Two different landscapes in one route. First steep and mountainous terrain for the adventurers and on the other hand, dryland crops and grasslands of the serena plains for quiet wanderers.
The Transerena or Cordel del senda del Rey runs for about 98.5 km through the La Serena region from east to west. It has two stages of 56 and 42 km respectively, with two distinct but equally interesting profiles. The first stage passes through a quite more steep and mountainous terrain than the second stage which passes through dryland crops and grasslands of the serena plains. Both are marked with the red and white marks of GR 115, except for some small alternate tracks which are proposed for improved cycling.
STAGE 1: Capilla – Peñalsordo – Cabeza del Buey – Castuera
The route starts at Capilla on the banks of the La Serena reservoir, whose water deposit is the second largest in the Iberian Peninsula and is amongst the largest in Europe. After passing under the Templar castle, the route goes up to Peñalsordo and then heads towards the south.
The stage continues through a number of ups and downs until reaching the foot of the Peña Halcón, where the descent to the town of Cabeza del Buey begins. Leaving behind the imposing castle of Almorchón, the stage continues parallel to the railway line to cross it and head towards Puerto Mejoral, a point where the route connects a small section to the cañada real of Segovia and later to the Zarza path, which finally ends at Castuera.
STAGE 2: Castuera – Campanario – Magacela – Villanueva de la Serena
The stage starts at Castuera and heads towards the north until it crosses the Guadalefra river. The route continues parallel to the railway line for about 3 km, through meadows which will give way to cereal fields.
Campanario town will be the next destination on the stage, which will continue on the EX-104 road. The Paredón reservoir and the Mata archaeological site will be some of the places we will find on this route that also passes through the outer La Serena and Sierra Special Bird Protection Areas.
The route connects back again to GR 115 at a paved stretch until Magacela, whose well known dolmen and castle are worth a stop on the way. We will leave GR 115 and the Mozarabic Path and head towards the town of Villanueva de La Serena, and the route ends at the town's railway station.
Both Cáceres and Badajoz have bicycle renting systems, on Badajoz the system has a fixed timetable from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm everyday, afer this time, you should return your bike in any of the posts availables. Also, you have plenty of stores available where you can rent a bike in case you need it for longer routes.
Extremadura is a gastronomical and natural paradise that is sure to surprise you. Because a host of recipes inherited from olden times have been passed down from generation to generation to our days, and now delight us with their exquisite flavours.
Upon hearing the word 'ibérico' the first thing that comes to mind is Iberian ham. And it is precisely in Extremadura where one of the best cured hams of the Iberian Peninsula is made, due to the large extension of dehesa, or pasture lands, in the region. The pigs, which have long, fine, muscular legs, are used to running several kilometres in search of acorns every day - a foodstuff which, along with the pasture, gives their meat that singular texture, flavour and fragrance. Like the rest of the cold meats: cured loin, black pudding, chorizo, spiced sausage, blood sausage...
In general, all of Extremadura's gastronomy is top quality. Because who could resist trying one of the region's stews or a dish of migas, chanfaina or zorongollo? Simply, yet very delicious cuisine.
And if we start talking about desserts... A portion of técula mécula, the recipe for which is guarded jealously by the bakery in Olivenza where it is made; arrope (grape concentrate),perrunillas (cookies), bollos de chicharrones (sweets made with pork crackling), hornazos(pies), sapillos or repápalos en leche (fritters)... Because something sweet always goes down well.
And sweet indeed are the region's fruits, starting with the cherries, of which Extremadura is the first producer in Spain and the holder of the "Cereza del Jerte" Denomination of Origin. But it is also an important producer of plums as the region ranks number one in Europe in terms of volume.
The cheeses are important, too, so much so that it is said that in the Middle Ages they were used as currency. The Tortas del Casar, the cheeses of La Serena and Los Ibores, all of which have Denomination of Origin, are famous. And you can also try some of the goat's cheeses from La Raya, a goat's cheese from Gata, from Las Hurdes, from Castiblanco or from La Vera...
And what could be better to wash down these delicacies with than a local wine, from the Ribera del Guadiana Denomination of Origin? Or a pitarra wine. And to finish up, let's drink a toast to your trip with a glass of cava from Almendralejo: to the gastronomy tour of Extremadura you are about to embark on... Welcome to a new world of flavour - of Iberian flavour.
Badajoz has a service of 11 urban bus routes and Cáceres 12 of them which will make you easier you trips around the city. Also, you can take buses on both bus stations that will take you to any town of the region and even the whole country.
