Cycling in Central Spain: From Ávila to Salamanca

Day 1: Individual arrival in Ávila

Your cycle tour in Castile starts 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 is still accessible in most places. The Cathedral de Ávila in the middle of the beautiful old town is also worth a visit.

Day 2: Ávila - Villafranca de la Sierra (transfer), Villafranca de la Sierra - El Barco de Ávila, approx. 45 km

This morning, a transfer will take you to the starting point of your first cycling stage. Get on your bike in Villafranca de la Sierra and follow the 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 stunning castle. 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

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 cycle tour in Castile takes you along winding roads in 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 overview 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 today's stage. Visit the ducal palace from the 16th century, the Renaissance garden El Bosque, the numerous churches and take 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 town 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 cycle tour in Castile takes you along the Via de la Plata, a historic road that has existed since Roman times. The route has been used as a pilgrimage route since the Middle Ages and is one of the Ways of St. James. 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

Gently cycle along the Via de la Plata towards 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

Your cycle tour in Castile ends after breakfast. We are happy to extend your stay in Ávila, Salamanca or Madrid with an extra night.

Types of rental bike

• 24-speed rental bike
• Electric bike / Pedelec

Fittings

Pannier bag, pannier rack, odometer, rental helmet

Bike lock, air pump, puncture repair kit (1x per booking), multi-tool (1 x per booking)