In Losacino, the setting of Castillo de Alba by the Ricobayo Reservoir, the church, and archaeological traces along the Esla represent different chapters in the town’s history. Those looking to combine culture and scenery on their trip will find more than just a castle: rural architecture and a mountain biking route add their own distinctive touches.
Castillo de Alba by the Ricobayo Reservoir
The Castillo de Alba stands on a hill surrounded by the waters of the Ricobayo Reservoir on three of its four sides. Its location directly connects this historic site with the shape of the reservoir landscape. A 1949 decree declared the castle a cultural asset of special interest, a Bien de Interés Cultural.
For directions: the castle can be reached via the road from Carbajales to FonfrĂa. A dirt track descends to the end of an inlet of the Ricobayo Reservoir; several paths climb between the trees to the castle hill. Trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check them locally before your visit.
In 2023, the castle was in a state of ongoing deterioration, with neither adequate signage nor sufficient tourist promotion. Check its current condition and access arrangements locally before visiting.
Church, archaeology, and rural architecture
The Church of San Pelayo in Losacino was built in the 1930s. It replaced the former parish church, which was affected by the Esla Reservoir.
The archaeological site of La Muela-El Chano is also in the municipality of Losacino, in a bend of the Esla River. Acheulean Paleolithic artifacts have been catalogued there. Together with the history of the church, this provides a second connection to the Esla, distinct from the castle’s location by the Ricobayo Reservoir.
Losacino’s understated rural architecture includes wells, grain mills, footbridges, and homes made of earth, slate, wood, and stone, as well as wrought-iron details. This expands the focus beyond individual historic buildings to encompass the different forms and materials of rural construction.
Cycling route, mushrooms, and festival date
A mountain biking route starts in Losacino and follows the banks of the Aliste River towards Vide de Alba. This offers a different focus from the castle by the Ricobayo Reservoir: here, the course of the river sets the direction of the ride. If you plan to follow the route, check conditions in advance, as they can change.
Within the regulated area of Losacino, Castillo de Alba, Muga de Alba, and Vide de Alba, together with the PMZA-50.001 Mushroom Park and its expansion area, form a single zone. For the 2025/26 season, a single mushroom-picking permit was sufficient for the entire area. If mushroom picking is part of your plans, check the rules in effect during your travel dates.
The patron saint festival is celebrated on the first Sunday in October. If you would like to plan your trip around the occasion, check the date for the relevant year.
Getting to Losacino
From Zamora or Salamanca, the ZA-P-1405 passes through La Hiniesta and Carbajales on its way to Losacino. From Benavente, take the ZA-100 towards Tábara, then the ZA-902 to Losacino. Which of these routes suits you depends on your starting point; check road conditions before setting off.
These different themes can serve as distinct focuses for a stay: the castle and its location by the reservoir, the history along the Esla, or the route along the Aliste. You can plan your visit to Losacino around whichever interest matters most for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Gamones, Benavente, Peñausende, San Esteban del Molar, Villarino de Sanabria, Linarejos, Villaveza Del Agua.
Return to the main travel overview: Zamora.
