The unknown town of Zamora with stone and slate houses frozen in time

When summer arrives, we always take advantage of the opportunity to take a long getaway and see the world, but we also tend to reserve a few days to calmly enjoy a closer destination . If you enjoy rural tourism and find it energizing to discover new places, those where stress doesn't affect you and life moves at a different pace, we suggest a getaway to Santa Cruz de los Cuérragos , a town in Zamora with barely 10 inhabitants that seems stuck in another century.

Located just over three hours by car from Madrid, it's the perfect place to unwind, relax, and listen to the sounds of nature. This small town, nestled on the border between Spain and the Sierra de la Culebra Natural Area, preserves all the charm of the villages of yesteryear.

A town in Zamora that survives the times

Santa Cruz de los Cuérragos is located between three regions of Zamora: Aliste, Sanabria, and Carballeda , just a stone's throw from neighboring Portugal. Upon arriving in this village, the first thing that strikes you is the tranquility that permeates here and the beauty of the surrounding environment. However, you'll find few neighbors and no cars , as access is restricted. And if you're one of those who likes to stop and chat with the people sitting outside their homes to enjoy the fresh air, you'll discover the friendliness of the locals, who will welcome you as one of their own.

What to see in Santa Cruz de los Cuérragos

You'll be fascinated by the stone, slate, and wood houses, all similar but none alike , and usually with stables on the ground floor to take advantage of the heat for the livestock. These perfectly preserved homes respect the typical architecture of the area, creating a heritage site that has been recognized by the Regional Government of Castile and León as a municipality of Cultural Interest, with the category of Ethnological Site.

In Santa Cruz de los Cuérrago, time seems to have completely stopped, preserving this town as an intact treasure that must be preserved. The best plan for a few hours of relaxation is to wander aimlessly through its narrow, sometimes steep, cobblestone streets , taking your time and taking in no detail of its cultural heritage.

And don't expect any shops, restaurants, or bars, because there aren't any , and for food, you'll have to go to one of the nearest towns. To supply the few residents who live here (especially in winter), the fishmonger, butcher, and baker come here a couple of times a week, as was the case in many Spanish towns in the past.

The town of Soria that is perfect for reliving the Middle Ages

Route to the Valley of Hell

And apart from enjoying this authentic village where peace and quiet reign supreme, it's also worth visiting the old mill, located on the banks of the Manzanas River, as well as the Puente de los Infiernos (Hell's Bridge) that crosses its waters. To reach this bridge, adorned with ivy and flowers and built in the 17th century, you have to take the Valle de los Infiernos (Hell's Valley) route. It's just 3 kilometers long, on a path of easy difficulty that can be completed in less than an hour. You'll love enjoying the tranquility and beauty of this area, and we're sure it will be one of the best memories you'll have when you return home.