Things to See and Do at Lake Sanabria Travel Guide

There’s a certain magic about Lago de Sanabria that captivates all who visit. Nestled in the heart of Spain, it’s not just a lake; it’s a testament to natural beauty and cultural richness that feels almost untouched by time. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned explorer, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know for an unforgettable experience in this enchanting region.

My personal connection to Sanabria runs deep, as my mother was born and raised here, often recounting tales of her childhood amidst the rugged landscapes and warm-hearted locals. The Sanabreses are known for their resilience, warmth, and tireless spirit, often found far from home yet forever connected to their roots. If you’re ready to embark on this journey, let’s dive into our comprehensive guide to Lago de Sanabria.

How to reach Lago de Sanabria

The most convenient way to arrive at Lago de Sanabria is undoubtedly by car. The A-52, also known as the Autovía de las Rías Bajas, conveniently links Benavente and Pontevedra, making a stop at the charming town of Puebla de Sanabria. If you’re traveling from Madrid, the journey takes just over three and a half hours via the A-6.

If you prefer public transportation, there are trains that arrive at the picturesque Puebla de Sanabria from various Spanish cities like Madrid, Zamora, Valladolid, Santiago, Ourense, and Vigo. Additionally, buses operated by companies such as Avanzabus and Monbus connect you to this beautiful area from larger cities.

For those looking to explore further, there’s a bus route from Zamora to Ribadelago, stopping at several key points in Sanabria, including Galende and El Puente. It's essential to note that having a car in Sanabria is highly recommended, as it allows easy access to various attractions and scenic spots.

Where to stay near Lago de Sanabria

Lago de Sanabria is a perfect rural getaway, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can find a range of accommodations, from cozy rural houses to cabins nestled in nature. Hotels and hostels are also available, and for the adventurous, camping options abound.

Here are some recommended stays:

Rural houses, tourist apartments, and cabins

• Hotel Rural La Hoja de Roble
• Alojamientos Rurales El Fontano
• Cabañas Maleixas

Hotels and hostels

• Villa Lucerna Resort
• Hostal Carlos V
• Aire de Sanabria
• Posada Real El Sendero del Agua

Camping options

• Camping Isla de Puebla 
• Camping El Folgoso
• Camping Los Robles

→ Check out more offers for accommodation at Lago de Sanabria

Tourist information offices around Lago de Sanabria

To kickstart your journey in Lago de Sanabria, it’s advisable to visit one of the tourist information offices. Here’s where you can go:

– The Casa del Parque serves as a comprehensive tourist information center, where you can get all the necessary guidance regarding the lake and its surroundings (note that brochures and maps are available for a fee). Additionally, the center hosts interactive exhibitions that are both informative and engaging, costing just 1€. More info.

– There is also an information point next to the Monastery of San Martín de Castañeda.

For your convenience, we’ve included a map below to help you find these locations easily! 😉

Beaches of Lago de Sanabria

When we mention "beaches," don’t expect vast stretches of fine sand and palm trees. The beaches at Lago de Sanabria are small sandy areas (sometimes pebbly), surrounded by lush trees and rocks. Access to the water is generally easy, so bringing water shoes is advisable, along with a snorkel mask to catch a glimpse of the lake's aquatic life.

There are a total of four sandy beaches around the lake for swimming: Arenales de Vigo and El Folgoso to the west, and Viquiella and Custa Llago to the south:

To the west

– Arenales de Vigo. This beach features a relatively large sandy area along with grassy spots, both providing ample shade. The water access is straightforward, with some rocks at the shore. A chiringuito (beach bar) is conveniently located on the opposite side of the parking area.

– Playa El Folgoso. Just 200 meters from Arenales de Vigo, near the campground of the same name, this beach has a smaller sandy area. However, the shoreline is dotted with small coves and tranquil spots perfect for laying out your towel.

The parking for both beaches is ample (no worries about finding a spot). During July and August, it costs 1€ per hour or 5€ for 24 hours, but it’s free on weekdays.

To the south

– Playa Viquiella. This is likely the most popular beach among the four, although we personally prefer some of the quieter options. It has a fairly large sandy area but tends to fill up quickly. Moreover, parking can be limited, often running out during peak season.

– Playa Custa Llago. Located nearby, this beach is smaller and less crowded. It’s also the departure point for the Crucero Ambiental Helios Cousteau, the world's first wind-solar boat, featuring a glass bottom that offers a unique tour of the lake (book your spot here). The parking area is on the opposite side of the road and also has limited spots.

For both of these beaches, the parking is charged daily during July and August, at the same rates as mentioned earlier.

Parking at the beaches of Lago de Sanabria

At all parking areas, payment is made through parking meters. Don’t worry, staff is available to assist with ticket purchases (they even have change if you need it) and monitor the timings. The 5€ pass is valid for 24 hours, meaning if you arrive on Saturday at 5 PM, you can use that same ticket until Sunday at 5 PM.

Hiking around Lago de Sanabria

No visit to Lago de Sanabria is complete without exploring its hiking trails. This region is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts, offering a multitude of routes that meander through the surrounding mountains.

Before choosing a route, it’s wise to check its status at the Casa del Parque (the Information Office) and consult profiles on websites like Wikiloc to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Here are some of the most popular hiking routes in Sanabria:

Laguna de los Peces and Laguna de Yeguas

This is undoubtedly the top choice. Starting from a parking area at over 1,700 meters, the route is 3 km one way, totaling 6 km round trip. However, you can opt for just the first km to reach the shore of Laguna de los Peces, which is accessible even for strollers and wheelchairs. The trail continues to climb to 2,000 meters, showcasing breathtaking landscapes while you might encounter the local cattle.

Senda de los Monjes

This trail departs from Ribadelago and covers 4 km to reach San Martín de Castañeda (another 4 km if you wish to return). Along the way, you’ll pass by the ruins of a Celtic castro and discover viewpoints that offer stunning vistas of the lake.

Cañón del Río Tera and Cueva de San Martín

This route also originates from Ribadelago and is considerably more challenging, spanning 16 km. It traverses the canyon carved by the Tera River and leads to the intriguing Cueva de San Martín.

Cascadas de Sotillo

Another highly recommended hike, starting from either Ribadelago Nuevo or the village of Sotillo, with a distance ranging from 7 to 12 km depending on your chosen path. This trek rewards you with one of the most picturesque views in the area, featuring multiple waterfalls cascading from the Laguna de Sotillo.

Cascada Los Vados

Shifting locations, this trail begins at San Ciprián and travels to a stunning waterfall after roughly 7.5 km round trip through the Trefacio River valley.

Peña Trevinca

This is the most demanding route, suitable only for experienced hikers. Peña Trevinca, towering at 2,127 meters, marks the highest peak in Sanabria, acting as a natural border between Castilla y León and Galicia. Starting from the Laguna de los Peces parking area, the ascent to the summit covers about 12 km with an elevation gain of around 600 meters (1,000 meters total). Expect to return via the same path, making the total hike approximately 24 km. We met a fellow hiker who completed the climb and returned by noon after starting at 5:30 AM!

Supermarkets and gas stations around Lago de Sanabria

The main commercial hubs in the Lago de Sanabria region are El Puente and Puebla.

– El Puente: This village thrives on its weekly market held every Monday, featuring a variety of fresh produce and meat (you must try the Sanabrese beef!). Daily markets offer butcher and grocery stalls. Supermarkets like Ruso 3.0 and Carrefour Express are also available. One can’t forget the local bakery, Panadería y Pastelería Puig, where you can indulge in delightful treats. For fuel, a Repsol gas station is located at the town's exit.

– Puebla de Sanabria: Situated at the lower part of the village, there are both a Día and a Carrefour Express before crossing the bridge. This area also hosts a Repsol gas station.

While these are the primary spots for stocking up on essentials, you can also find smaller markets like one in Galende, as well as the Fábrica De Embutidos y Jamones Gran Sanabrés (located between Puebla and El Puente) known for its high-quality local products, including some delicious sausages.

The most beautiful villages in Sanabria

Although the primary allure of Sanabria lies in its lake and natural beauty, the charming villages scattered around the region are its heart and soul. You can’t leave Lago de Sanabria without visiting some of these picturesque towns.

Here are what we consider the most beautiful villages in Sanabria:

• Puebla de Sanabria
• San Martín de Castañeda
• Trefacio
• San Ciprián
• Ribadelago
• Rábano de Sanabria
• El Puente

An extra tip: make sure to visit the Sixtine Chapel of Sanabria, which refers to the Iglesia de Santo Tomás Apostol located in Otero de Sanabria. This magnificent church, built in the 12th century during a golden age for Romanesque art in the region, boasts a stunning collection of medieval frescoes adorning the apse ceiling, depicting biblical scenes and religious figures that will leave you in awe.

Excursions from Lago de Sanabria

This recent trip, we spent four days, dedicating one to explore Braganza, Portugal. If you have the time and wish to discover the surroundings, here are the best excursions from Sanabria:

– Zamora. The provincial capital astonishes first-time visitors with its extensive cultural heritage and fascinating history, not to mention the incredible food scene! Check out our post on everything to see and do in Zamora.

– Monasterio de Santa María de Moreruela. The ruins of this Cistercian monastery from the 12th century leave a lasting impression. It was one of the first and largest monasteries of this order in Spain, making it a must-visit (entrance is free).

– Portugal (Braganza and Río de Honor). Just 42 km away from Puebla de Sanabria (via a scenic road), you’ll find the city of Braganza, known for its stunning medieval architecture, including a charming castle and fortified walls. To get there, you’ll cross the border at Río de Honor, a unique village split between Spanish and Portuguese territory.

– Las Médulas. Initially, we planned to visit these ancient Roman gold mines, which are among the most unique landscapes on the peninsula. However, the long two-hour drive and the summer heat deterred us.

– El Bierzo. If you decide to visit Las Médulas, consider continuing your exploration of this Leonese region. From its capital Ponferrada to charming rural villages and pristine natural sites, there’s much to discover.

Interactive map of Lago de Sanabria

Lastly, we’ve included an interactive map showcasing all the significant points of interest around Lago de Sanabria:

We hope this travel guide to Lago de Sanabria helps you plan your visit to this stunning corner of Zamora. We’re sure you’ll want to return!

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