San Miguel de Valero – Hiking Trails, Nature and Beekeeping

The Sierra de las Quilamas, a natural area of great landscape and ecological importance, lies in the surroundings of San Miguel de Valero. The landscape around the town is shaped by agriculture and includes vineyards, olive groves, fruit trees and small kitchen gardens.

Landscape

On the slopes and in the valley floors around San Miguel de Valero lie terraced landscapes with a Mediterranean historical tradition. Pico Cervero is located between the municipalities of San Miguel de Valero and Navarredonda de la Rinconada, reaches 1,465 metres and is the highest point in the Sierra de las Quilamas.

Mediterranean woodland landscapes grow in the Sierra de las Quilamas, with Pyrenean oaks, strawberry trees, cork oaks, heather and holm oaks. In shady, damp areas, such as around La Honfría, there are also species-rich mixed forests of chestnut and holly trees.

Hiking Trails

The different route lengths and walking times help you compare the trails for your own planning. The Ruta Norte de los pueblos runs from San Miguel de Valero to Linares de Riofrío for approximately 5.5 kilometres. The walking time is around two and a half hours, and the difficulty ranges from low to moderate.

The Ruta Noroeste de la Sierra Mayor connects San Miguel de Valero with La Honfría and Pico Cervero. Its shorter variant is approximately 14.6 kilometres long, while the longer one is approximately 15.4 kilometres.

The Ruta de la Miel o de los Valles runs from San Miguel de Valero to Valero and onwards to the confluence of the Quilamas and the Alagón. The section between San Miguel de Valero and Valero is approximately 2.4 kilometres long and takes around one hour.

The Ruta a Castil de Cabras starts in San Miguel de Valero and follows paths towards Pocilgas de la Novata–Quilamas for approximately 11.2 kilometres. It is a section of the Ruta de los Caminos Históricos de Entresierras.

The signposted Camino de los Trasiegos is approximately 3.5 kilometres long, descends through dense oak and chestnut forests on the slopes and offers views of the Quilamas valley. Along the Camino there is a distinctive threshing floor made of granite slabs, where barley was winnowed.

The name Camino de los Trasiegos recalls earlier times of transporting and exchanging goods, including honey and pollen. A historic hiking trail from San Miguel de Valero also leads to Monte del Castillo. There are the presumed remains of the castle of Count Don Rodrigo, which is associated with the legend of Queen Quilama.

Culture and Local Character

The parish church Iglesia Parroquial de San Miguel in San Miguel de Valero dates from the 17th century and preserves a Mudejar wooden ceiling.

Beekeeping has been part of the local economy in San Miguel de Valero since the 18th century. The honey industry is associated with numerous beekeepers and a cooperative.

The patron saint festivities in honour of San Miguel Arcángel take place on 29 September. They include a parade, a mass, a procession, a floral offering, novilladas and an evening verbena.

Experiences

Vael Equipe is an adventure park in San Miguel de Valero next to the municipal swimming pools. The park offers three aerial courses with different levels of difficulty, as well as challenges such as zip lines, bridges, nets and barrels.

From April to September, Vael Equipe is open on Saturday and Sunday mornings by prior reservation.

Getting There

From Salamanca, the road route follows the CL-512 to Vecinos and then the SA-205 to San Miguel de Valero; the distance is 57 kilometres.

Other Places

Serradilla Del Arroyo, Valdefuentes De Sangusin, Águeda Del Caudillo, Gallegos de Solmirón, Moriscos, Madroñal, Traguntía, Puerto De Béjar

To the higher-level travel overview: Salamanca.