Montamarta to Granja de Moreruela
A stage alongside the Ricobayo reservoir that ends in Granja de Moreruela, the point where the Vía de la Plata splits toward Astorga or toward the Camino Sanabrés.
Best season: Year-round; a gentle stage profile with no major weather constraints
Map
- Montamarta
- Granja de Moreruela
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
Does not include access from the track to: Montamarta.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Montamarta to Granja de Moreruela is 22.6 km along the Vía de la Plata. It's stage 23, with 162 m of ascent and 150 m of descent, completed in about 5 h 45 min. Difficulty: Easy.
22.6 km is the editorial distance, the one guidebooks use for planning. The IGN GPX track below the map measures 26.7 km: it can differ because of route variants, the exact start and end points, and the access paths into villages, which it leaves out. Neither figure is the road distance between the two towns.
The great fork of the Vía de la Plata
The stage runs near the Ricobayo reservoir and the ruins of the abandoned settlement of Castrotorafe, a former medieval enclave now disused, before continuing through the villages of Fontanillas de Castro and Riego del Camino, both with some services.
The route has been altered in recent years by the construction of the A-66 highway, though it retains its peaceful character and gentle profile throughout.
The stage ends in Granja de Moreruela, a key point on the entire Camino: here the Vía de la Plata splits into two routes. To the north, the path continues toward Astorga to join the Camino Francés; to the northwest, the Camino Sanabrés begins, heading toward Sanabria and Ourense, the route taken by most pilgrims to Santiago.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
Gentle profile with moderate elevation changes, no technical sections.
Landscape
The vicinity of the Ricobayo reservoir and the ruins of the abandoned settlement of Castrotorafe.
Path type
Mostly dirt tracks, with a stretch altered by the A-66 highway.
Villages
Fontanillas de Castro and Riego del Camino, both with some services.
Water points
Available in the villages along the route.
Shade
Irregular, depending on the stretch.
Traffic
Generally low, with proximity to the A-66 highway at one point.
Key fact
Granja de Moreruela is the fork in the Camino: toward Astorga (Camino Francés) or toward the Camino Sanabrés (Ourense).
Staying in Granja de Moreruela
Granja de Moreruela has a municipal hostel verified as operating in 2026.
Granja de Moreruela pilgrim hostel
20 beds in 2 rooms of 10, open year-round. Microwave, fridge, disposable sheets, and individual lockers. Check-in and key pickup at Bar Tele-Club at the entrance to the village (open ~08:00-00:00). Pilgrim credential required.
Eating in Granja de Moreruela
Bar Tele-Club, besides managing hostel check-in, is the village's dining reference.
Bar Tele-Club
Besides serving meals, it's where the hostel keys are picked up: a regular meeting point among pilgrims.
Historic stops on this stage
Ricobayo reservoir
One of the great reservoirs of Castile and León, whose shores accompany much of the stage.
Ruins of Castrotorafe
An abandoned medieval settlement with a fascinating history linked to the Order of Santiago, now in ruins but visible from the path.
The fork in the Camino
A key point on the entire Vía de la Plata: here you decide whether to continue toward Astorga or take the Camino Sanabrés toward Ourense.
Take the chance to learn about the two possible routes before reaching Granja de Moreruela: most pilgrims choose the Camino Sanabrés, more direct toward Santiago, but it's worth knowing both options.
How to get there and back
If you're starting here: Montamarta has no transport of its own; the most practical option is to approach from Zamora.
If you need to return from Granja de Moreruela: the most practical option is to head to Zamora, with good train and bus connections.
What you should know before this stage
Decide your route in advance
Find out about the differences between continuing toward Astorga or taking the Camino Sanabrés before reaching the fork.
Pick up the keys at Bar Tele-Club
It's the check-in point for the municipal hostel: don't overlook it when arriving at the village.
Take a look at the ruins of Castrotorafe
A glimpse of this abandoned medieval settlement adds interesting historical context to the stage.
Don't ruin this stage
Arriving in Granja de Moreruela without knowing which route to take
The fork is a key moment on the Camino: decide with information beforehand, not on the fly.
Not knowing where to pick up the hostel keys
You need to go to Bar Tele-Club, not the hostel itself.
What to pack, travel insurance and getting around
One single guide with the recommended gear, useful services (insurance, eSIM) and transport options for the whole Camino.
Work out how much it will cost you
Set the days, route and type of trip, and we give you an estimate of the total cost with a full breakdown.
Everything you want to know before this stage
How many kilometers are there from Montamarta to Granja de Moreruela?
What routes can you take from Granja de Moreruela?
Where do you check in at the Granja de Moreruela hostel?
What are the ruins of Castrotorafe?
Is this stage difficult?
Browse the stages
Ideas for after you finish the Camino
A café waiting for you in Santiago
You still have many kilometres ahead, but once you finish the Camino in Santiago, Bonsai Café is a great spot for breakfast: right in the city centre, with Berraco by Bou specialty coffee and weekend brunch.
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