During our motorhome year in Southern Europe, we made a stopover in Zamora, Spain, on the road between France and Portugal’s Douro Valley. A break that came just in time to slow down, take a breather and discover this pretty, human-sized town with its impressive heritage, far from the tourist hustle and bustle.
In this article, we share our itinerary in Zamora, from the Romanesque cathedral to the medieval castle. We lose ourselves in the ancient streets, before heading for the banks of the Douro to enjoy the best views of the city.
Discover Zamora in Spain, a city off the beaten track
Zamora is located in the Castilla y León region of western Spain. It’s a town often overlooked by the major tourist routes, yet we were pleasantly surprised to find that it boasts one of the country’s richest ensembles of Romanesque architecture.
And let’s face it, while you’re there, the name Zamora might make you think, at least once, of the famous Amora mustard.
We set off on foot from the parking lot, a 10-minute walk from the old town, so bring good shoes as it’s a bit of a climb.
Zamora Cathedral, the city’s Romanesque gem ⛪
It’s impossible to miss Zamora Cathedral, perched on a rocky promontory overlooking the Douro River. Built in the XIIᵉ century, it is one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Spain.
You won’t want to miss its Byzantine dome, covered in stone scales. A unique architectural detail that gives the cathedral its very identity.
👉 Practical info: admission to Zamora Cathedral is €6 and includes access to several of the city’s cultural sites, such as the Museo Catedralicio, theSanto Tomé church and the Museo Diocesano.
For our part, we didn’t go inside: the outside visit was more than enough.
Zamora Castle and its ramparts
Zamora Castle stands right next to the cathedral, on a promontory overlooking the Douro River. Built in the XIᵉ century, it was part of a vast defensive system designed to protect the city. Today, its well-preserved ramparts are the main attraction.
👉 Good news: the château and its grounds are free to visit.
Stroll through Zamora’s historic center
Afterwards, we strolled through Zamora’s typically Spanish historic center, with its cobbled streets, small squares and stone facades that immediately make you want to slow down and take your time.
We took the opportunity to try our first tapas (patatas bravas, quezo y ramon, tortilla…) atUniversal Sport – Café Bar. A small, simple café: a few tables on the terrace, a relaxed atmosphere, and already that feeling of being in Spain.
The Douro at Zamora: walks and views
The Douro flows through Zamora on its way to Portugal. The riverbanks are landscaped and offer lovely walks, ideal for a gentle end to your visit.
We crossed the stone bridge, then walked along the river, taking in the views of the cathedral and castle. At sunset, the golden light completely transforms the landscape.
Motorhome parking in Zamora 🚐
Zamora is an excellent stopover for motorhomes. The town has a well-equipped motorhome park (shown on our map), easily accessible and within easy reach of the center.
The big highlights:
- all services free of charge (water, oil change, parking)
- the area is quiet and convenient
- a playground just across the road, perfect for children
Matthieu took the opportunity to work and our daughter and I made the most of the playground.
Practical information for visiting Zamora
How long can I stay in Zamora and when can I visit?
Zamora is easy to visit:
- in one day, to see the must-sees
- in two days, to take full advantage of the atmosphere
Spring and autumn are the ideal periods. The city is also famous for its spectacular but much more crowded Holy Week.
Where to stay in Zamora?
For an overnight stay in Zamora, theAres Hotel is a very good option. It’s located close to the historic center, making it easy to reach the main sights on foot. Free parking is also available.
The rooms are modern, comfortable and well-equipped, perfect for relaxing after a day’s sightseeing.
🏨 Information and booking for Hotel Ares in Zamora (from €88 / night with breakfast)
Our map of must-sees in Zamora
We were overjoyed by this break in Spain, a country we adore and which we’ll be returning to after our visit to Portugal to rediscover Andalusia(Ronda, Malaga…), and now we can’t wait to cross the border to continue our adventure in Portugal’s Douro Valley.
Feel free to leave us a note below to let us know if you are planning this trip, ask any questions or share on social networks(our Instagram) we will answer you with great pleasure!
