The Silver Way of Spain: Discover The Famous "Via de la Plata"
January 5, 2023
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Have you ever heard of the Silver Way or, in Spanish, “Vía de la Plata”? It is also known as the Route 66 of Spain.
This tourist itinerary runs through the west of the Iberian Peninsula in a south-north direction, from Seville to Gijón, crossing four autonomous communities and seven provinces. It has a distance of almost 900 km, where you will find different archaeological relics of great cultural and artistic value.
Along the way, you will also be able to taste some of the best dishes of Spanish gastronomy and enjoy a great variety of landscapes. The good thing about this route is that you can do it by car, motorbike, bike, or walking. It is up to you!
Get ready to discover one of our country’s most peculiar and original routes! Find out its history, what characterizes it, the different stages, and of course, the best spots. Get your bags ready, and let’s go!
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History of the Silver Way
According to archaeological evidence, the Silver Way already existed since the Tartessian period (7th century BC). Roman troops also used this route during the wars of conquest to advance to the north.
In the time of Emperor Augustus (1st century after Christ), this route was consolidated with the creation of different roads that communicated Hispalis with Italica, Italica with Augusta Emerita (Mérida), Augusta Emerita with Ocelo Duri (Zamora), Ocelo Duri with Asturica Augusta (Astorga), Asturica Augusta with Legio VII (León) and Legio VII with the northern lands of the Iberian Peninsula, Lucus Augusti (near Lugo de Llanera) and Noega (Gijón).
These roads were used by merchants, troops, and travelers. It was the most important communication route in the whole of the Hispanic West in the times of the Roman Empire. Centuries later, the Silver Route was also used for the Muslim conquest of the Iberian Peninsula and for the Christian reconquest of the peninsular territories.
If you want to know more about the time when the Romans and Moors occupied Spain, I recommend you to take a look at the following articles:
The Moors in Spain: Its Massive Influence and 7 Interesting Facts
Who were the Moors? Understanding their Culture, Origin and Legacy
The Silver Way is undoubtedly a route of great wealth and where you can enjoy many places that offer some of the most interesting sets of Spain’s Historical Heritage.
Since 2008, the four autonomous communities through which the Silver Way passes (Andalusia, Extremadura, Castile and León, and Asturias) have been working together to promote and market the Silver Route both nationally and internationally.
8 Special Features of the Silver Way
- The Silver Way goes from Seville to Gijon or vice versa. Still, there is a point where it connects with the Camino de Santiago. Hence, you have the option to join it and reach Santiago de Compostela.
- It is the longest route in the Peninsula if we consider that you can join one of the roads leading to Santiago de Compostela at one point of the course. This would make the way reach almost a total of 1,000 km (from Seville to Santiago de Compostela).
- The Silver Route allows you to visit some of the most beautiful places in Spain, such as Seville, Zafra, Mérida, Cáceres, Salamanca, or Zamora.
- Along the Silver Way runs the route that followed the historic Roman road that connected Mérida with Astorga.
- The Silver Way is characterized by being very well signposted. You will find the famous yellow arrows without any problem, so it will be easy to find the way. The chances of getting lost or detouring are very low.
- It is an ideal route for all kinds of people because it does not have many slopes in its path. It is an easy, affordable route for everyone, even for those not in the habit of walking long distances. But if you decide to join the French Way or the Sanabrés to reach Compostela, then the difficulty increases.
- The months of July and August are not recommended to do the route because the temperatures can be extreme. My advice is to do it in spring or autumn.
- The Silver Way can be done in 72 hours (if you go by car or motorbike). Still, to enjoy it better and to be able to stop at the most beautiful and interesting points, we recommend you dedicate at least 1 week to it.
Stages of the Silver Route
The Silver Way has different stages that run through the west of the Iberian Peninsula, passing through various cities and towns along its entire length.
This route has different options, as it can be done from south to north (Seville - Gijón) and from north to south (Gijón - Seville). But as I mentioned before, you also have the option to join the Camino De Santiago at one point of the route, so I will also share with you the stages of this route so you can choose the one you like the most.
35 Stages: Seville to Gijón
Remember that you can also do the route the other way around, starting in Gijón and ending in Seville. Here’s a list of the main stages divided by the autonomous community.
Andalusia
- Seville
- Carmona
- Santiponce
Extremadura
- Montemolín
- Fuente de Cantos
- Calzadilla de los Barros
- Medina de las Torres
- Zafra
- Los Santos de Maimona
- Villafranca de los Barros
- Mérida
- Aldea del Cano
- Cáceres
- Casar de Cáceres
- Garovillas de Alconétar
- Plasencia
- Hervás
- Baños de Montemayor
Castile and León
- Candelario
- Béjar
- Guijuelo
- Salamanca
- Zamora
- Benavente
- La Bañeza
- León
- La Pola de Gordón
Asturias
- Lena
- Aller
- Mieres
- Riosa
- Morcín
- Ribera de Arriba
- Llanera
- Gijón
If you want to do the Ruta de la Plata by car or motorcycle, you will have no problem. But if you are going to do the route by bike or walking, there are long distances, so you would have to add stops in between.
Here’s a map with the stops we enjoyed the most on my trip! There are 100% worth a visit!
36 Stages: Silver Way + Camino Sanabrés
These are the stages of the route by foot from Seville to Santiago de Compostela, linking the Silver Route with the Camino Sanabrés.
- Stage 1: Seville - Guillena (21,6 km)
- Stage 2: Guillena - Castilblanco de los Arroyos (18,2 km)
- Stage 3: Castilblanco de los Arroyos - Almadén de la Plata (28,8 km)
- Stage 4: Almadén de la Plata - Monesterio (34,6 km)
- Stage 5: Monesterio - Fuente de Cantos (20,7 km)
- Stage 6: Fuente de Cantos - Zafra (24,2 km)
- Stage 7: Zafra - Villafranca de los Barros (19,8 km)
- Stage 8: Villafranca de los Barros - Torremejía (27 km)
- Stage 9: Torremejía - Mérida (15,3 km)
- Stage 10: Mérida - Alcuéscar (35,9 km)
- Stage 11: Alcuéscar - Cáceres (37,4 km)
- Stage 12: Cáceres - Embalse de Alcántara (33,8 km)
- Stage 13: Embalse de Alcántara - Grimaldo (20 km)
- Stage 14: Grimaldo - Carcaboso (30,2 km)
- Stage 15: Carcaboso - Aldeanueva del Camino (38,3 km)
- Stage 16: Aldeanueva del Camino - La Calzada de Béjar (21,8 km)
- Stage 17: La Calzada de Béjar - Fuenterroble de Salvatierra (20,2 km)
- Stage 18: Fuenterroble de Salvatierra - San Pedro de Rozados (27,9 km)
- Stage 19: San Pedro de Rozados - Salamanca (23,6 km)
- Stage 20: Salamanca - El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino (36,4 km)
- Stage 21: El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino - Zamora (31,6 km)
- Stage 22: Zamora - Montamarta (19,2 km)
- Stage 23: Montamarta - Granja de la Moreruela (22,6 km)
- Stage 24: Granja de la Moreruela - Tábara (25,3 km)
- Stage 25: Tábara - Santa Marta de Tera (22,7 km)
- Stage 26: Santa Marta de Tera - Mombuey (36,9 km)
- Stage 27: Mombuey - Puebla de Sanabria (31 km)
- Stage 28: Puebla de Sanabria - Lubián (29,5 km)
- Stage 29: Lubián - A Gudiña (23,8 km)
- Stage 30: A Gudiña - Laza (35 km)
- Stage 31: Laza - Xunqueira de Ambía (33,2 km)
- Stage 32: Xunqueira de Ambía - Ourense (22 km)
- Stage 33: Ourense - Cea (22,2 km)
- Stage 34: Cea - A Laxe (33,2 km)
- Stage 35: A Laxe - Outeiro (34,1 km)
- Stage 36: Outeiro - Santiago de Compostela (16,7 km)
The “Camino Sanabrés” begins at stage 24.
Here’s a map with our route by foot, indicating some of the best stops to taste our amazing gastronomy!
P.S: Also, keep in mind the 10 spots we have indicated in the map above.
38 Stages: Silver Way + Camino Francés
These are the stages of the route by foot from Seville to Santiago de Compostela, linking the Silver Route with the French Way.
- Stage 1: Seville - Guillena (21,6 km)
- Stage 2: Guillena - Castilblanco de los Arroyos (18,2 km)
- Stage 3: Castilblanco de los Arroyos - Almadén de la Plata (28,8 km)
- Stage 4: Almadén de la Plata - Monesterio (34,6 km)
- Stage 5: Monesterio - Fuente de Cantos (20,7 km)
- Stage 6: Fuente de Cantos - Zafra (24,2 km)
- Stage 7: Zafra - Villafranca de los Barros (19,8 km)
- Stage 8: Villafranca de los Barros - Torremejía (27 km)
- Stage 9: Torremejía - Mérida (15,3 km)
- Stage 10: Mérida - Alcuéscar (35,9 km)
- Stage 11: Alcuéscar - Cáceres (37,4 km)
- Stage 12: Cáceres - Embalse de Alcántara (33,8 km)
- Stage 13: Embalse de Alcántara - Grimaldo (20 km)
- Stage 14: Grimaldo - Carcaboso (30,2 km)
- Stage 15: Carcaboso - Aldeanueva del Camino (38,3 km)
- Stage 16: Aldeanueva del Camino - La Calzada de Béjar (21,8 km)
- Stage 17: La Calzada de Béjar - Fuenterroble de Salvatierra (20,2 km)
- Stage 18: Fuenterroble de Salvatierra - San Pedro de Rozados (27,9 km)
- Stage 19: San Pedro de Rozados - Salamanca (23,6 km)
- Stage 20: Salamanca - El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino (36,4 km)
- Stage 21: El Cubo de la Tierra del Vino - Zamora (31,6 km)
- Stage 22: Zamora - Montamarta (19,2 km)
- Stage 23: Montamarta - Granja de la Moreruela (22,6 km)
- Stage 24: Granja de la Moreruela - Benavente (27,2 km)
- Stage 25: Benavente - Alija del Infantado (21,9 km)
- Stage 26: Alija del Infantado - La Bañeza (22,1 km)
- Stage 27: La Bañeza - Astorga (24,5 km)
- Stage 28: Astorga - Foncebadón (25,8 km)
- Stage 29: Foncebadón - Ponferrada (26,8 km)
- Stage 30: Ponferrada - Villafranca (24,2 km)
- Stage 31: Villafranca - 0 Cebreiro (27,8 km)
- Stage 32: 0 Cebreiro - Triacastela (20,8 km)
- Stage 33: Triacastela - Sarria (18,4 km)
- Stage 34: Sarria - Portomarín (22,2 km)
- Stage 35: Portomarín - Palas de Rei (24,8 km)
- Stage 36: Palas de Rei - Arzúa (28,5 km)
- Stage 37: Arzúa - Pedrouzo (19,3 km)
- Stage 38: Pedrouzo - Santiago de Compostela (19,4 km)
The “Camino Francés” begins at stage 24.
Here’s a map with our route by foot, indicating our favorite stops to take photos!
P.S: Also, keep in mind all the spots we have mentioned in the 2 maps above. The whole route is full of amazing landscapes!
16 Stages: Seville to Santiago de Compostela by bike
- Stage 1: Seville - Castilblanco de los Arroyos (39 km)
- Stage 2: Catilblanco de los Arroyos - Monesteiro (63 km)
- Stage 3: Monesteiro - Zafra (45 km)
- Stage 4: Zafra - Mérida (65 km)
- Stage 5: Mérida - Valdesalor (61 km)
- Stage 6: Valdesalor - Cañaveral (55 km)
- Stage 7: Cañaveral - Cáparra (57 km)
- Stage 8: Cáparra - Fuenterroble de Salvatierra (60 km)
- Stage 9: Fuenterroble de Salvatierra - Salamanca (51 km)
- Stage 10: Salamanca - Zamora (66 km)
- Stage 11: Zamora - Santa Marta de Tera (87 km)
- Stage 12: Santa Marta de Tera - Puebla de Sanabria (67 km)
- Stage 13: Puebla de Sanabria - A Gudiña (53 km)
- Stage 14: A Gudiña - Xunqueira de Ambía (66 km)
- Stage 15: Xunqueira de Ambía - Castro Dozón (64 km)
- Stage 16: Castro Dozón - Santiago de Compostela (66 km)
Here I leave you a map where I point out the stops that we enjoyed the most about this bike tour.
Almost every stop along the Via de la Plata is worth a visit, and in all of them you will find restaurants where you will taste some of the most delicious Spanish dishes. In addition, you will be able to take amazing pictures at each and every stage of the route, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
The 10 Best Spots of the Silver Route
Along the Silver Way, you will find dozens of beautiful places worth visiting.
You have to consider the time you will have. Depending on that, see if you can explore more thoroughly and maybe even deviate a little off the route and visit some small villages that seem taken out of a fairy tale.
The reality is that you need time to visit every corner of this beautiful itinerary.
Even so, I leave you the 10 places you have to write down on your list that you can not miss when you come!
1. Seville
Seville can be the beginning or the end of your tour, depending if you decide to do it from south to north or vice versa.
I recommend you stay at least a couple of days, as it is a city you will fall in love with as soon as you set foot in it.
In Seville, there are so many things to do, see, and much to experience, such as the impressive art of flamenco. If you want to fully immerse yourself in this Spanish art, don’t miss these articles:
What is Flamenco Dance? Join One of The Spanish “Tablaos”!
9 Curious Flamenco Facts That Will Totally Surprise You
Among the things to see and do, you can’t miss: the Giralda, the famous Triana neighborhood, the Torre del Oro, the Plaza de España, the Real Alcázar, the Palacio de Dueñas, the Basilica de la Macarena and the Archivo de Indias, some of them declared World Heritage by Unesco.
So now you know there is a mandatory stop in the beautiful and unique city of Seville!
2. Mérida
Mérida is an emblematic city and the epicenter of the Silver Way, which was once the ancient Emerita Augusta.
In 1993, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its significant archaeological and monumental ensemble.
Its current configuration is the product of the different artistic movements of each era and the character of a great city that it had for many centuries. In this impressive city, you can feel and visualize the Roman influence and visit some of the architectural monuments of great cultural interest. Visigothic, Arab, medieval, and modern features are also very present, which makes it a unique place.
Take advantage of its famous Roman Theater and Amphitheater, the Circus, the Temple of Diana, the Aqueduct, the Arch of Trajan, and the National Museum of Roman Art.
Two monuments represent two fundamental cultures: the Alcazaba represents the Arab culture, and the Basilica of Santa Eulalia represents the Roman one.
Suppose you want to know more about the incredible city of Mérida and which are the other cities that contain Roman remains and ruins. In that case, you may be interested in this article:
3. Cáceres
This beautiful city has an old town full of mansions, stately palaces, churches, and arches that will blow your mind. It will be like a trip back in time to the Middle Ages.
Among the places you cannot miss are the Co-cathedral of Santa Maria, the Palacio de las Veletas, the Arco de la Estrella, and the Casa del Sol.
Do not leave Cáceres without eating in one of the restaurants in the Plaza Mayor, where you can try some of the typical Extremaduran dishes such as Iberian pork, lamb, the typical “migas” and the traditional and tasty cheese “Torta del Casar.”
Ohh! For TV series lovers, a fact that I find interesting to highlight is that in a town near Cáceres, known as Los Barruecos, some of the famous Game of Thrones scenes were filmed!
4. Plasencia
Plasencia is a city full of culture and surrounded by green nature.
For those who love birds, this is a place where you can see a great diversity of species.
We have two posts dedicated exclusively to birds and birds of prey that you can find in different parts of Spain:
In Plasencia, you cannot miss the Old and New Cathedrals of the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries, the Episcopal Palace, the Medieval Interpretation Center, the Palace of Mirabel or Monroy, and its many churches.
If you travel in spring, take advantage of the cherry blossom in the Jerte Valley. Keep in mind that many people know about it, so if you want to take good pictures, you should go early in the morning!
5. Béjar
This beautiful town contains several monuments declared of Cultural Interest, such as its Roman road, the bridge, and the Ducal Palace.
Don’t leave Béjar without looking at the medieval walls, the Plaza Mayor, the Church of Santa María la Mayor, and its “Plaza de Toros,” the oldest in Spain.
6. Salamanca
Salamanca is one of the most essential stops on the Silver route. Salamanca is a city of great beauty that has played a significant role in the history of our country.
It is considered one of the university cities par excellence and where you will find one of the best atmospheres in Spain!
Like Seville, I recommend you stay a couple of days to get to know it well.
Among its many monuments, the most important are the Casa de las Conchas, its two beautiful cathedrals (the new and the old), the University, the Convent of San Esteban, and its Plaza Mayor (for many, the most beautiful in Spain).
Being one of the most important university cities in Spain, you may be interested in knowing more about the University of Salamanca, as well as 9 others that stand out as the best in the country. You have all the information in this article:
Top 10 Universities in Spain for an outstanding College Experience
Remember to leave some time for lunch or dinner! In Salamanca, you will find a lot of taverns and restaurants to enjoy Spanish gastronomy, as well as stores where you can buy delicious sausages or different handicrafts.
7. Zamora
Zamora is a city that transmits peace as you stroll through the old town, which is very well preserved, with illustrious palaces, incredible mansions, and impressive churches.
You cannot miss the Duero Romanesque Cathedral and its Romanesque churches such as San Cipriano, La Magdalena, or Santa María de la Horta.
In the small town of Granja de Moreruelas, you will find the Monastery of Santa María de Moreruela, a magical place!
At sunset time, I recommend you go to one of the viewpoints on the Duero river to enjoy the spectacular scenery.
If you want to know everything about the Duero river, we have a really helpful article:
8. León
León is a city full of corners that hide years of history, among which monuments such as the impressive Gothic Cathedral of “Santa María de León” stand out with its beautiful stained glass windows.
Besides the cathedral, you will find other architectural wonders such as Gaudi’s “Casa Botines,” the “Palacio de Los Guzmanes,” or the San Marcos Hostel. This hostel, originally from the 12th century, was also a convent and a prison, but today it is a luxury hotel!
I also recommend you visit the Plaza Mayor, the city wall, and the Roman crypts.
Before leaving León, take a walk through the picturesque Húmedo neighborhood, full of terraces where you can eat tasty food and rest before continuing with the route.
9. Aller
In this city, you will be amazed by the green tones of its mountain landscapes. Here you can visit the Xurbeo waterfall and the Natural Monument of Foces de El Pinto.
You will also find the Roman camp of La Carisa and the Church of San Vicente de Serrapio.
Aller also has a ski resort, so if you come in winter, you can take your skis out and do some skiing down the slopes.
Do you want to know which other places in Spain you can ski? Then make sure to check out this article!
10. Gijón
You will fall in love with this city as soon as you stroll along its famous beach of San Lorenzo, where I also recommend you take a dip and take a picture with its colorful huts.
If you are interested in the history of Roman times, do not miss the Archaeological Park of Campa de Torres, the Roman Villa of Veranes, or the thermal baths of Campo Valdes.
Get lost in the narrow streets of the fishing district of Cimavilla, where you can see the Revillagigedo Palace and the collegiate church of San Juan Bautista. In this area, you will find several Roman remains, Asturian mansions and palaces, and old fishermen’s houses. You can also choose between the different bars and restaurants that offer delicious Spanish food.
If you have time, take a trip to the impressive Picos de Europa. Believe me, it will be worth it!
To discover the impressive Picos de Europa National Park and the rest of the National Parks of Spain, click on the following article:
What do you think about the Silver Way through Spain? Do you dare to come and do it?
If you decide to come, I recommend you to open Google Maps and start putting in the search engine all the places of interest I mentioned in the post while saving them (as favorites, featured sites, or travel plans). This way, you will have everything organized, and you won’t skip anything!
