Puebla de Sanabria – we might stay a little longer

Zuky and I have now been in Puebla de Sanabria, in the province of Zamora, for a few days.

We hadn't actually planned to stay this long, but then the big heatwave arrived – the famous “ola de calor”. And since we found a fantastic motorhome parking area where our motorhome is in the shade for almost the entire day, there was really no reason to move on.

So we stayed.

And it was exactly the right decision.

We are supposed to continue our journey tomorrow. Or perhaps the day after tomorrow.

We'll see what we feel like doing.

After all, that is one of the great advantages of travelling by motorhome and having several months ahead of us: we don't need to know every day where we will be tomorrow.

Plenty of walking – despite the heat

Even though it has been extremely hot over the past few days, Zuky and I have, of course, still been doing plenty of walking.

We go for walks every day and have now discovered many different corners of Puebla de Sanabria.

I really like the village itself. The old houses, narrow streets and its location above the river create a very special atmosphere.

Of course, the castle is one of the main highlights. It towers above the historic centre and dominates the entire image of Puebla de Sanabria.

But to be honest, Zuky and I like it best down by the river.

The river is simply our favourite place

During a heatwave, you really appreciate how valuable a river can be.

Down by the water, it is cooler, greener and quieter. There are many beautiful paths for long walks, and for Zuky, of course, it is perfect.

While the heat builds up between the old houses in the village above, the air by the river feels noticeably more pleasant.

That is why we spend so much time there.

I can't even say how many times we have walked along the water over the past few days. But these are exactly the kind of walks that are among my favourite moments of our journey.

No major sights. No fixed programme.

Just Zuky, me and a beautiful path along the river.

One of the most beautiful villages in the province of Zamora

For me, Puebla de Sanabria is definitely one of the most beautiful places we have visited in this region so far.

The historic centre lies on a hill and is dominated by the impressive castle. The cobbled streets, old stone houses and traditional balconies fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape.

The village feels well cared for, but never artificial.

You don't get the feeling that you are walking through a tourist attraction created just for visitors. Puebla de Sanabria is a living village where history and everyday life exist naturally side by side.

A long history in a strategically important location

The history of Puebla de Sanabria goes back a long way.

Because of its location close to the Portuguese border, the village was of great strategic importance for many centuries. The region had to be controlled and protected, which is why one of the most impressive fortifications in north-western Spain was built here.

The present castle, the Castillo de los Condes de Benavente, dates mainly from the 15th century.

With its massive walls and towers, it remains the landmark of the village today.

The entire historic centre also reflects the importance Puebla de Sanabria once had. Its location on the hill was no coincidence: from here, the valley and the important transport routes could be easily monitored.

Nature plays the leading role here

As beautiful as the castle and the old town are, for Zuky and me it is nature that makes our stay so special.

The many walking paths, green riverbanks and the landscape surrounding the village are perfect for us.

We don't need a new destination every day.

Sometimes it is much nicer to stay a few days longer, walk the same paths again and slowly get to know a place.

That is exactly what we have done here.

Tomorrow we move on. Maybe.

We are actually planning to continue our journey tomorrow.

But perhaps we'll stay another day.

Or two.

We'll see.

Our motorhome is in a great spot, we have shade, Zuky loves it by the river and we feel comfortable here.

So why should we have a fixed plan?

That is exactly why I love travelling this way.

Rainer Schmitz

FAQ – Puebla de Sanabria

Is Puebla de Sanabria worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely. The historic old town, the castle and the beautiful location by the river make it one of the most attractive destinations in the province of Zamora.

What should you definitely see in Puebla de Sanabria?
The Castle of the Counts of Benavente, the historic old town with its old stone houses and, of course, the walking paths along the river.

Is Puebla de Sanabria suitable for a longer stay?
Yes. Especially for those who enjoy walking, love nature and don't have a fixed schedule, it is easy to spend several relaxing days here.

Is Puebla de Sanabria suitable for travelling with a dog?
For us, absolutely. The many green spaces and walking paths along the river are ideal for Zuky.