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Western Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla Trail

Western Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla Trail

Weekend delights: market, flavours and water in Ambroz-Cáparra

General information
  • THEME: Active tourism - Gastronomy - Culture and tradition
  • WHERE: Palomero, Ahigal, Santa Cruz de Paniagua, Santibáñez el Bajo
  • WHEN: Summer (we recommend Sunday)
  • LENGTH: 1 day
  • WHAT TO SEE: Olivar in Palomero - Pozo Cinojal (Ahigal) - Dehesa de Santibáñez el Bajo - Traditional Sunday market (Ahigal) - Natural swimming hole in Santa Cruz de Paniagua .
WE RECOMMEND...

A stroll through the Sunday market stalls in Ambroz-Cáparra, followed by a refreshing dip in one of the nearby swimming holes.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast in Palomero. There’s nothing like a piece of toast made from freshly baked bread sprinkled with olive oil produced from the best Manzanilla Cacereña olives. Take a moment to observe the valley filled with olive trees, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Next stop, Ahigal, which holds a traditional street market every Sunday: almost a hundred stalls full of fashion, food and everything else you can imagine. Contemplate the legends of Ahigal as you walk towards the Pozo del Cinojal. They will surprise you. Enjoy the tapas and beers provided by the town to visitors every Sunday after the market.

Try one of the local culinary specialities in Santibáñez el Bajo : “migas santibañejas” (fried breadcrumbs with garlic and olive oil) and “ajo de patatas” (garlic smashed potatoes). For dessert, try one of the traditional local confections, accompanied by a good cup of “puchero” coffee.

Finally, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water of the natural swimming hole in Santa Cruz de Paniagua. You won’t regret it. The perfect end to your day in western Ambroz-Cáparra.

If you visit in August, we suggest you swapping the traditional Sunday market in Ahigal for the two-day medieval market that takes place in the month of August.

DON'T MISS:
REMEMBER:
  • Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to participate in all the activities.
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Eco-Birding in Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla

Eco-Birding in Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla

Birdwatching in its purist form.

General information
  • THEME: Hiding - Birding
  • WHERE: Dehesa de Santibañez el Bajo, Gabriel y Galán Reservoir SPA, Pinares de Granadilla
  • WHEN: Autumn - Winter
  • LENGTH: 1 day
  • WHAT TO SEE: Endless species of birds
WE RECOMMEND...

Enjoy eco-birding at the customary relaxed pace in these pristine natural spaces. Don’t rush; take your time.

Any season is perfect for enjoying birdwatching in its purest form in Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla, an ideal destination for observing a wide variety of bird species. In the olive groves, you might spot a rufous-tailed scrub robin whilst the dehesa is home to the Eurasian eagle-owl and the black stork. In the pine forests, look for the red-necked nightjar and the goldcrest. The rocky cliffs are inhabited by the griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, peregrine falcon, blue rock thrush and the black stork. In deciduous forests, you may find the northern goshawk and the European honey buzzard, whilst the mountainous areas are frequented by various warblers, the Northern wheatear and the majestic golden eagle, the largest of our raptors.

Your day begins with a scenic hike and birdwatching adventure through the picturesque dehesa landscape surrounding Santibáñez el Bajo. After stopping for lunch in Zarza de Granadilla, you’ll take a boat tour of the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir, accompanied by the graceful common cranes that migrate here each winter seeking refuge from the harsh northern cold and roost in the reservoir’s surroundings. Watching them fly at sunset and hearing their distinctive trumpeting calls is an unforgettable spectacle you won’t want to miss!

As you sail along, be on the lookout for the birdlife like osprey, pintail ducks, shovelers, wigeons, gadwalls, and mallards and learn all about these species, their habits and behaviours.

Let your senses take flight under the skies of a region bursting with biodiversity!

DON'T MISS:
REMEMBER:
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching.
  • The best way to get the most from your visit is to hire the services of a company that specialises in ornithological tourism.
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The Roots of Tradition in the Ambroz Valley

The Roots of Tradition in the Ambroz Valley

Stroll among noble chestnut trees and learn about the culture.

General information
  • THEME: Nature - Crafts - Gastronomy
  • WHERE: Segura de Toro, Hervás, Baños de Montemayor
  • WHEN: Spring - Autumn
  • LENGTH: 1 day
  • WHAT TO SEE: Castaños del Temblar, Jewish Quarter (Hervás), El Castañar Quarter (Baños de Montemayor).
WE RECOMMEND...

A journey back in time, back to the roots of our region’s craftsmanship and traditions that will inspire your creative and artistic spirit.

Start your morning early in Segura de Toro with a visit to Castaños del Temblar, taking a short but stunning hiking trail, the Castaños del Temblar Trail. Each one of the five chestnut trees has its own name: Hondonero, Retorcío, Bronco, del Arroyo and Menuero. There are thousands of stories hidden among the branches and leaves of these “Noble Trees of Extremadura” Discover the region’s rich artisanal traditions as you wander among them.

Feel the gentle breeze on your face as you marvel at the breathtaking views of the Ambroz Valley.

Next, your journey will take you to Hervás, where you can visit one of the few remaining artisans who still work with chestnut wood, crafting beautiful baskets in the heart of the Hervás Jewish quarter. Stop for lunch in Baños de Montemayor to recharge your batteries and plan a visit to Barrio del Castañar in the village of Baños de Montemayor, where all the buildings were made from chestnut wood. If you come in the month of November to do the Basketmakers’ Route, you’ll learn all about the culture and tradition of the chestnut tree. You’ll learn about how basketmakers used to make their baskets from the wood of this tree.

Don’t miss this journey through the traditional crafts of these villages, from their origins up to the present day. Make sure to sample the local food, from chestnuts and wild mushrooms to hearty traditional dishes served in the charming local taverns and restaurants. Indulge in tender kid goat, succulent lamb, cured meats, or special comfort foods like “patatas revolconas” and “zorongollo” – Yum!

DON'T MISS:
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House – Museum of Francisca Pérez Martín “Kika”

House – Museum of Francisca Pérez Martín “Kika”

Francisca Pérez Martín

Come right in and allow Tía Kika to take you on an unforgettable journey through time to learn about her legacy.

Visit one of the most emblematic spots in the municipality of Gargantilla. Discover the story of Francisca Pérez Martín, affectionately known as “Tía Kika”, behind the doors of a restored mansion. It is the story of a woman ahead of her time who lived a melancholic and solitary existence. She studied to be a teacher, although she never practiced as one. Take a tour of her home, whose tools and utensils reveal what a traditional home of the time was like, the way of life, and the customs. Take some time to stroll around and observe the architecture of the Perché quarter, considered to be the origin of the village.

Information

Opening hours: assigned when booking your visit.

    • Reservations required: Yes. By phone or email.

    • Monday - Sunday: 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM

    • Maximum capacity: 30 people, in groups of 10.

      Reduced mobility accessible: No.

      Educational level: all levels.

www.gargantilla.es

www.visitambroz.es

  • 927 479 141
  • Gargantilla Plaza España, 7
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MTB Route 8. Vía de la Plata

MTB Route 8. Vía de la Plata

Distance

22.88 km

Difficulty

Moderate

Path

Straight line

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An easy 21 km trail that starts in the Roman city of Cáparra, passes through Zarza de Granadilla and ends in La Granja. Here it connects with the Ambroz Valley Mountain Bike Centre and goes on to Abadía.

The trail starts at the Roman city of Cáparra and follows the Vía de la Plata before turning off towards Zarza de Granadilla through fields near the Ambroz River.

It continues to La Granja, crossing the Ambroz River again, where you can take a dip in the natural pool in summer.

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BTT Route 7. Trasierra Trail

BTT Route 7. Trasierra Trail

Distance

20.7 km

Difficulty

Moderate

Path

Straight line

Ruta-7-Cáparra
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This is a 20 km mountain trail of moderate difficulty that connects all the villages of the Trasierra mountain range. From the trailhead in Oliva de Plasencia, it passes through Villar de Plasencia and Cabezabellosa and ends in Jarilla.

From the trailhead in Oliva de Plasencia, you’ll cross the motorway and continue on to Garganta de la Oliva Reservoir. From there, the trail climbs up to Villar de Plasencia, followed by a steep ascent to Cabezabellosa.
The trail passes by the Cerro del Búho lookout, where you’ll want to stop and contemplate the spectacular views of Trasierra-Tierras de Granadilla and the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir.
The scenic mountain trail ends in Jarilla.

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MTB Route 6. Cáparra

MTB Route 6. Cáparra

Distance

16.14 km

Difficulty

Moderate

Path

Straight line

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This trail connects the towns of Guijo de Granadilla, specifically from the entrance to the Church of St. Andrew to Oliva de Plasencia, passing through the emblematic Roman city of Cáparra.

This is an easy 15.6 km trial with gentle slopes and little technical difficulty, making it ideal for cyclists to explore the Gabriel y Galán Museum, the Roman city of Cáparra, and the scenic dehesas of Oliva de Plasencia on the way to the town.

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MTB Route 5. Dehesa de Ahigal

MTB Route 5. Dehesa de Ahigal

Distance

30.04 km

Difficulty

Easy

Path

Straight line

Ruta-5-Cáparra
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And easy 30 km trail that connects Ahigal with Palomero, crossing through Santibáñez el Bajo, Santa Cruz de Paniagua, El Bronco until it reaches Palomero, with its vast swaths of holm oak dehesas.

From the trailhead in Ahigal, it crosses through Santibáñez el Bajo and the Dehesa Boyal, a fine example of sustainable management and one of the best preserved in the region.
It continues through the Balsa de Suertes Anchas in El Bronco and then on to Santa Cruz de Paniagua. From there, it ascends towards El Bronco, very close to the Los Nogales stream. The trail ends in Palomero, leaving the El Bronco pool behind on the left.

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MTB Route 4. Sierra de La Pesga

MTB Route 4. Sierra de La Pesga

Distance

12.43 km

Difficulty

Easy

Path

Straight line

Ruta-4-Cáparra
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This is 12 km trail of moderate difficulty that runs along the summit of the Sierra de la Pesga, passing through several mountain masses such as the Pinajarro or the Portillo del Culebro until it reaches La Pesga.

The trail starts in Mohedas de Granadilla. Along the way you’ll enjoy the spectacular views from high up in the mountain, the sea of terraced olive trees, and the Gabriel y Galán Reservoir, always on your right.

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