The town of Zamora overlooking the country's most impressive glacial lake

Lake Sanabria is undoubtedly one of the country's great natural wonders, and this immense glacial lake attracts thousands of visitors each year. Many of them take advantage of the excursion to the largest body of water on the Iberian Peninsula to visit Puebla de Sanabria, one of the most beautiful villages in all of Spain and the main rural tourism destination in the area. Although there are other equally fascinating towns around the lake , such as Galende.

This treasure of the province of Zamora is located a short distance from the lake, and although it is made up of eleven population centers, such as San Martín de Castañeda, Ribadelago, and Vigo (not to be confused with the city in Galicia), the one that gives its name to the entire municipality is one of the most beautiful. Only about 1,000 people live here, making it a haven of peace, ideal for a weekend getaway and exploring the Sanabria region.

Galende, the underrated jewel by Lake Sanabria

The town of Galende is crossed by the river Tera and is divided into three neighborhoods, which are located at different heights due to the orography of the municipal area: in the lowest, on the banks of the stream, you can see an old mill, while in the middle one (called Meillugar ) you can see It is home to the Church of San Mamés, the most important temple in the town, which consists of a single nave and was built with granite ashlars, as can be read on the town hall website.

Traditional architecture predominates in all the town's neighborhoods, including the Cima neighborhood, the highest of the three and home to Galende's main services, such as bars, restaurants, and hostels, as well as traditional houses built from stone and wood that give the entire streetscape a breathtakingly rural feel. Furthermore, the narrow streets are peaceful and tranquil, making it a perfect destination for those looking to escape the constant hustle and bustle of the city.

What to see around Galende

The town of Galende is nestled in the heart of the Sanabria Lake Natural Park, so the surrounding landscape is simply extraordinary. In addition to the enormous glacial lagoon, the surrounding area boasts impressive mountain ranges that "protect" the entire area, as well as vast fields and bucolic streams that look like something out of a painting.

Likewise, you can always take advantage of your trip to Galende to explore some of the other ten villages that make up the municipality, such as San Martín de Castañeda and its magnificent 10th-century monastery. All of this makes this town one of the best destinations for rural tourism lovers in Spain.

To reach this incredible town from the city of Zamora, which is an hour and a half away by road, simply take the A-66 (Autovía de la Plata) for a few minutes until you exit onto the N-631. Finally, turn onto the A-52 and finally onto the ZA-104.