Free walking tours in Toro and what to see

Must-sees

Toro looks over the Duero from a high plateau, and that view alone justifies the visit. The main monument is the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor, with the Portico of Majesty, which keeps its original paintwork. Beside it, the Espolón viewpoint gives a wide panorama of the plain and the bridge over the river.

The historic centre is easy to explore on foot. The Clock Tower marks the entrance to the main street, which leads to the Plaza Mayor. Along the way you pass Romanesque-Mudéjar brick churches such as San Lorenzo el Real. Also visit the monastery of Sancti Spiritus, with the tomb of Queen Beatrice of Portugal, and try the wines of the Toro denomination.

Free tours and guided visits

Free tours appear in Toro in high season and at weekends, covering the Collegiate Church, the Clock Tower and the Plaza Mayor, but they do not run daily. More common is the guided visit to the Collegiate Church, which explains the portico in detail. The most worthwhile paid experience here is a winery visit with a tasting. You can also combine Toro with Zamora, about thirty kilometres away, with its Romanesque churches.

How long to spend

Toro is easy to see in a day. Spend the morning at the Collegiate Church, the Espolón viewpoint and the walk to the Plaza Mayor. In the afternoon, visit Sancti Spiritus and finish at a winery with a tasting. If you want to watch the sunset over the plain, stay the night. If you add Zamora or more wineries, allow two days.

Where to stay

Ideally stay in the historic centre, near the Plaza Mayor or the Collegiate Church, so you can walk everywhere and watch the sunset from the Espolón. If you are coming for the wine, another good option is the rural accommodation and wineries with rooms around the area, quieter although you will depend on the car.