The stage, step by step
From Tábara to the first fields
Leave Tábara with your supplies sorted and continue among meadows and cultivated fields. The route starts without a long climb, but it's worth saving energy because the stage includes several changes in gradient.
Downhills and short climbs in the middle section
Between km 5.5 and km 7.8, you lose 36 m, then regain 35 m between km 7.8 and km 9.5. These are gentle changes in elevation, although they are noticeable with a full backpack.
Villanueva de las Peras
Villanueva de las Peras comes roughly halfway through the day. There you can find Albergue La Alameda and Cafe Bar La Plaza; it's the clearest stopping point before approaching Santa Marta.
Entering the Tera valley
The route loses 66 m between km 15.3 and km 18.5, following the 48 m climb that begins at km 12.3. The approach to Santa Marta de Tera runs between natural terraces and broad views over the riverside landscape.
What to see on stage 2
Iglesia de Santa Marta de Tera
The 12th-century Romanesque church has a Latin-cross plan, a single nave and a flat apse. It's probably the most important visit on the stage and deserves a few quiet minutes when you arrive.
Monasterio de Santa Marta de Tera (ruins)
The monastery has been documented since 979, and the present church is the main surviving part of that complex. Its history is closely connected with Santa Marta’s importance on the pilgrimage route.
Tera river valley
The path approaches the valley through meadows and cultivated fields. The natural terraces offer open views of the riverside, very different from the drier sections of the previous day.
Iglesia de Santa María (Tábara)
If you did not see it when leaving, you can visit it at the start of the stage. The church is linked to the tradition of the Beato de Tábara and forms part of the Jacobean history of this stretch in Zamora.
Where to sleep in Santa Marta de Tera
In Tábara, you can choose between Albergue de Peregrinos and El Roble. Villanueva de las Peras has Albergue La Alameda, a useful option if you prefer to split the day. In Santa Marta de Tera, there's Casa Anita and Albergue de Peregrinos; it's worth confirming reception before setting off, especially during busy periods.
Where to eat and refuel
Tábara has the main range of places for setting off: Asador Las Cumbres, Bar-restaurante Las Cumbres, Palacio, Dia Market and Covirán. In Villanueva de las Peras, you have Cafe Bar La Plaza. Further on, near Santa Marta, there are Alimentacion y Tabacos and Venta Medieval Resaurant, but don't set off assuming there'll be somewhere open at every point along the way.
Practical tips for this stage
Do your shopping in Tábara
Although the distance isn't excessive, the stage crosses open countryside and stopping places are limited. Take something to eat and make use of Dia Market or Covirán before setting off.
Save energy for the end
The gradients are moderate, but they occur repeatedly: a descent between km 5.5 and km 7.8, a climb up to km 9.5 and further changes before the Tera valley.
Reach Santa Marta in good time
Santa Marta de Tera deserves a relaxed visit, especially for its Romanesque church. If you want to see it open or stay there, don't leave your arrival until the very end of the day.
Frequently asked questions about stage 2
Is it a difficult stage?
It's moderately demanding and 22.7 km long, with an average walking time of 5 hours. The terrain rises and falls, but there's no technical or particularly prolonged climb.
Where can I stop halfway?
Villanueva de las Peras is the main intermediate village. It has Albergue La Alameda and Cafe Bar La Plaza.
How much elevation gain does the stage have?
The route has 153 m of ascent and 154 m of descent, with a minimum altitude of 724 m and a maximum of 800 m.