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So I made a route yesterday. Almost stuck to it. Basically, small national roads in Spain following the Tormes river. It joins Duero at some point.

First way-point was Ledesma.

Eventually I got to El Picón de Felipe, one of the most famous and spectacular viewpoints in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, located in the municipality of Aldeadávila de la Ribera in the province of Salamanca, Spain. It offers dramatic, panoramic views of the Duero River canyon, where the river separates Spain and Portugal between vertical rock. In my own words.🤗

Continuing the beautiful road – absolutely 0 traffic – sun in my eyes, visor up, I got closer to the border.

I chose the Salto de Saucelle. Salto de Saucelle” translates to Saucelle Drop, Saucelle Falls, or more commonly, the Saucelle Dam/Power Plant in English. The road to Salto de Saucelle is a scenic, narrow, and winding route located in the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, Salamanca, Spain. It descends from the town of Saucelle, offering dramatic views of the Douro River canyon. Trivia, the village was constructed in conjunction with the building of the Dam/Power Plant, as was the road to the site. Beautiful views!

In Portugal, I made a deviation from the track. It was suggested by someone, or something (AI). Eventually I ended up (4 hours later) at the very specific suggested hotel, but that’s another story.

The Douro Valley and the surrounding valleys are fantastic. Roads are the best. No traffic and sweeping curves combined with long straight bulging stretches. Up and down. Small villages and interesting landmarks.