Embrace a journey on two wheels
The Silver Route, or Vía de la Plata, is a fascinating trail running north-south across Spain, and was used by the Roman troops to march to the northern Iberian Peninsula. From Seville to Gijón, it’s a 560-mile adventure that traverses four different regions, each with different landscapes, cultures and cuisine: Andalusia, Extremadura, Castile-León and Asturias. Experience a stunning diversity of scenery, from the olive groves of the south to the sweeping plains and lush green valleys of the north. Ideal for cycling enthusiasts, it offers two types of routes: scenic road paths and adventurous mountain bike trails.
Start your route in Seville, the capital of Andalusia. If you like urban cycling, you can explore the city’s rich cultural heritage by taking any of its bike routes. You can also take a side trip to nearby Carmona and visit its lovely historic center.
In Extremadura, you’ll see farmlands, vineyards, wooded pastures and the spectacular Jerte Valley. Discover Cáceres and its medieval center, and Mérida, with its Roman archaeological site, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Indulge in some of Spain’s finest Iberian cured ham, and relax your muscles in the Roman spa of Baños de Montemayor. Explore the beautiful cities of Plasencia, featuring an imposing cathedral and numerous mansions, and Trujillo, renowned for its monumental Plaza Mayor square and historic castle.
Castile-León awaits you with its delicious roast suckling pig and roast lamb, excellent ways of restoring your strength after cycling through the spectacular architectural gems of Salamanca, Zamora and León. Many sections of the route follow the old Vía de la Plata railway, now transformed into comfortable nature trails and greenways.
In Asturias, you will continue finding architectural jewels, such as the pre-Romanesque churches in Oviedo and its surrounding areas, UNESCO World Heritage Sites located amidst spectacular valleys and mountains. When you reach your final destination, Gijón, reward your hard work with a refreshing swim at the beach or a leisurely ride along the seafront promenade, enjoying the breezes from the Cantabrian Sea. Relax at a local bar or restaurant to savor fresh fish, traditional fabada (a traditional white bean stew), and authentic Asturian cider.
Did you know that some people also travel the Silver Route as an option to do the Camino de Santiago? When the itinerary reaches Zamora, they take an alternative route to connect with the Camino Francés or the Camino Sanabrés until they reach Santiago de Compostela.
Look through La Ruta en Bici for information on the different stages, maps and tracks, as well as services available along the Silver Route (workshops, accommodation, rental companies, etc.). There’s more information on bike routes across Spain, to help you plan your visit-on-two-wheels!
