romanesque cities of Europe. Fourteen Romanesque churches stand in the old town alone, with more in the surrounding area — a concentration unmatched anywhere in Spain. If the quantity overwhelms you, focus on two: the Catedral de San Salvador and the Iglesia de Santiago del Burgo.
The Cathedral, built in just 23 years in the 12th century (the blink of an eye for medieval construction), is crowned by a Byzantine-influenced dome covered in fish-scale stone tiles — unique in Spain. The adjacent Castillo de Zamora is older, dating to the 11th century. Together they overlook the Río Duero from the western edge of the old town.
Three museums merit a visit. The Museo Etnográfico de Castilla y Leon is the most ambitious — a modern building housing a comprehensive collection of rural Castilian life. The Museo Catedralicio de Zamora has the cathedral's treasury. The Museo de Semana Santa is the best substitute for not experiencing the real thing — Zamora's Holy Week processions are among the most dramatic in Spain.
In the evening, cross the Puente de Piedra to the south bank of the Duero and walk to the Playa de los Pelambres for sunset views of the cathedral. When ready to return, cross via the Puente de los Poetas. On the far side, the Iglesia de Santiago del Burgo — the oldest and smallest of the Romanesque churches — is illuminated at night and makes for a peaceful final stop.
The old town is entered through several medieval gates. The Portillo de la Traicion (now diplomatically renamed Portillo de la Lealtad) is where King Sancho II was murdered during the siege of 1072 — an event celebrated in the Romancero and tied to the legend of El Cid. All services available.
There's a separate set of arrows directing the way along the Camino Portugues de la Plata, a route that turns westward into Portugal. At the same time, the Camino de Levante from Valencia enters Zamora from the east. Pay attention to which arrows you're following when leaving the city.
Zamora's Semana Santa is the city's defining event -- declared of Interes Turistico Internacional in 1986 and Bien de Interes Cultural in 2015, the first Holy Week celebration in Spain to receive that designation. The earliest documented references to the Passion processions here date to 1179. Today, 17 cofradias and more than 40 processions fill the medieval streets over 10 days. The atmosphere is solemn and deeply felt -- nothing like the more festive celebrations in Andalucia. If your timing is right, this alone is worth reshaping your itinerary for.
The weekly market is on Wednesdays.
Zamora's most dramatic moment came in 1072, when King Sancho II of Castile besieged the city, then held by his sister Urraca. During the siege, a nobleman named Bellido Dolfos slipped out of the city and killed Sancho — stabbing him, according to legend, while the king was relieving himself. The act was either treachery or patriotic defense depending on who tells the story. El Cid, then serving Sancho, famously pursued Dolfos back to the city gates but arrived too late. Sancho's brother Alfonso VI inherited both kingdoms and went on to lose Toledo to the Almoravids.
The Irmandiña-style revolts of the 15th century didn't spare Zamora either — the Comuneros movement of 1520-21 found strong support here among citizens resisting the centralizing ambitions of Charles V.
The camino through the old town crosses the Plaza Mayor onto Calle de las Costanillas, which it follows downhill to the first roundabout. Cross directly over and keep to this road as it passes through the next large intersection (passing the Iglesia de San Lazaro). Shortly after, the road splits and the camino veers left. The way is well marked with signs on posts. Along this stretch you may see conflicting arrows from the Camino Portugues de la Plata and the Camino de Levante -- follow the Via de la Plata markings north.
12. May 2026 - 11:56
Spent the night here. Fantastic accommodation. On 5th floor in same building as Alda Centro on Calle de Benavente.
Gave us a better rate than Alda Centro. Have a dining room with microwave, kettle, tea and coffee machine.
Very helpful manager.
25. January 2025 - 20:41
I love this albergue, great location. It is the second time staying at this albergue, lovely and sweet looking beautiful interior to match. It brought back soo many memories being here once again. Enjoy! ScottG UK.
13. November 2024 - 17:34
No reason for going somewhere else.
Hostel gives you everything you need to be ready for another day walking next to the Highway. 😳
27. April 2024 - 22:34
Fabulous churrasco on an open fire grill. Great food and a giant pile of pork ribs for €20 shared by 4 people and we still struggled to finish it.
27. April 2024 - 21:45
Wonderful volunteer hospitaleros and welcoming place with kitchen facilities and breakfast.
They haven’t had blankets since Covid so come prepared.
18. May 2023 - 14:25
Very friendly hostess. Let is check early. Located in the old city not far from the plaza major. Eat at Padornolo. Menu de Día was excellent
20. October 2022 - 17:44
If you are looking to treat yourself in zamora try hotel Ares. Near the old town and best breakfast I've had in Spain.
Esta entidad ha sido beneficiaria de una ayuda del Programa de incentivos a la movilidad eficiente y sostenible (MOVES III), gestionado por la Xunta de Galicia a través del Instituto Enerxético de Galicia (INEGA) en el marco del Real Decreto 266/2021, y cofinanciada por la Unión Europea — NextGenerationEU, dentro del Plan de Recuperación, Transformación y Resiliencia.
