Tábara to Santa Marta de Tera
A quiet stage along dirt tracks ending beside what is considered the oldest representation of Santiago Peregrino in all Jacobean iconography.
Best season: Year-round; gentle elevation changes that make no major demands at any time of year
Map
- Tábara
- Santa Marta de Tera
FEAACS track published by IGN. Follow current trail signs.
Source: IGN/CNIG · FEAACS · CC BY 4.0 · Accessed:
Gaps in the source file are preserved; no connections have been added.
The Camino Bonsai Café team · Last editorial update:
From Tábara to Santa Marta de Tera is 22.9 km along the Vía de la Plata. It's stage 25, with 250 m of ascent and 220 m of descent, completed in about 5 h 45 min. Difficulty: Easy.
Carved cellars and the oldest Santiago
This stage, now well into the Camino Sanabrés, runs mostly along long dirt tracks, with gentle elevation changes that barely tax the legs. There are two variants for completing it: one through Bercianos de Valverde, which saves a couple of kilometers, and another slightly longer one through Villanueva de las Peras.
One of the most curious details along the route are the cellars carved into clay ground visible beside the path, a local winemaking tradition that goes back generations.
The stage ends in Santa Marta de Tera, where the Romanesque church holds a treasure: a stone carving of Santiago Peregrino considered the oldest known in all Jacobean iconography, with the staff, gourd, and satchel that identify the Apostle as a pilgrim.
What the terrain is like, section by section
Terrain
Gentle elevation changes for most of the route, with no notable technical sections.
Landscape
Open Zamora countryside, with traditional clay-carved cellars beside the path.
Path type
Long dirt tracks, with the final kilometers alongside local roads.
Villages
Bercianos de Valverde or Villanueva de las Peras, depending on the variant chosen.
Water points
Available in the villages along the route.
Shade
Limited for much of the route, typical of the open Zamora countryside.
Traffic
Generally low, somewhat higher in the final stretch alongside local roads.
Key fact
There are two route variants: find out which you prefer before leaving Tábara.
Staying in Santa Marta de Tera
Santa Marta de Tera has a public hostel as the village's only option.
Santa Marta de Tera pilgrim hostel
50 beds, next to the church. Open February to November.
Eating in Santa Marta de Tera
The offering is simple, typical of a small Zamora village.
Village bar
Basic options for recovering strength after the stage.
Historic stops on this stage
Cellars carved into clay
A curious local winemaking tradition, with underground cellars carved directly into the clay ground of the area.
Church of Santa Marta de Tera
A Romanesque church holding the oldest known stone carving of Santiago Peregrino, with the staff and gourd that identify the Apostle as a Jacobean pilgrim.
Don't leave Santa Marta de Tera without a close look at the carving of Santiago Peregrino in the Romanesque church: it's a unique piece in all Camino iconography, predating even other better-known representations.
How to get there and back
If you're starting here: Tábara has no transport of its own; the most practical option is to approach from Zamora.
If you need to return from Santa Marta de Tera: the most practical option is to head to Camarzana de Tera, with bus connections.
What you should know before this stage
Choose your variant before setting out
Bercianos de Valverde saves a couple of kilometers; Villanueva de las Peras offers a somewhat longer route.
Set aside time for the Romanesque church
The carving of Santiago Peregrino deserves an unhurried visit, it's a historical piece of great value.
Take note of the traditional cellars
A curious ethnographic detail that few pilgrims stop to observe.
Don't ruin this stage
Walking past the church of Santa Marta de Tera
It holds one of the most singular pieces in all Jacobean iconography: don't miss it.
Not deciding on the variant ahead of time
Learn about both route options before leaving Tábara so you have no doubts at the fork.
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 Tábara to Santa Marta de Tera?
What variants exist for completing this stage?
Why is the church of Santa Marta de Tera special?
Is this stage difficult?
When is the Santa Marta de Tera hostel open?
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.
Transparency: this page contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through one of them, Guía del Camino de Santiago may receive a commission. Read our affiliate policy