Welcome to Béjar, a charming city located in the province of Salamanca, Castilla y León. This destination, situated on the historic Silver Route, is ideal for a motorhome getaway. With its rich history, cultural heritage, and stunning natural landscapes, Béjar promises an unforgettable experience.
Exploring the Town and Its Surroundings
Stroll Through the Historic Center
Take a walk through the old town of Béjar. The streets will guide you through historic houses, local shops, and charming cafés. Béjar’s Old Town was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1974.
Walls and Puerta del Pico
Step into the ancient walls of Béjar and visit the iconic Puerta del Pico. Originally built by the Arabs and expanded in the 13th century by Alfonso VIII, the city was surrounded by two parallel walls that converged at the Puerta del Pico. From here, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the city and the surrounding landscape. It’s an excellent spot to take some photos and appreciate the historical beauty of Béjar.
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Visit El Teatro Cervantes
The Teatro Cervantes in Béjar, inaugurated in 1857, is one of the oldest theaters in Spain. In an Elizabethan style and with a capacity for over 700 spectators, it is located between Olleros and Pardiñas streets. The theater is divided into a foyer, auditorium, and stage, with three floors, basements, a café, and offices. Hosting more than a hundred performances annually, it is a prominent cultural center in Béjar. You can check its schedule here.
Local Flavors in Béjar
Renowned for its variety and traditional dishes, the cuisine offers another compelling reason to bring your motorhome to Béjar. Among the most recognized dishes is the ‘calderillo bejarano,’ a hearty stew of potatoes and beef. Béjar is also famous for its hams and sausages, as well as ‘hornazo,’ a pastry filled with Iberian sausage, ham, and marinated pork loin. During the celebration of San Antón, locals indulge in ‘mantelada,’ a bread cake flavored with anise seeds.
For vegetarians, there are options like “zorongollo” (a salad of tomatoes, peppers, and boiled egg) and “limones,” a salad made with boiled egg, paprika, lemon, and orange. In the fall, you can enjoy “calbotes” (roasted chestnuts). In the realm of pastries, “perronillas” stand out—traditional cookies made with lard, flour, and almonds. Each dish reflects the rich culinary tradition of Béjar.
Enjoying Nature
Hiking Trails
Béjar offers several hiking trails. These routes will take you through beautiful natural landscapes, providing an excellent way to enjoy the region’s flora and fauna. We’ve listed Béjar’s most notable trails for you here.
El Castañal Area
Just 3 kilometers from the center of Béjar lies the El Castañar area. Highlights along the walk include the Sacred Heart and the Regajo. At El Castañar, at an altitude of 1,080 meters, you can cool off at the Abajo fountain, adorned with ducal coats of arms. The area is also home to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of El Castañar and Spain’s oldest bullring, La Ancianita. There are several car parks here where overnight stays are not allowed, but they are convenient for those who don’t want to walk or cycle from Béjar.
Local Festival: The Moss Men
The Moss Men commemorates a legendary 12th-century reconquest, where, according to legend, the people of Béjar, hidden in El Castañar and covered in moss, surprised the Muslims and recaptured the city at dawn on Saint Marina’s Day.
This historic event is intertwined with the Corpus Christi procession, and each year, the Moss Men Festival revives this historic reconquest, highlighting iconic points like the “Gate of Betrayal” and the Hermitage of Santa Marina.
Declared a Festival of Cultural Interest in 1998, the celebration has managed to maintain its relevance and appeal. The procession, preceded by the ringing of the bells of the Church of Santa María, includes children in communion attire, brotherhood flags, the municipal entourage, bailiffs, and of course, the iconic Moss Men. The Plaza Mayor becomes the epicenter of the celebration, hosting the flag dance and the tribute to the Holy Sacrament.
Other Activities
Textile Factory-Museum
Discover the textile history of Béjar by visiting this old factory turned museum. Learn about cloth production and the importance of the textile industry in the region. Béjar’s textile tradition began in the 13th century, after the repopulation by Alfonso VIII. In the 15th century, the Dukes of Béjar promoted the creation of cloth manufacturing centers. In 1691, the widowed duchess hired Flemish masters, transforming the artisanal production into a thriving textile industry. By 1715, Béjar was already producing military uniforms, solidifying its textile sector.
Plaza de Toros La Ancianita
This bullring holds the title of being the oldest in Spain. It was inaugurated with a wooden structure in 1667. However, in 1706, Duke Juan Manuel II decided to replace it with a stone construction, ensuring its durability and prestige.
Over the centuries, the bullring has undergone significant restorations, the first in 1962 and the most recent in 1996, keeping it in excellent condition to continue hosting bullfighting events. Throughout its illustrious history, it has been the stage for performances by famous bullfighters. Today, the Béjar Bullring houses the Bullfighting Museum in one of its rooms.
Practical Information for Your Visit to Béjar by Motorhome
How to Get to Béjar by Motorhome
Béjar is accessible by road from the main regional cities and is well connected via the A-66 highway.
The Béjar camper spot, located on the greenway, offers all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay. It is free of charge and provides water supply and waste disposal services.
Other Services
- Tourist Information Point: Calle Carretera de Salamanca, s/n, P.º Cervantes. Located next to Corredera Park. Opening hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Pharmacies: Several options in the city center.
- Supermarkets: There are various supermarket chains (Día, Mercadona, Alcampo) and local businesses like butcher shops and fruit stores.
- Health Center: For any medical emergency.
Ruta Vía de la Plata by Motorhome
Béjar is part of the Network of Cooperation of Cities on the Ruta Vía de la Plata, where you can find more information and other nearby destinations to continue your motorhome journey.
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