Villar Del Buey is part of the Arribes del Duero Natural Park. A circular walk along the Rivera de las Suelgas, structures from different periods and a pilgrimage held on a set date in May offer several ways to plan a trip to the area. You can focus on nature, culture, regional cuisine or the annual event.

Natural Setting and Walking

The Arribes del Duero region combines a rugged granite landscape, diverse flora and fauna, and deep river gorges. Cork oaks, holm oaks and olive trees grow in Villar Del Buey; shrubs include rockroses, broom and juniper. Birds of prey nest in the Arribanzos of Villar Del Buey. The gorges are part of the regional landscape, while the trees, shrubs and nesting sites are specific natural features of the area.

The local hiking trail along the Rivera de las Suelgas is a 6.95 km loop. You can plan the walk as a standalone activity for the day. As trail conditions can change, it is best to check them before setting out.

Buildings and Art

El Puente del Camino de Roelos is a stone bridge dating from the 20th century, spanning the Rivera de las Suelgas, with seven granite segmental arches. The same waterway thus appears in two different contexts: along the hiking route and beneath a granite bridge. The loop takes in the Rivera as part of the landscape, and the bridge as a structure.

El Rollo de Villar del Buey is a cylindrical stone beside the church of Villar del Buey. It is thought to possibly bear witness to the rule of the Knights of the Order of Santiago in the area. A crucifix dates from the late 13th or early 14th century; 16th-century murals show Flemish influences. The architectural and artistic features thus span the late Middle Ages, the early modern period and the 20th century.

Pilgrimage and Regional Cuisine

On the first Sunday in May, the residents of Villar Del Buey hold a pilgrimage to a hermitage that was relocated to the shore of the Almendra Reservoir. The date recurs annually, but the exact programme may vary. If you are planning your trip around the pilgrimage, check the programme for the date in question.

Local gastronomy includes Sayago veal, bread, traditional cured meats, Zamora cheese and wines with the Arribes del Duero designation of origin. Individual products may not always be available. So, when planning a specific meal, ask what is on offer.

Travel Period and Accommodation

If you choose the pilgrimage as your reason for travelling, you can plan around its annual date in May; for a nature- or culture-focused stay, your own interests take priority.

Discover more destinations: Formariz, Linarejos, Villarrín De Campos, Gamones, Padornelo, Fontanillas De Castro, Villadepera, Peñausende

For the main travel overview: Zamora.