About 100 km through the most important geological treasure of Extremadura; and passing through landmarks such as estrecho de la Peña or the beautiful and monumental Guadalupe.
A path filled with contrasts along its 123 km route along the south side of the Villuercas Ibores Jara Geopark, the most important geological treasure of Extremadura; and passing through landmarks such as estrecho de la Peña or the beautiful and monumental Guadalupe. A track that redirects its way through the irrigated fields of Vegas del Guadiana up to Villanueva de La Serena.
The route has been divided into three stages: the first two which are about 30 km are short but more harsh owing to the terrain of Villuercas, while the third with 57 km, passes through Vía Verde and is therefore almost flat. The entire route is signposted as a Nature Trail.
STAGE 1: Puerto de San Vicente – Alía – Guadalupe
The route starts at Puerto de San Vicente, the provincial border between Toledo and Cáceres. It starts with a steep descent to the Guadarranque river, an area of great scenic beauty.
We cross the Estrecho de la Peña Amarilla (Yellow Rock Defile), one of the most spectacular geosites of the Geopark of Extremadura, which also boasts of an excellent vantage point from where it is easy to spot numerous bird species.
The route continues on the Merinas pathway to go up to Puerto de la Cumbre and start the descent to reach Alía and the Guadalupejo river.
The stage continues on the Logrosán path and joins the Castilblanco path to begin the last ascent through the gallery woodland until Guadalupe.
STAGE 2: Guadalupe – Cañamero – Logrosán
The stage begins at Guadalupe, coming back on to the previous path until reaching the Logrosán path and later follow the Castilblanco path until reaching the Silvadillo river.
There is a long 5 km climb from here up to Puertollano, which once passed leads us to Ruecas river valley and its section prior to Cañamero must be done by road.
In this locality of Cáceres, visitors can explore the La Nutria natural swimming pool, the cave paintings of Cueva Chiquita or the Visitor Reception Centre of the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark.
The stage continues, almost on a continuous descent through a beautiful meadow until the Logrosán railway station where the Vía Verde path begins which will be the last stage of this route.
STAGE 3: Logrosán – Villanueva de la Serena
The stage starts at the old Logrosán railway station and in this municipality the visitors may explore the mining activity in the area by visiting the Costanaza Mine. The Villuercas-Vegas del Guadiana Vía Verde (Green Way) starts here.
The stretch lines-up with the Ruecas river to enter the irrigation areas of Navalvillar de Pela and Madrigalejo. Corn, rice and fruit fields accompany the cyclists in their route.
The path continues over the old track bridge and crosses the Guadiana river and breaks away from the route of the stage for about 1 km to connect back again with it until reaching the Villanueva de la Serena railway station, a town which marks the end of the stage and the route.
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.
