Cycling in Central Spain: From Ávila to Salamanca

Day 1: Individual arrival in Ávila

Your cycling in central Spain: from Ávila to Salamanca begins in Ávila. The highest provincial capital in Spain has a 2500-metre-long city wall with 88 towers and nine city gates – unmistakable and impressive! The wall dates back to the 11th century and can be walked along in many places. Also worth seeing is the Catedral de Ávila in the middle of the beautiful old town.

Day 2: Ávila – Villafranca de la Sierra – El Barco de Ávila, approx.. 45 km + transfer

This morning, a transfer will take you to the starting point of your first cycling stage. In Villafranca de la Sierra you hop on your bike and follow small winding roads to El Barco de Ávila. The small town on the Río Tormes not only has a beautiful old town, but also a castle that is well worth seeing. The Castillo de Valdecorneja fortress dates back to the 15th century. After your walk through the town, fortify yourself with a traditional stew made from the barco beans grown in the region.

Day 3: Excursion around El Barco de Ávila, approx. 40 km

You will explore the foothills of the Sierra de Gredos on quiet country roads. The mountain range is part of the Iberian Sheath Mountains and is around 2600 meters high at its highest point, the Pico Almanzor. Enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the landscape, take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Río Tormes and enjoy a picnic in the shade of the many oak trees. You will spend the night again in El Barco de Ávila.

Day 4: El Barco de Ávila – Candelario, approx. 30 km

Today's stage of your cycling in central Spain: from Ávila to Salamanca takes you along winding roads into the province of Salamanca. Cycle through chestnut and oak forests to the mountain village of Candelario, your destination for today. Stroll through the narrow alleyways with their massive stone houses and let yourself be carried away into the past of the village, which has probably been inhabited since Roman times. Cruz del Herrerito is located just outside the village. The viewpoint offers a view of the surrounding hills of the Sierra de Gredos.

Day 5: Candelario – Fuentes de Béjar, approx. 30 km

A longer stopover in the small town of Béjar is worthwhile right at the start of the stage. Visit the ducal palace from the 16th century, the Renaissance garden El Bosque, the numerous churches and make a detour to the Plaza de Toros, the oldest stone bullring in Spain. The Via de la Plata takes you to your destination for the day, Fuentes de Béjar. The small village got its name from the numerous fountains and springs that surround it.

Day 6: Fuentes de Béjar – San Pedro de Rozados, approx. 45 km

Leaving the mountains behind, today's stage of your cycling in central Spain: from Ávila to Salamanca takes you along the Via de la Plata, a historic road link that has existed since Roman times. The route has been used as a pilgrimage route since the Middle Ages and is one of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage routes. You cycle along pastures with old holm oaks. Enjoy the penultimate evening in your destination, the village of San Pedro de Rozados, with Castilian delicacies and regional wine.

Day 7: San Pedro de Rozados – Salamanca, approx. 25 km

Relax and cycle along the Via de la Plata towards your destination of Salamanca. The city already appears in the chronicles of ancient Iberia and has managed to preserve its historical image to this day. The best place to fortify yourself for a tour of the city is in a café in the Plaza Mayor, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Continue to the Casa de las conchas, the shell house. After you have seen the oldest university in Europe and some impressive cathedrals, you can take a detour to the Puente Romano, a Roman bridge that spans the Río Tormes.

Day 8: Individual departure

After breakfast, your cycling in central Spain: from Ávila to Salamanca comes to an end. We are happy to extend your stay in Ávila, Salamanca or Madrid with an extra night.

Minimum number of participants: 2 persons

Not inlcuded is the city or visitor's tax (if payable).

Children discounts

No child discount is offered on this trip.

Additional nights

Additional nights in Ávila, Salamanca and Madrid are possible on request. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

Types of rental bikes

• 24-gear unisex / men's bike
• E-bike / pedelec

Fittings

Pannier rack with pannier, bottle holder, rental helmet, milometer

Map holder, bike lock, pump,  repair kit, multi-tool (1 x per room)