Eurovelo 1 - Pedaling Extremadura by Extremadura Turismo

EuroVelo Â· 1

Atlantic Coast Route

PEDALING EXTREMADURA

www.turismoextremadura.com www.eurovelo1spain.com www.eurovelo1spain.es Extremadura Turismo Extremadura_tur extremadura_tur

For more information and to download tracks from the stages, scan the QR code.

Edition: Dirección General de Turismo. Consejería de Cultura, Turismo y Deportes. Junta de Extremadura Coordination and editing: +magín Design and layout: www.ideasonboxes.es Printed: Gráficas Rejas Legal Deposit: BA-000363-2020

Index HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE USEFUL TIPS WHAT IS EUROVELO?... …AND EUROVELO 1? EUROVELO 1 THROUGH EXTREMADURA ROUTE EUROVELO 1 ROUTE SIGNAGE

6 7 8 9 10 11

STAGE · 1 Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo STAGE · 2 Galisteo - Cáceres STAGE · 3 Cáceres - Mérida

12 18 24

STAGE · 4 Mérida - Zafra

STAGE · 5 Zafra - Monesterio

EXPERIENCES WHERE TO SLEEP, WHERE TO EAT, WHERE TO RELAX AND ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES HOW TO GET TO…?

42 46 50

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA 5

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

HOW TO USE THIS GUIDE The guide is designed with one main objective: to provide you the necessary information to enjoy, in a calm and safe way, the EuroVelo 1 route through Extremadura and the main natural, heritage, gastronomic and cultural attractions of the towns through which it passes.

We hope that you have an unforgettable experience! ORGANIZATION OF THE GUIDE The initial part presents general contents, such as tips for your bike trip, maps and brief information on the EuroVelo network, the EuroVelo 1 route and an explanation of the types of signs you will find along the route. Below is a chapter dedicated to each of the five stages that divide the Extremadura route. The stages, and the contents included in each of them, are ordered from north to south, which is the official direction in which the route is conceived. Each stage offers you the following contents: · A description of the development of the stage, with the main attractions that you will find, possible incidents to take into account on the way, type of roads through which it passes, characteristics of the landscape ... 6 EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

· A small map locating the stage within the complete route through Extremadura. · List of places where the route passes by. · You can’t miss... List of the main attractions of the route: monuments, natural spaces, festivals of tourist interest, other attractions... · Services. List of establishments that you may need during the stage: tourist information offices, bicycle shops and workshops. · Detailed sketch of the stage, on a double page, that includes the altimetric profile of the route to be carried out. The available services are indicated with a system of pictograms in each of the locations found along the way. In the next part of the guide we include a list of experiences, activities

and services that companies in Extremadura offer you to make your trip more attractive, comfortable and safe. Here you will find all the necessary data for its hiring: name of the company, contact details, description of the activity and/or service, which it includes, price and availability. Finally, in the guide you will find Services information you may find useful, such as accommodation, restaurants, spa and health resorts, activity companies or the main means of transport to get to Extremadura and the start and end points of the different stages.

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

USEFUL TIPS PLANNING · Plan your stages according to your physical condition and experience. · Study in advance the route and the altimetry of the stage. · Check the weather forecast. · Calculate the time you will spend to avoid arriving to your destination at night. CHOICE OF BICYCLE Most of the EuroVelo 1 route in Extremadura runs on asphalt or paved roads. Although it can be done with any type of bicycle, it is advisable to use a gravel or a hybrid one, which allows you to ride better, and at the same time to do well the more irregular sections of track.

The use of electric bicycles is becoming more and more widespread. There are several specialized shops along the route that can help you choose a bike for your route or rent them. LUGGAGE If you travel with luggage, a good recommendation is to bet on the classic cycling bags. Another option, offered by several companies in Extremadura, is to move your luggage between the start and end points of the stage. In these cases, depending on the time of the year, a small bag, or a carrier, will be enough to carry what you need for the day. If you are travelling in a group, distribute the luggage according to the experience and resistance that each one has. APPROPRIATE EQUIPMENT Wear clothes that are appropriate for the time of the year. Specific footwear and different accessories (gloves, socks, neckwear, raincoat, windcheater, sunglasses, sunscreen ...) will help us to have a satisfactory journey. HELMET

// Tools

In Spain, the use of helmets is compulsory for children under 16 and for all persons travelling on intercity roads.

ACCESSORIES AND TOOLS Recommended: · Liquid and something to eat (energy bars, gels, nuts, chocolate...) · Basic first aid kit. Don’t forget if you take any specific medication. · Documentation and some money. If you do the route alone, take a card (better if it is laminated) with your basic data and medical information (allergies and blood group). · Telephone with a charged battery. · Portable battery for replacement. · Multi-tool. · Detachable. · Small inflation pump. · Puncture repair kit. · A couple of inner tubes. · Flanges and quick release link. · Lights.

MAP Take a schematic map of the route (this same guide that you are reading is useful) that allows you to locate at a glance in the section in which you are.

// It is advisable to bring a route map

CLIMATOLOGY Autumn and spring are the best times to visit EuroVelo 1 in Extremadura. In summer you have to be especially careful because of the high temperatures in the central hours of the day. The first hours in the morning, at sunset and even at night, are the best times to pedal in summer.

RULES

TRACKS You can find all the information about the different stages of EuroVelo 1 in Extremadura on eurovelo1spain.com. From there you can download the tracks to use them on your bike’s GPS or in various applications for your mobile phone: Wikiloc and Strava are two of the most popular.

√ Respect the way of the route. √ Do not disturb the silence of nature and enjoy it. √ Respect the rules of the road. √ Close the gates you have to open to pass through. √ Collect the waste you generate. Do not leave any rubbish. EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA 7

1 · Atlantic Coast Route. 2 · Capitals’ Route. 3 · Pilgrims’ Route. 4 · Central Europe Route. 5 · Via Romea Francigena. 6 · Atlantic – Black Sea Route. 7 · Sun Route. 8 · Mediterranean Route. 9 · Baltic – Adriatic Route.

10 · Baltic Sea Cycle Route. 11 · East Europe Route. 12 · North Sea Cycle Route. 13 · Iron Curtain Trail. 14 · Waters of Central Europe. 15 · Rhine Cycle Route. 17 · Rhone Cycle Route. 19 · Meuse Cycle Route.

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

WHAT IS EUROVELO?...

11 10 3

Helsinki

Oslo

Tallinn

Stockholm 12

Moscow Riga Copenhagen

Vilnius Dublin

Minsk

Amsterdam

// Sustainable and responsible tourism

Berlin London 4

Prague 5

Kiev

Luxembourg

Paris

Bratislava

Chisinau

Vienna

6 3

Warsaw

Brussels

Budapest

Bern 7 17

Ljubljana

Zagreb Belgrade

Bucarest

Sarajevo Pristina Skopje

Podgorica Lisbon

Madrid

Tirana

Rome 5

Izmir 8

Athens

Nicosia Valletta

8 EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

It is a network of 17 transnational long-distance cycle routes, covering 80,000 kilometres, linking the main European cities, from north to south and east to west, under the brand of the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), with its central headquarters are in Brussels. It is a network that promotes a calm and responsible type of tourism. The routes are designed for the use and enjoyment of cycle tourists and local people in their daily journeys and leisure activities.

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

... AND EUROVELO 1?

Atlantic Coast Route (EuroVelo 1) Sites declared World Heritage by UNESCO

ATLANTIC COAST ROUTE: So unique so diverse

Officially known as the Atlantic Coast Route, it is a EuroVelo route that runs for 11,150 km, from North Cape in Norway to Caminha, in the northern coast of Portugal, via the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, France and Spain. On the way the cycle tourist can visit 13 places catalogued by UNESCO.

Helsinki

Oslo

Tallin n

Stockhol m

Riga Copenhage n

Vilniu s Dublin

// Monfragüe´s National Park, Cáceres

Amst erda m Berlin

EUROVELO 1: WORLD HERITAGE AND WINE ROUTES The so-called EuroVelo 1 World Heritage and Wine Route in Spain itinerary, which covers around 1,400 km, begins in the Atlantic Pyrenees of Navarre and ends on the Atlantic coast, after crossing La Rioja, Castile and Leon, Extremadura and Andalusia. In its itinerary through Spain, the Atlantic Coast Route (EuroVelo 1) offers the traveller a complete proposal that combines the passion for cycling with the historical and artistic heritage, the rich gastronomy and wines of each territory, as well as natural resources and an important offer of active and adventure tourism. Among them we can highlight:

Londo n

sites declared World Heritage by UNESCO: the French Pilgrim’s Route

Pr ague

Luxembou rg Pari s

Bratislava

to Santiago (French Way of St. James), the monasteries of Suso and Yuso, the cathedral of Burgos, the archaeological site of Atapuerca, and the World Heritage Cities of Salamanca, Cáceres and Mérida.

Vienna Budapest

Bern Ljubljana

Zagre b Belg rade Sarajevo

Pristina

certified wine routes: Navarra Wine Route, Rioja Alta, Cigales, Rueda, Toro and Ribera del Guadiana.

Warsa w

Brussels

Podgoric a Madrid

Sofia Skopj e

Tirana

Rom e

Lisbon

historical routes: French Way of Saint James, Canal de Castilla, Duero Route and Vía de la Plata Route.

Athens

Valletta

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA 9

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA BAÑOS DE MONTEMAYOR

EUROVELO 1 THROUGH

EXTREMADURA ROUTE PLASENCIA

GALISTEO

The EuroVelo 1 route through Extremadura has 354 km of route, divided into 5 stages. rra r no yo ápa a mi te ma eC Ca e l d t Jer e nci on ad ana Plase del M v a o m B e l s e o u r ce s ue eo de bo sd ean iudad eh vin r vá va l i st ño rca Pro Ba He Ga Oli Ald Ca Ald C er ord

CÁCERES

STAGE 1 · 79 km

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STAGE3 · 70 km MONESTERIO STAGE 1 · 79 km Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo STAGE 2 · 77 km Galisteo - Cáceres

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STAGE 4 · 63 km

STAGE 3 · 70 km Cáceres - Mérida STAGE 4 · 63 km Mérida - Zafra STAGE 5 · 65 km Zafra - Monesterio

10 EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

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STAGE 5 · 65 km

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EUROVELO 1 ROUTE

SIGNAGE

The complete Eurovelo1 route through Extremadura is signposted in the direction of the route from north to south. The signs are easily identified by the presence of the EuroVelo 1 logo, composed of the colours blue (background), white (numbers and text) and yellow (stars of Europe). In some cases, they are individually placed on their own posts, and in other cases they are integrated into panels with more directional information. The confirmation and direction indications that we find on the way are of different types:

// Cáceres. UNESCO World Heritage City

On the route we can find: 2 UNESCO World Heritage Cities: Cáceres and Mérida. 4 historical-artistic sites: Hervás, Galisteo, Plasencia and Zafra. 14 localities that gather more than 75 “Cultural Heritage” Bienes de Interés Cultural (B.I.C.) in their different categories, monuments, sets or historical sites, park or historical zone: Baños de Montemayor, Hervás, Oliva de Plasencia, Plasencia, Galisteo, Casar de Cáceres, Cáceres, Merida, Torremejía, Almendralejo, Villafranca de los Barros, Zafra, Calzadilla de los Barros and Fuente de Cantos.

Natural enclaves such as Monfragüe National Park, Tajo/Taejo International Natural Park (both UNESCO Biosphere Reserves), Los Barruecos Natural Monument, Cornalvo Natural Park and Proserpina and Alange reservoirs. EuroVelo 1 is linked to 3 gastronomic itineraries: Extremadura Cheese Route, Ribera del Guadiana Wine Route and Dehesa de Extremadura Iberian Ham Route. Depending on the time of the year you choose to make the trip, there may be festivals and celebrations of tourist intererst.

// Directional signals

// Full stage explanatory panels and resources

Other indications: At several points along the route we can find indications of other routes and itineraries that coincide with various sections of EuroVelo 1. Among these we can highlight the following · · · ·

The Way of Saint James. The Vía de la Plata Route. The network of Natural Ways. Greenways. EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA 11

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

STAGE·1 Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo A TOUR BETWEEN TWO VALLEYS: AMBROZ AND ALAGÓN Simple stage, once saved the difficulties of the Sierra de Béjar. A continuous descent takes us from the southern slopes of the mountainous foothills, to the plains that emerge on the banks of the Alagón River. The first stage of the EuroVelo 1 Atlantic Coast Route in Extremadura begins on the border between the provinces of Salamanca and Cáceres. We are on the old Roman road of La Plata (The Silver Way), which preserves its paving. We start a descent that will continue almost throughout the entire stage. The route, of great scenic beauty, takes us immediately to Baños de Montemayor. This town offers us its thermal waters and a trip to the past with its Roman thermal baths. From Baños we take a short stretch of La Garganta road (CC-T 16), to turn 12 ETAPA 1 · Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo

right and continue along the green way of Vía de La Plata, whose route starts in Béjar. With optimal conditions for cycling, the valley opens up, going from the chestnut and oak forests to the cherry crops as we lose altitude. After crossing the iron bridge over the Ambroz River, we reached the town of Hervás, located at kilometer 10 of the stage. We enter through the old train station, today transformed into the Railway Interpretation Center and hostel. Hervás is a popular summer place and has one of the best-preserved Jewish quarters on the Peninsula, with a beautiful network of narrow streets and traditional architecture. EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

79km

STAGE 1 · Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo

If you have the time, you can go up through a road of great scenic beauty, with exuberant chestnut forests, to the Port of Honduras (1,440 meters). Snow-covered in winter, it marks the boundary with the neighboring Jerte Valley, known worldwide for its cherry trees. ayor Baños de Montemayor

Galisteo

Plasencia

Cáceres

Badajoz

Mérida

Zafra Monesterio

Province border Baños de Montemayor Hervás Aldeanueva del Camino Roman city of Cáparra Oliva de Plasencia 11.5 km to Plasencia 20.9 km to Malpartida de Plasencia (Monfragüe N.P.)

ROMAN RUINS OF CÁPARRA We return to our route along the EX205, largely along a cycle path, until we reach the crossroads with the N-630, where we must be careful. We take this road, in continuous descent, until we reach Aldeanueva del Camino. We are at kilometer 17 of the stage. The route crosses the village, which allows us to observe the typical architecture of the area. We now enter the region of Cáparra - Tierras de Granadilla, following the road parallel to the A-66 motorway, which we pass through an underpass. We continue now on a paved track, with not much traffic, which runs through the irrigable area of the Ambroz River. In this way, we arrive at the ancient Roman city of Cáparra with its quadriphon arch, unique of these characteristics in Spain. Nowadays, it is one of the main stages of the Classical Theatre Festival of Merida.

Carcaboso Aldehuela del Jerte Galisteo

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

We continue, through the Mozarabic route of the Vía de la Plata, along a path, which crosses large pastures

dedicated in good part to the extensive breeding of fighting cattle. We return to a paved road (CC-12.2) to reach Oliva de Plasencia, kilometre 43.9. PLASENCIA AND MONFRAGÜE From here, 11,5 km from the EuroVelo 1 route, first on CC-12.1 and then on N-630, be very careful here because of the traffic, we arrive in Plasencia, a noble city, with an outstanding cathedral complex and relevant palaces. It has green and swimming areas on the Jerte River, and if we arrive on Tuesday we can shop at its famous market in the square. Less than 21 kilometres from Plasencia is the Monfragüe National Park and Biosphere Reserve, a large area of Mediterranean forest and one of the most important places for bird watching, especially birds of prey. At the end of February, the Extremadura Birdwatching Fair (FIO) is celebrated here.

// Arco de Cáparra, historical and artistic monument

We return to our route and leaving Oliva de Plasencia we take a service road of the Tajo Hydrographic Confederation, which along almost twenty kilometers runs parallel to an irrigation canal. On this very beautiful route, with very little traffic, many curves and slight ascents, it takes us to Carcaboso.

scape is dotted with riverside woods formed by alders and black poplars. After leaving behind Aldehuela del Jerte, already near our destination, we cross the regional highway EX-A1 through two roundabouts that require caution. The access to Galisteo is through its medieval bridge, which is on the left in our direction.

From this town, the last section of the stage is on the CC-106 road. The landETAPA 1 · Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo 13

YOU CAN’T MISS…

Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo

tant city in Roman Lusitania after Merida. Of Veton origin, it is crossed by the Vía de la Plata. It has a four-door arch unique in Spain.

// Spa-Roman Baths

MAIN MONUMENTS Spa- Roman baths (Baños de Montemayor). One of the main thermal centres in Extremadura and one of the most modern in Europe. Waters especially recommended for rheumatism and respiratory problems. Under the current spa there are some perfectly preserved Roman baths (2nd century BC). Jewish Quarter (Hervás). One of the best preserved in Spain. Wooden and adobe houses in a labyrinth of narrow streets and passages that still maintain names like Rabilero, Sinagoga or Cofradía. Every year it recreates its past in the festival of Los Conversos. Arch, bridge and Roman ruins of Cáparra (Oliva de Plasencia). Remains of what was the second most impor-

Old-New Cathedral (Plasencia). The Old Cathedral, a building in transition from Romanesque to Gothic, is currently the Cathedral Museum, declared a National Monument in 1931. The New Cathedral, of Gothic-Renaissance style, stands out for the choir stalls of the Catholic Monarchs with carved scenes, not very orthodox, which criticized the vices of the ecclesiastical authorities of the time. Historical site (Plasencia). Founded by Alfonso VIII (12th century), Plasencia has an impressive historical site, protected by its powerful walls, where we can discover numerous religious buildings, stately palaces, the Jewish legacy... Mirabel Palace (Plasencia). Built in the 15th century by the Dukes of Plasencia, Don Álvaro de Zúñiga and Doña Isabel Pimentel. The complex combines neoclassical elements and a plateresque balcony, unique in the city. It contains collections of hunting, tiles and Italian archaeological pieces. Carvajal-Girón Palace (Plasencia). Currently converted into a hotel, it is an old Renaissance palace from the end of the 16th century, which is located in the heart of the Jewish quarter and very close to the cathedral.

14 ETAPA 1 · Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo

// Plasencia Holly Week

Historical site - Almohad walls (Galisteo). One of the most beautiful examples of Almohad walls in the Peninsula. Made of mortar and stones from the Jerte River, its perimeter, which is 3 metres thick and up to 11 metres high, surrounds the town. NATURAL AREAS La Fresneda cork oak (Aldeanueva del Camino). The largest cork oak tree in Extremadura. It is estimated to be 500 years old, with a trunk perimeter of 6.8 metres, a height of 20 metres and a crown diameter of 27.5 metres.

Monfragüe National Park and Biosphere Reserve. Just over thirty kilometres from the route, it is worth making a detour to see the most extensive and best-preserved example of Mediterranean forest in the world. A paradise for bird lovers, our cycling will be accompanied by the flight of black storks, Egyptian vultures, and imperial eagles, among other species. TOURIST INTEREST FESTIVITIES Holy Week in Plasencia. Documented since the 13th century, it has one of the most important exhibitions of EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

SERVICES TOURIST OFFICES • BAÑOS DE MONTEMAYOR Avda. Las Termas, 41 +34 927 488 285 www.banosdemontemayor.es

// Wicker and chestnut crafts

religious imagery in Extremadura. Declared a festivity of regional tourist interest. Martes Mayor (Plasencia). This festival of regional tourist interest is celebrated on the first Tuesday of August. It continues the tradition of the weekly market which, since the foundation of the city, has hosted the producers of the surrounding regions. OTHER ATTRACTIONS Wicker and chestnut crafts (Baños de Montemayor). San Blas Church, 18th century (Oliva de Plasencia). Los Miliarios Interpretation Centre (Carcaboso). Giant insects (Aldehuela de Jerte). EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

PLASENCIA • Bikeshop. Bicycle repair shop. Avenida de Salamanca, 27 +34 927 032 273 FB: Bikeshop-1525627687730849

• HERVÁS Calle Braulio Navas, 6 +34 927 473 618 / 674 701 442 www.turismodehervas.com

• GR-100 Elite Shop Plasencia. Bicycle repair shop. Calle Santa Ana, 14 +34 927 099 020 info@gr-100.com

• PLASENCIA Santa Clara, 4 +34 927 423 843 www.plasencia.es

• Kilómetro 0. Bicycle repair shop. Avenida de España, 38 +34 927 424 126 www.bicicletaskilometrocero.com

BICYCLES HERVÁS • Bicicletas Colmer. Rent, sale and repair. Calle de la Poza, 4 +34 927 481 040 www.bicicletascolmer.com

• Bicicletas Fuentes. Bicycle repair shop. Avenida de La Salle, 14. +34 927 021 732 www.bicismotosfuentes.com CARCABOSO • Jálama Outdoor. Bicycle rental. Finca Bombay, s/n +34 667 027 319 www.jalamaoutdoor.com

• Biciambroz. Bicycle rental. + 34 642 226 040 • eBikes. Bicycle rental. + 34 622 235 173

ETAPA STAGE 1 · Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo 15

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

STAGE·1 Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo

Ahigal

79km Valdeobispo Carcaboso

Accommodation Restaurant Tourist office Petrol station

Aldehuela del Jerte Galisteo

EX – 370

ATM Train station Bus station Cycling services Monument World Heritage Bathing area Medical centre Pharmacy 16 ETAPA 1 · Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

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He r v á s

Baños de Montemayor

ma Ro

Granadilla Aldeanueva del Camino

Hervás

Zarza de Granadilla Roman city of Cáparra

Segura de Toro Casas del Monte

Oliva de Plasencia Navaconcejo El Torno CC - 12.1 N - 630

atural de Mon f ra eN u g q

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Pa r

Plasencia

534 m 1500

Altitud (m)

Hervás Aldeanueva del Camino

Malpartida de Plasencia

1113 m

248 m

865 m

Baños de Montemayor Ciudad Romana de Cáparra Oliva de Plasencia

Carcaboso Aldehuela del Jerte

Galisteo

1000

500

0 0

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

Distancia (Km) ETAPA

1 · Baños de Montemayor - Galisteo 17

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

STAGE·2 Galisteo - Cáceres FROM RÍO TAJO TO THE FILM SETS The Tagus River, río Tajo, is one of the great protagonists of the second stage, because we will do a big part of the route beside it or its tributaries and reservoirs. Today we will have to rise above Puerto de los Castaños and the gradual increase in height to reach the capital of Cáceres. Except for the first few kilometres, almost the whole route is along the N-630 road, with little traffic after the opening of the A-66 motorway. We leave Galisteo through an open landscape of pastures dedicated to extensive cattle raising. We go through paths that, in some points, present an irregular firm. We also have to pass some gates that we will have to close after passing through. Near the valley of the Boquerón stream, the route deviates to the east, taking a paved road (CC-29.3), towards the N-630. From here, we will not 18 ETAPA 2 · Galisteo - Cáceres

leave the national road for almost the whole stage. Through a stretch of low traffic, on whose left we can see the foothills of Sierra de Zapatero, we leave behind the small town of Grimaldo and we gradually ascend towards Puerto de los Castaños (495 metres above sea level). THE SMALLEST MONASTERY IN THE WORLD At the top of the hill (Puerto de los Castaños) there is a wide roundabout that allows us, if we are interested, to deviate a little from the route, until Pedroso de Acim, over 6 kilometres EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

77km

STAGE 2 · Galisteo - Cáceres by the EX-109. There, we can visit the monastery of Santa María del Palancar, founded by San Pedro de Alcántara, claims to be the smallest in the world and seems to divide the Cañaveral mountain range and the valley plain.

Baños de Montemayor

Galisteo

Plasencia

Cáceres

Badajoz

Mérida

Zafra Monesterio

Galisteo Grimaldo Cañaveral Casar de Cáceres Cáceres

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

Back at the roundabout, we continue pedaling down to the village of Cañaveral. A town with a cork tradition, it was a resting place during the transhumance period. It is important that we take the opportunity to get supplies if needed, because we will not be able to do it again for more than 30 kilometres. From this town, the route runs along the N-630, through the popularly called Tajo curves, which takes us to the banks of the Alcántara reservoir. In one of its tails we can see the ruins of the Alconétar Bridge (I-II CE) and, a little further on, the homage tower of the Castillo de Floripes, rising from the water. The route continues around the reservoir on its south-eastern bank and across the Tagus and Almonte by both bridges. In this section the traffic intensifies and the road has a good hard shoulder. From this area, as we leave the valley of Almonte, we begin to get into the typical landscape of Caceres peneplain, with the granite batholite and a landscape characterized by large open spaces of cleared meadows or pastures with no trees.

// Alconétar Bridge

TORTA DEL CASAR We arrive at Casar de Cáceres, at km. 62.5. It is an obligatory stop to recover our strength. This town is famous for Torta del Casar, a delicious creamy cheese with an intense flavour, with Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.), which has an interesting museum. Don’t forget to visit its bus station, a building with a singular architecture that has become a symbol of this town. About 10 kilometers separate us from our goal today. We cover them by a cattle path and a couple of kilometers by the CC-38. There, in the first of the roundabouts at the entrance of Cáceres, we take the right side of the bike path, with some strong slopes that at times become hard. This way we arrive at the end of the stage located in the train station.

Cáceres is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. A night walk will be an unforgettable experience through a medieval historical site full of buildings, squares and corners that evoke stories and legends. The city has been used as a film set on numerous occasions. A city full of life and culture, which is also committed to modernity with the Helga de Alvear collection, one of the most important private collections in Europe. If you want to extend your stay, just 14 km from the capital we discover the amazing Natural Monument of Los Barruecos, dominated by large granite boulders, water rafts and storks. A landscape dotted with works by the artist Wolf Vostell, pioneer of the Fluxus art movement, whose Vostell Malpartida museum you can visit. ETAPA 2 · Galisteo - Cáceres 19

YOU CAN’T MISS… from the caliph Abú-Yá qub, who conquered the city in 1173. Nowadays it is the interpretation centre of the three cultures, which explains the history of the city.

// Plaza de San Jorge, Cáceres

MAIN MONUMENTS

Concatedral de Santa María (Cáceres). It is the most important church in the city. It was built between the 15th and 16th centuries on an earlier construction. With gothic style doorways, the 16th century altarpiece and the Black Christ chapel stand out inside. On the outside, in the corner, there is a sculpture of San Pedro de Alcántara, with his shiny toes. He is famous for bringing luck to those who touch them.

Nuestra Señora de la Asunción Church (Casar de Cáceres). Gothic building made of granite ashlars from the 15th and 16th centuries. Its interior is notable for its tercelet vault. It has a monumental Renaissance altarpiece from the 17th century.

Golfines de Abajo Palace (Cáceres). It is a 15th-century palace, with two towers, one with a defensive matacán. The decoration of its facade is of plateresque style of the 16th century. In it, we see the coat of arms of the Catholic Kings, because they stayed here when they visited the city.

Plaza Mayor (Cáceres). It was born as a plot of land between two population centres in the 14th century. Surrounded by arcades, it contains buildings that are emblematic of the city. It preserves part of the Almohad wall from the 12th century. It is the traditional meeting place of the city and is the main entrance to the historical centre.

Plaza de San Jorge (Cáceres). It is located in the heart of the medieval city. It is presided over by the façade of the church of San Francisco Javier. In the niche of the stairs there is a sculpture of S. Jorge, on horseback, patron saint of the city. Cáceres was conquered from the Muslims in 1229, San Jorge’s festival takes place every 23rd of april.

Bujaco Tower (Cáceres). Crenellated tower of 12th century that presides over the Main Square. Its name comes

Golfines de Arriba Palace (Cáceres). It is a 15th century building, an example of the fortress-houses, with a mark-

20 ETAPA 2 · Galisteo - Cáceres

Galisteo - Cáceres edly defensive character, with a large keep in the centre. Here, Francisco Franco was proclaimed Head of State by the rebels in the Spanish Civil War. Casa de las Veletas (Cáceres). Built in the 15th century on the site of what was once an Arab fortress. It has an impressive cistern from the Almohad period under the porticoed patio. The Archaeological Museum is there. Carvajal Palace (Cáceres). A building from the 15th and 16th centuries, it has Gothic and Renaissance elements. Inside, it houses a secluded garden with a remarkable fig tree. The integration of a circular tower from the 12th century stands out. Virgen de la Montaña Sanctuary (Cáceres). It is 5 km from the historical centre. The Sanctuary is located in the Sierra de la Mosca, at an altitude of 600 m. and with magnificent views over the city. It was built in the 18th century dedicated to the Virgin of the Mountain, whose image dates from the 17th century. She is the patron saint of the city since 1906. NATURAL AREAS Tajo/Taejo International Natural Park. About 30 km from the route, it is the first cross-border nature park in Europe, covering Spanish and Portuguese municipalities. Since 2016 it has been a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve declared by UNESCO.

// Torta del Casar de Cáceres Cheese

Los Barruecos Natural Monument. It is about 14 kilometers from Cáceres. Spectacular natural creation of flattened relief dotted with pools and huge granite boulders. It is known worldwide as the setting for the Game of Thrones series. Lesser Kestral Colonies (SBPA) (Cáceres). The second smallest falcon in the world nests in the buildings of the medieval quarter of Cáceres, where it can be seen from the end of February to the beginning of August. TOURIST INTEREST FESTIVITIES Holy Week in Cáceres. Declared of international tourist interest, its tradition dates back to the 16th century. Its highlight is the night of Easter EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

SERVICES Wednesday with the procession of the Black Christ, carved in the 14th century, through the streets of the old town. Fiesta de la tenca de la Mancomunidad Tajo-Salor. Celebration around this river fish, the tench, which takes place every year at the end of August in a different town of the Tajo-Salor community. Declared a festivity of regional tourist interest. Novenario de la Virgen de la Montaña (Cáceres). It is a procession dating back to 1641. It is celebrated ten days before the first Sunday in May. The brothers, cofrades, carry on their shoulders the patron saint of Caceres, along the 5 km from its sanctuary to the co-cathedral of Santa Maria, in the historic center. Declared a festivity of regional tourist interest. GASTRONOMY D.O.P. Torta del Casar Cheese (Casar de Cáceres). Casar de Cáceres is the epicentre of one of the best cheeses in the world. It is a natural cheese made by traditional methods using raw sheep’s milk from controlled farms, vegetable rennet and salt. Its main characteristic is its highly creamy texture.

TOURIST OFFICES • CASAR DE CÁCERES Plaza de España, 1 +34 927 290 002 www.turismocasardecaceres.es • CÁCERES Plaza Mayor, s/n +34 927 111 222 www.ayto-caceres.es/turismo

BICYCLES CASAR DE CÁCERES • Aio Bikes. Bicycle repair shop. Ronda de la Soledad, 31 +34 927 291 215 www.tmsanchez.es/ofertas/ bicicletas/012_11_5927.html CÁCERES

• La Bicicleta. Bicycle repair shop. Plaza de Noruega, 7 +34 927 238 754 www.labicicleta.net/caceres • Ciclos Rueda. Bicycle repair shop. Avenida de los Pilares, 13 +34 927 222 748 www.ciclosrueda.com • GR-100 Cáceres. Bicycle repair shop. Calle Badajoz, 5 +34 927 002 641 www.gr100.tienda-online.com/gr-100concept-store-specialized-caceres.html • Bicicletas Cáceres. Bicycle repair shop. Calle Málaga, 8 +34 927 227 233 FB: Bicicletas-Cáceres-528543687195108 • Bike at Forest. Bicycle rental. +34 616 595 787 www.bikesatforest.com

• Bicicletas Pelín. Bicycle repair shop. Calle Gredos, 1 +34 927 629 590 FB: BicicletasPelin

OTHER ATTRACTIONS Santa Marina Church (Cañaveral).

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

ETAPA 2 · Galisteo - Cáceres 21

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STAGE·2

TAJO RIVER

Galisteo - Cáceres

77km

N - 630

Arroyo de la Luz Casar de Cáceres

se u Santiago del Campo

os Ba

ATM

rrueco

Train station

Petrol station

alpartida mu

–L

Tourist office

ll M ste

Restaurant

Accommodation

Cáceres

Bus station Cycling services Monument World Heritage Bathing area Medical centre Pharmacy 22 ETAPA 2 · Galisteo - Cáceres

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balse del Tajo Em

Torrejoncillo

Galisteo Grimaldo Cañaveral Riolobos

Galisteo CC - 29.3

N - 630

Mirabel

TAJO RIVER

Hinojal

Talaván

1011 m Galisteo

Grimaldo

Cañaveral

203 m

495 m Cáceres

Casar de Cáceres

500

Altitud (m) Altitude (m)

839 m

250

0 0

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Distancia(km) (Km) Distance

ETAPA 2 · Galisteo - Cáceres 23

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STAGE·3 Cáceres - Mérida WATER AND PASTURES BETWEEN TWO WORLD HERITAGE CITIES This stage joins two cities recognized as World Heritage by UNESCO: Cáceres and Mérida. About 70 kilometres with good roads and without great difficulties, except for small slopes. We start the journey from the point where the previous day ended: the railway station of Cáceres. From the roundabout that gives access to it, we take the bicycle lane on the right that runs parallel to the urban section of the N-630. It is important to not get confused in these first few kilometres around the area of the Cáceres fairground before reaching the military barracks. There is a stretch of road with restricted access and a sign that prohibits entry. At the roundabout at the entrance to the barracks, we take the N-630, with a good shoulder, which we will not leave until a few kilometres before reaching the end of the stage. There is 24 ETAPA 3 · Cáceres - Mérida

small traffic and little slope. On this journey, the route of the EuroVelo 1 coincides to a large extent with the Vía de la Plata Route and, at times, with the Roman road and the royal glen of Cáceres. As we move away from the urban area, the dominant landscape is of very open holm oak groves and pastureland with scattered trees. We have been cycling for about 11 km and we cross two roundabouts, which are not very well signposted, to cross the A-66 motorway and reach the small town of Valdesalor. Located next to a wetland of the same name, it is an area that has been declared EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

70km

STAGE 3 · Cáceres - Mérida a special protection area for birds (SPAB). On winter nights it is a great roost for cranes, an enjoyment for lovers of ornithology. CÁCERES PLAINS SPAB

Baños de Montemayor

Plasencia

Galisteo

Cáceres

Badajoz

Mérida

Zafra Monesterio

Cáceres Valdesalor Aldea del Cano Cruce de las Herrerías 7,7 km to Alcuéscar (Basílica del Trampal) Aljucén Mérida

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

We continue through extensions of oak woods. Several constructions seem to watch over our path from their small hills, the Arguijuelas de Arriba, Abajo or Mayoralgo castles. A good area to watch birds of prey. We can see the remains of Roman villas, and even anthropomorphic tombs. This way, we arrive at Aldea del Cano with its stately houses with ennobled facades. At midway, at kilometer 36, we find the Cruce de las Herrerías. Here we recommend that you turn off the road to Alcuéscar and continue to the Basilica of Santa Lucía del Trampal (about 7,7 km in total). One of the best examples of Spanish-Visigothic architecture and the only one that remains standing in the south of the Iberian peninsula. We return to the main route. We are losing altitude, going down to the Guadiana valley. The holm oak forest is partly replaced by olive groves. We pedal through the geographical centre of Extremadura and we find the small village of Aljucén, in the province of Badajoz. From this point the predominant landscape is the cereal steppe.

// The Roman Theatre, Mérida

Passing km 612 of the N-630, the route takes a paved track to the west, on our right. Narrow, with no hard shoulder and little traffic, it runs through regenerated holm oak woods and areas with scattered trees. It leads us to the Roman dam of Proserpina. If it’s hot, this is a good place to cool off. From here we head to Mérida, which we reach first by following a bicycle lane and then by taking the streets of the Vía de la Plata Avenue, the bridge over the Albarregas River and finally Los Milagros Aqueduct.

The ancient Emerita Augusta surprises us with one of the most important Roman complexes in Europe, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. Its splendour at that time can be seen in magnificent buildings such as the amphitheatre, the circus, temples, houses, baths, bridges, aqueducts and its exceptional theatre. If we come in the summer, this is one of the greatest pleasures we can enjoy: sitting in its stands and watching a play from its International Classical Theatre Festival. ETAPA 3 · Cáceres - Mérida 25

YOU CAN’T MISS…

// Arguijuelas Castles, Valdesalor

MAIN MONUMENTS Arguijuelas Castles (Valdesalor). They are the two closest fortresses in all of Spain. The castle of Arguijuelas de Abajo was built in the 15th century by Francisco Ovando “El Viejo”, with a walled enclosure and protective towers and a beautiful garden. Later the castle of Arguijuelas de Arriba was built in the 16th century, also by the Ovando family. Both are very well preserved. Santa Lucía del Trampal Basilica (Alcuéscar). It is the only example of a Visigothic basilica in the south of the peninsula. It has an unusual architecture, with a singular head, with three independent and separate naves, to which a strange transept gives way. Probably built in the 7th century BC, it was part of a monastic complex.

26 ETAPA 3 · Cáceres - Mérida

Cáceres - Mérida

Los Milagros Aqueduct (Mérida). Colossal Roman engineering work from the 1st century AD Built to supply water to the city from the Proserpina Reservoir. It keeps 73 pillars supporting three floors of arches, with a height of about 25 meters at the deepest part of Albarregas river valley. It occupies the eighth position of the most beautiful aqueducts in the world, according to National Geographic.

semicircular archs. Since 1991, it is exclusively for pedestrian use.

Roman Theatre (Mérida). It is the most emblematic of the public buildings of Emérita Augusta. Commissioned by Marcus Agrippa in 18 BC, the scene underwent renovations at the time of Trajan and Hadrian. Built with padded granitic ashlars, it could hold 5.500 spectators. Today it is the venue for the International Classical Theatre Festival and the Stone & Music Festival.

NATURAL AREAS

Roman Amphitheatre (Mérida). Ruins of what was once the scene of battles between gladiators and wild animals. Next to the theatre, it was opened in 8 BC. With an elliptical arena and capacity for some 14,000 spectators, today it only conserves the cavea ima and parts of the middle cavea. It is the stage for performances and concerts by Emerita Lúdica. Roman Art National Museum (Mérida). A few metres from the Roman Theatre stands this exceptional work by Rafael Moneo. A museum of international reference that houses on

Arab Alcazaba (Mérida). It is the oldest Muslim fortification in the Iberian Peninsula. Built in the ninth century by Abderraman II, next to the Roman Bridge. In its interior it conserves Roman, Visigoth and Arab vestiges, highlighting a cistern from the Andalusian period.

// Parrochial Church, Aldea del Cano

its three floors the most important archaeological collection of Roman civilization.

Cornalvo Natural Park. Barely 10 km from Merida, the park hosts one of the oldest and best-preserved Roman dams in use in the world. It is an example of a pasture, forest and Med-

Temple of Diana (Mérida). Built in granite in the first century BC, it is the only religious Roman building that has been preserved from the ancient city. Dedicated to the Emperor Augustus, in the 16th century, it was reused to build the Palace of the Counts of Corbos, which helped it survive until today. Roman bridge (Mérida). It dates back to the 1st century BC. Its origin is linked to the foundation of the city of Emerita Augusta. It was built on Guadiana River, made of concrete and granite ashlars. It is 792 metres. long, being one of the longest bridges in Roman world. It is composed by 60

// Proserpina Reservoir, Mérida

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

SERVICES iterranean scrub, and is the home of some wild cats and more than a hundred birds. Proserpina Reservoir (Mérida). Located 4 km from Merida, this reservoir dates back to Roman times. It is the largest known in the Mediterranean area. Popularly known as La Charca (The Pool), it is currently a bathing and refreshment area for the summer season and has an artificial beach and restaurants. TOURIST INTEREST FESTIVITIES Holy Week in Mérida. With international recognition since 2016, it has as a reference point the procession and Vía Crucis with the image of the Santísimo Cristo de la O in the early morning of Holy Thursday, which takes place within the enclosure of the Roman amphitheater.

TOURIST OFFICES • MÉRIDA Oficina Puerta de la Villa Calle Santa Eulalia, 62 +34 924 380 191 www.turismomerida.org Oficina Teatro Romano Plaza Margarita Xirgú s/n +34 924 330 722 www.festivaldemerida.es

BICYCLES MÉRIDA

• Bicicletas Blas Lillo. Bicycle repair shop. Calle Alvarado, 1 +34 924 314 752 FB: bicicletasblaslillo.lillo • Repuestos Sainz. Bicycle repair shop. Calle Almendralejo, 64 +34 924 314 402 www.repuestossainz.com • Ciclomotion. Bicycle repair shop. Calle Malcocinado, 3 +34 924 035 095 / 663 467 640 www.ciclomotion.com • Ciclos Guillén Bicycle repair shop. Avenida Juan Carlos I, 18. +34 924 314 339 / 659 493 003 www.guillensport.com

• Ciclos Net. Bicycle repair shop. Avenida José Fernández López, 42 +34 924 318 055 www.ciclosnet.com

FESTIVALS International Classical Theatre Festival (Mérida). The most important theatrical event in Extremadura and one of the most outstanding in Spain, has the impressive Roman Theatre of Mérida as its main stage. With more than 66 editions, it is an unmissable cultural event of the summer. OTHER ATTRACTIONS San Andrés Apóstol Church (Aljucén).

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

ETAPA 3 · Cáceres - Mérida 27

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STAGE·3 Cáceres - Mérida

70km

La Nava de Santiago

bal Em

Accommodation Restaurant

se Proserp

La Garrovilla

Tourist office Aljucén

Petrol station ATM Train station Bus station Cycling services

N - 630

GUADIANA RIVER Mérida

Embalse de Proserpina CORNALVO NATURAL PARK

Monument World Heritage

Mirandilla

Bathing area Medical centre Pharmacy 28 ETAPA 3 · Cáceres - Mérida

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

Cáceres

Cáceres Las Seguras

Valdesalor SIERRA DE SAN PEDRO

N - 630

Aldea del Cano LLANOS DE CÁCERES Y SIERRA DE FUENTES REGIONAL INTEREST AREA Cordobilla de Lácara Torreorgaz A-66

Carmonita Trorremocha Cruce de las Herrerías

ad cí

de S a n ta

Alcuéscar rampal el T

654 m Cáceres

Cruce de las Herrerías

Aldea del Cano

Valdesalor

Aljucén

901 m

208 m

481 m

Embalse de Proserpina

Mérida

s í l ic a

Altitud (m)

500

250

0 0

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Distancia (Km)

ETAPA 3 · Cáceres - Mérida 29

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STAGE·4 Mérida - Zafra THE OENOLOGICAL MOSAIC OF THE TIERRA DE BARROS PLAINS It is a stage without great difficulties, but in smooth and constant ascent along the whole route. We cross the Tierra de Barros Plains today, where vineyards, wine and cava are the protagonists. We start the journey cycling along the banks of the Guadiana, enjoying an area declared as a special protection area for birds, where we can observe unique species such as moritos or cormorants, among others. We crossed the river over the old Roman bridge. After crossing the Roman Bridge, we have almost 62 kilometres ahead of us, most of them on the N-630 towards Seville. We cross the region of Tierra de Barros, where the crops draw a mosaic of vegetation on the clay soils of this area, famous for its wines, with the designation of origin “Ribera del Guadiana”. When we have barely completed 30 ETAPA 4 · Mérida - Zafra

15 km, we can turn to our left and take the EX-105. After about 12 km we reach the town of Alange, with its renowned spa and Roman baths from the third century BC, which are part of the archaeological site of Merida, recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We also find the reservoir, where water activities can be carried out. We take the EuroVelo 1 route at the point we left it and soon we cross the small town of Torremejía. Here we can stop to visit the Lastra Palace, a beautiful Renaissance building with Roman sculptural elements, nowadays restored as a hostel. EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

63km

STAGE 4 · Mérida - Zafra

Baños de Montemayor

Plasencia

Galisteo

// Roman baths , Alange

Cáceres

Badajoz

Mérida

Zafra Monesterio

Mérida 12 km to Alange (Spa and thermal baths) Torremejía Almendralejo Villafranca de los Barros Los Santos de Maimona Zafra

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

CRADLE OF ROMANTISCISM A little further on, surrounded by an immense landscape of vineyards and olive groves, we arrive at Almendralejo, cradle of the Romantic writers José de Espronceda and Carolina Coronado. Its streets are worth walking around, visiting its churches and palaces, but its real attraction lies in its wineries. We can visit the Wine Science Museum and taste some of its wines and even its cava, as it is one of the few places in Spain, outside Catalonia, that produces sparkling wine with the “Cava” designation of origin. We continue our journey enjoying a peaceful walk through the plains

towards Villafranca de los Barros, known as “City of Music”, where we have the opportunity to visit the interesting historical-ethnographical collection of its museum (M U V I). A town dotted with religious and civil buildings of historical and artistic interest. At kilometre 56.5, we leave the N-630 and turn right to reach Los Santos de Maimona. In this town you should not miss the parish church, with an impressive Plateresque façade, as well as the Manuel Santiago Morato Musuem of Art and the Encomienda Palace, the best-preserved example of Santiaguista architecture in Spain.

Our last stretch today is a couple of kilometers of steep road to cross the San Cristobal mountain range. This is how we arrive at our destination, the cosy noble town of Zafra. Declared a Historic-Artistic Site, it is known for its International Cattle Fair (FIG), with almost 600 years of history. Zafra has a wide range of accommodation and restaurants, including the monumental Palace of the Dukes of Feria, now a Parador Hotel. Some of the main attractions of this town are walking around its historic quarter, discovering the flight of the lesser kestrels in spring or visiting the Museum of Santa Clara, dedicated to monastic life.

ETAPA 4 · Mérida - Zafra 31

YOU CAN’T MISS…

Mérida - Zafra

Villafranca Museum MUVI (Villafranca de los Barros). It is located in an 18th century palatial home. Along its route it exhibits an outstanding collection that travels through the history and musical tradition of the town. It also shows a large selection of old vehicles.

Santa Clara Museum (Zafra). It is located next to the 15th century convent of Santa Clara, occupying several of its rooms. The museum’s collection shows the monastic life of the Poor Clares and takes a journey through the history of Zafra, as the centre of the Señorío de Feria.

MAIN MONUMENTS

Ermita de Nuestra Señora del Valle (Villafranca de los Barros). It has been declared as Heritage of Cultural Interest. From the second half of the 16th century, built on an earlier construction. It was built when the town belonged to the Order of Santiago and was commissioned to the architect Juan de Maeda, by order of the Emperor Charles V.

Plaza Grande and Plaza Chica (Zafra). The Plaza Chica was the commercial and craft center of Zafra since the sixteenth century. Later, the space occupied by the primitive church of Candelaria was annexed to it, forming the Plaza Grande. They are communicated through the Arquillo del Pan, with a column that has carved in its shaft, the measuring rod, used by the merchants.

Wine Science Museum (Almendralejo). It is located in the old building of “Alcoholera Extremeña”. Next to the bullring of Almendralejo, remarkable for having a wine cellar under its stands. The visit to the museum allows us to know the culture and the history of the wine production in Extremadura.

Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles (Los Santos de Maimona). It is a church with a lounge floor, in Gothic-Renaissance style from the 16th century. The most impressive thing is its starred ribbed vault cover and its perdón portal, with Plateresque decoration, considered the best Renaissance portal in the whole area.

Marqués de la Encomienda Palace House (Almendralejo). It was ordered to be built in the second half of the 18th century by the Marqueses de la Encomienda. Declared a Site of Cultural Interest, its style is baroque and it is made of masonry and plastered brick. The building has a main axis which is the central patio and in this one all the main rooms are distributed.

El Capricho de Cotrina (Los Santos de Maimona). Unusual private construction. Conceived as a country house, it is built in limestone, cement and brick and inspired by the organic forms of nature. It is skilfully decorated with the technique of trencadís that reminds us of the works of the famous catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

// MUVI, Villafranca de los Barros

32 ETAPA 4 · Mérida - Zafra

white storks or owls in a 16th century Gothic-Renaissance style building. Alange Reservoir. A reservoir that allows the practice of sports such as sailing, windsurfing or canoeing, in addition to licensed fishing. It has a large number of water birds such as mallard ducks, spoon ducks, teal, great cormorants, geese, grey herons, kingfishers... REGIONAL TOURIST INTEREST FESTIVITIES Las Candelas (Almendralejo). It is celebrated every year the 1st of february. This tradition has been documented at least since the 17th century and fills the night with bonfires, dances and local gastronomy products.

Palace of the Dukes of Feria (Zafra). It was built as a residence by the first Count of Feria in 1437, on an old Almohad fortress. It has a defensive appearance, is walled, and has a majestic keep. Inside, it preserves the Mudejar coffered ceilings of the chapel and the golden room, and the Renaissance courtyard from the 16th century. It is currently a Parador Hotel. NATURAL AREAS Iglesia de la Purificación SBPA (Almendralejo). First Special Bird Protection Area declared on urban land in all of Extremadura, because of the colony of Lesser Kestrel that lives there and that coexists with falcons,

// Marqués de la Encomienda Palace House, Almendralejo

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

SERVICES Romantic Literary Route (Almendralejo). During two days in June the city is filled with 19th century dresses, parades, competitions and poetry fairs, concerts, visits to wineries, wine and cava tasting and “romantic tapas”. Grape harvest and traditional Velá de la Virgen Coronada (Villafranca de los Barros). On the 8th of September, coinciding with the town’s patron saint festival, activities, traditions and characters related to the world of wine and grape harvest are shown. Holy Week in Zafra. The Holy Week in Zafra gathers more than 6,000 hermanos in the 8 cofradías (brotherhoods) whose holy week images are paraded through the streets and squares of its historical center. De la luna al fuego (Zafra). Historical recreation of the village of Zafra during the Golden Age. It is celebrated towards the end of June and the living chess game in homage to Ruy López (16th century), creator of the “Apertura Spanisha”. GASTRONOMY Wine D.O. Ribera del Guadiana and D.O. Cava. The route crosses Tierra de Barros, the main wine producing area of the D.O. Ribera del Guadiana. Almendralejo is one of the few areas, outside Catalonia, to be covered by the D.O. Cava. Some of its wineries offer visits, with tastings and samplings. EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

TOURIST OFFICES • ALMENDRALEJO Plaza de la Iglesia, 16 +34 924 670 507 www.almendralejo.es/turismo.php • VILLAFRANCA DE LOS BARROS Plaza del Corazón de María, 4 +34 924 520 835 www.villafrancadelosbarros.es • LOS SANTOS DE MAIMONA Plaza de España, 9 +34 924 544 801 www.lossantosdemaimona.com/ SERVICES/turismo.php • ZAFRA Plaza de España s/n +34 924 551 036 www.visitazafra.com

BICYCLES ALMENDRALEJO • La Bicicleta. Bicycle repair shop. Carretera de San Marta, 52 +34 924 662 147 https://labicicleta.net/almendralejo • Piñero Bike. Bicycle repair shop. Calle Badajoz, 12 +34 924 671 704 www.piñerobike.com/index.php ZAFRA • Bicicletas Zambrano. Bicycle repair shop. Calle Gallito de Zafra, 2 +34 924 553 954 FB: Ciclos Zambrano Tienda • Bicicletas Sánchez Pimienta. Bicycle repair shop. Calle los Cármenes, 7 bajo +34 616 557 462 / +34 651 134 910 FB: Bicicletas-Sanchez-Pimienta • Bicicletas Rodríguez. Bicycle repair shop. Calle Juan Ramón Jiménez, 4, local 2 +34 924 550 283 www.bicicletasrodriguez.com

ETAPA 4 · Mérida - Zafra 33

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

STAGE·4 Mérida - Zafra Aceuchal

63km

Villalba de los Barros Feria

Accommodation Restaurant Tourist office

Fuente del Maestre

Villafranca de los Barros

Petrol station ATM Train station

Zafra

Bus station Cycling services

Los Santos de Maimona

N - 630

Z a f ra

Monument World Heritage Bathing area Medical centre Pharmacy 34 ETAPA 4 · Mérida - Zafra

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

mendralejo

M é r id a

Mérida Arroyo de San Serván Calamonte

Solana de los Barros

Torremejía

N - 630

Almendralejo

Alange La Zarza Embalse de Alange

564 m

865 m

198 m

615 m

1000 Torremejía

Altitud (m) Altitude (m)

Mérida

Ribera del Fresno

Almendralejo

Villafranca de los Barros

Los Santos de Maimona

Zafra

500

0 0

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

Distancia(km) (Km) Distance

ETAPA 4 · Mérida - Zafra 35

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

STAGE·5 Zafra - Monesterio THE LANDSCAPES OF ZURBARÁN AND IBERIAN HAM Last Extremaduran section of EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route. The second half of this stage is a little more difficult, with a continuous slope, using good paved roads. Crossing wide pastures, we arrive today at one of the centres of Iberian ham: Monesterio. We begin the journey by crossing Zafra towards the south, in the direction of the railway station, on the BA-160 highway and we arrive at Puebla de Sancho Pérez. If we are interested, here we can visit what is said to be the oldest bullring in Spain, which is attached to the Ermita de Belén. We leave the town centre on the so-called Colada de Usagre road, heading for the N-630. At this point, if instead of turning right in the direction of Seville, we continue on for a couple of kilometres, we will arrive at the famous El Raposo Spa. We can enjoy its waters of curative properties, in a pleasant environment that is worth the trip. 36 ETAPA 5 · Zafra - Monesterio

Returning to the N-630, and for those who like archaeology, you have the option of turning off about 9 km to the right, on the BA-069, towards Medina de las Torres, to see what was once Contributa Iulia Ugultunia, the most important Roman city of the Beturia Celtica. We return to our main route and continue south towards Seville, on the N-630, until we reach Calzadilla de los Barros. We should not pass through this town without visiting its parish church of Divino Salvador, which has the best Gothic altarpiece, with Mudejar elements, in Extremadura, and it is declared a national monument. EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

65km

STAGE 5 · Zafra - Monesterio In this area the landscape changes with vineyards becoming less frequent and pastures and cereal fields predominating. LAND OF PAINTERS

Baños de Montemayor

Plasencia

Galisteo

Cáceres

Badajoz

Mérida

Zafra Monesterio

Zafra Puebla de Sancho Pérez 8,8 km to Medina de las Torres (Ugultuniacum) Calzadilla de los Barros Fuente de Cantos Monesterio Province border

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

We left the national road for a while and continued pedaling along a road that leads to kilometer 26 of today’s stage, in Fuente de Cantos. This is a singular town, birthplace of great painters such as Nicolás Megía and Francisco de Zurbarán. To understand the universe of this brilliant painter, a leading figure of the Baroque, we can visit his home museum. And if we take the EuroVelo 1 route at the end of April or the beginning of May -depending on the year- we can attend the gastronomic festival organised around the Chanfaina, a typical stew of the shepherds of Extremadura. From Fuente de Cantos we can make another optional visit. This is the archaeological site of Los Castillejos, a settlement with a long historical sequence that takes us back to the Neolithic period. It is located about 6 kilometres to the south. We return to our itinerary, again on the N-630. We have twenty kilometres ahead, where the terrain becomes more rugged, as we gradually gain altitude and the landscape begins to become more rugged. This is how we arrive at the municipality of Monesterio, where this stage and the

// Contributa Iulia Ugultunia, Medina de las Torres

Eurovelo 1 route through Extremadura ends.

cent view over the south of Extremadura and the north of Andalusia.

In this town, a visit to the Ham Museum is a must, where we will discover the secrets of the breeding of Iberian pigs, their transformation and the production of one of the flagship products of the world’s gastronomy: the acorn-fed Iberian ham with Protected Designation of Origin (P.D.O.) “Dehesa de Extremadura”. In the city centre is the wathershed between the river basins of the Guadiana, to the north, and the Guadalquivir, to the south.

We leave Monesterio to go across the last 20 kilometers that separate us from the town of Real de la Jara, the beginning of the Andalusian section of EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route. We do it by the N-630, crossing magnificent pastures. We must be careful towards the 54th kilometre of the stage, to cross the A-66 through an underpass that leads to the roundabout at the entrance to the Complejo Leo (restaurants, hotel and gas stations). We must go around it towards the south and after riding barely 400 metres along the EX-318, take the road that will take us to our destination, already in the province of Seville.

Those who are fitter have the possibility of ascending to the Monastery of Tentudía, 9.5 km away. With its 1,099 meters of altitude it offers a magnifi-

ETAPA 5 · Zafra - Monesterio 37

YOU CAN’T MISS…

Zafra - Monesterio

Contributa Iulia Ugultunia (Medina de las Torres). It is one of the most important Roman cities in this area, which would have had its maximum splendour between the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Still in the process of excavation, the main structures of what was once a great city have already been found.

// El Raposo Spa, Puebla de Sancho Pérez

MAIN MONUMENTS Ermita de Belén (Puebla de Sancho Pérez). It is located on the outskirts of the town in a beautiful spot. It dates from the 15th century nevertheless the Church is in Barroque style, as it was rebuilt in the eighteenth century. Its uniqueness is that it is attached to a square bullring, said to be the oldest in Spain. El Raposo Spa (Puebla de Sancho Pérez). It is the first spa in Extremadura to obtain the “Q” for quality as a hotel and as a thermal establishment. Its first premises were built in 1886. Today it has modern infrastructures for water and mud treatment. 38 ETAPA 5 · Zafra - Monesterio

Iglesia Parroquial del Divino Salvador. (Calzadilla de los Barros). It is a church of simple architecture (XV and XVI century). It houses a spectacular Gothic altarpiece from the first third of the 16th century, which is articulated as a large triptych with 28 painted panels. It is one of the few late-medieval altarpieces that remain in Extremadura. Zurbarán House Museum (Fuente de Cantos). The artist’s birthplace, restored as a museum. The tour around the different rooms recreates the rural and mystical atmosphere that marked the personality of this prolific painter and shows the most significant milestones of his artistic career. Archaeological site of Los Castillejos (Fuente de Cantos). With two excavation areas, remains have been found that date back to the Neolithic period. Among them are parts of a wall, dated between the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC. Also vestiges of a settlement with a defensive wall, which had several periods of occupation from the 4th to the 2nd century BC.

// Iglesia Parroquial del Divino Salvador, Calzadilla de los Barros

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

SERVICES Museo del Jamón (Monesterio). An interactive tour, which is divided into two floors, shows the visitor a journey from the Extremadura pasture and its peculiarities, through the Iberian pig, to the experience of tasting a good Iberian acorn ham, jamón ibérico de bellota. NATURAL AREAS Fuente de Cantos SBPA. SBPA declared by the presence of the Lesser Kestrel, the only bird of prey that nests in colonies located in urban areas, preferably in historic buildings. We can see them in the town, especially during the breeding season.

REGIONAL TOURIST INTEREST FESTIVITIES Fiesta de la Chanfaina (Fuente de Cantos). A gastronomic festival that revolves around the competition for the preparation of chanfaina, a humble shepherd’s dish made with different entrails and lamb meat. At the same time, another competition of white and red wines of the area is held. Romería de San Isidro (Fuente de Cantos). This rural festival is held on 15th May, when pilgrims and decorated floats make their way to the chapel of the patron saint of the countryside, located on the outskirts of the town.

TOURIST OFFICES • MONESTERIO Paseo de Extremadura, 314 +34 924 516 737 www.monesterio.es

BICYCLES MONESTERIO • Ankay Bike. Paseo de Extremadura, 304 +34 607 286 758 FB: antonio.calderoniglesias

Día del Jamón (Monesterio). Since 1990, this day has been celebrated in the first fortnight of September, with the Iberian ham of Monesterio as the protagonist. Popular tastings of this product are offered. GASTRONOMY Jamón ibérico D.O.P. Dehesa de Extremadura. The vast dehesas of southern Extremadura, the largest and best preserved on the planet, are the ideal home for raising the Iberian pig and for producing a unique and inimitable product: Iberian ham, the best in the world.

// Museo del Jamón, Monesterio

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

ETAPA 5 · Zafra - Monesterio 39

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

STAGE·5 Zafra - Monesterio

65km Accommodation Restaurant est Mon erio

Tourist office Calera de León

Petrol station ATM Train station

Monasterio de Tentudía

Bus station Cycling services Monument

Monesterio

World Heritage Bathing area Medical centre Pharmacy 40 ETAPA 5 · Zafra - Monesterio

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

Zafra

Puebla de Sancho Pérez

Valencia del Ventoso

BA - 160 BA - 160

Medina de las Torres

ente Fu

de C a n tos

BA - 069

El Raposo Calzadilla de los Barros

N - 630

Fuente de Cantos

N - 630

985 m

918 m

1000

Altitude (m)

Zafra Puebla de Sancho Pérez

Calzadilla de los Barros Fuente de Cantos

442 m

759 m

Real de la Jara (Andalucía)

Monesterio

500

0 0

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

Distancia(km) (Km) Distance

ETAPA 5 · Zafra - Monesterio 41

EuroVelo 1 Âˇ PEDALING EXTREMADURA

Discover Extremadura through EuroVelo 1 Extremadura offers the visitor a wide historical and artistic heritage, an enviable nature and the diversity and quality of its gastronomic products. In this guide we bring together a wide variety of activities that, in addition to cycling the EuroVelo 1 route, you can enjoy in Extremadura. The activities and experiences are proposed have been ordered following the natural sense of EuroVelo 1, from north to south, and distinguished by stages, so that at every moment it is possible to know in which part of the route we can carry out a specific activity. We hope they will enrich your experiences and make your tour of EuroVelo 1 in Extremadura more enjoyable and attractive.

42 EuroVelo 1 Âˇ EXTREMADURA

EXPERIENCES

STAGE

TOWN

MAIN THEME

THE AXIS OF EARTH

Baños de Montemayor

Nature

CYCLING TO THE STARS

Hervás

Astrotourism

SPOTS IN HERVÁS BY BIKE

Hervás

Nature/history

AMBROZ BIKE ADVENTURE

Hervás

Nature

KAYAK TRIP

Baños/Plasencia/Gabriel y Galán

Water

BOAT ROUTE

Embalse Gabriel y Galán

Water

INCLUSIVE CYCLING

San Gil (Plasencia)

Inclusion

PLASENCIA IN ROUTE

Plasencia

History

NOMADIC PEOPLE ON BICYCLES

Casar de Cáceres

Rural life

CÁCERES BIKE ADVENTURE DAY

Cáceres

Nature/history

STARS ON BYCICLE

Cáceres

Astrotourism

PASTURE AND CATTLE

Aldea del Cano

Rural life

UNDER THE SKY OF EMERITA AUGUSTA

Mérida

Astrotourism

SELF-GUIDED TOUR IN MÉRIDA

Mérida

History

ROMAN THEATRE AND AMPHITEATRE

Mérida

History

LEGENDARY NIGHT ROUTES

Mérida

Mystery

WATER ROUTE

Mérida

Nature/history

BETWEEN ZEPA AND CEPA

Almendralejo/Zafra/Ribera del Fresno

Viticulture

OLIVE MILL AND WINE PAIRING

Villafranca de los Barros

Viticulture

FROM THE PALACE TO THE WINE CELLAR

Zafra

Viticulture

THE FOOTPRINT OF SEÑORÍO DE FERIA

Zafra

History

URBAN BIRDS AND ZURBARÁN

Fuente de Cantos

Nature/history

CLIMB THE MAGICAL MOUNTAIN OF TENTUDÍA

Monesterio y Calera de León

Nature/history

Monesterio

Gastronomy

THE PARADISE IN YOUR MOUTH Tasting

Natural Route

Historical Route

Navigation

Experience

TYPOLOGY

Bike

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA 43

THE AXIS OF EARTH STAGE · 1 Nature activities that vary according to the time of year: ornithological route and discovery of flora (spring), night escape and introduction to stargazing (summer), mycological route and mushroom picking (autumn) and snowshoeing route (winter). Geological route, trekking and hiking are also offered throughout the year.

Place: Baños de Montemayor. Season: Every day of the year, subject to booking and availability. Duration: 4/5 hours (9/10 to 13/14 hours), except for nightly summer breaks. Price: Accommodation, 65 € per night for 2 people, breakfast included. Activity, 15 euros per person. Free for two-night stay. What does it include: Specialized guide, material according to the activity (rackets, binoculars...). Language: Spanish and English.

CYCLING TO THE STARS STAGE · 1 The Vía de la Plata Hostel, located in the old train station of Hervás, near of the Vía Verde de la Plata, will be the starting point for a guided route at sunset with high quality electric bicycles. It culminates with the vision of privileged skies and astronomical observations in a setting of great beauty. And as a souvenir, you’ll get a photo session.

Information and bookings: Apartamentos Casa Tío Basilio (Baños de Montemayor) +34 645 977 202 www.facebook.com/casatiobasilio

SPOTS IN HERVÁS BY BIKE STAGE · 1 Hervás has one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Spain. Take a comfortable and pleasant tour by bicycle, with a local guide, through the most charming and picturesque places of the countryside and the town centre. Enjoy spaces and people that you will not forget.

Place: Hervás. Season: Available throughout the year. Advance booking required. Duration: 1 hour. Price: From 5 € per person. Minimum group size: 4 people. What does it include: Local guide. Language: Spanish and English. Information and bookings: Bicicletas Colmer – Action Colmer BTT (Hervás) +34 927 481 040 / +34 679 066 620 www.bicicletascolmer.com

Place: Hervás. Season: Available all year. Duration: 2-4 hours. Price: Consult, according to options. What does it include: Specialised starlight astronomy and mountain bike monitors, e-bike rental, R.C. and accident insurance, teaching materials and specialised equipment (binoculars, telescopes...). Language: Spanish. Observations: Bring warm clothes even in summer, because it can be cold at night. Information and bookings: Albergue Vía de la Plata, E-bikes Hervás y Ad Astra Hervás (Hervás) +34 622 235 173 www.alberguehervas.com

AMBROZ BIKE ADVENTURE STAGE · 1 Three days of pure mountain bike riding along the paths that go through forests and valleys of the Ambroz Valley, in the natural environment of Gredos mountain range. After an intense day of cycling, we offer you time to relax, with a quiet visit to Hervás, share time to talk during the briefing of the next day or enjoy excellent cuisine.

Place: Hervás. Season: All year, subject to booking and availability. Duration: Friday afternoon, complete Saturday and Sunday until midday. Price: 375 € per person. What does it include: Local guide service, support vehicle on route, 4 x 4 vehicle lifts with trailer adapted for bicycles, 2 nights high quality accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners and 2 complete refreshments, accident insurance. Languages: Spanish and English. Information and bookings: Bikes at Forest (Cáceres) +34 616 595 787 www.bikesatforest.com

44 EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

KAYAK TRIP STAGE · 1 Enjoy the calm of navigating through the reservoirs along the EuroVelo 1 route in the north of Extremadura: Plasencia and Baños de Montemayor. A guide will accompany you and explain the handling of the kayak (single or double), which is equipped with a deluxe gel back, to make the experience more comfortable. Depending of the season, we also offer activities such as e-bike routes, canyoning, 4x4 routes, river kayaking, paddle surfing or snowshoeing.

BOAT ROUTE Place: Embalses de Gabriel y Galán, Baños de Montemayor y Plasencia. Season: All year (except winter). Duration: 2 hours, approximately. Price: Gabriel y Galán y Baños de Montemayor: 35 € pex (2-4 people), 25 € pex (5 or more). Plasencia: 25 € pex (2-4 people), 20 € pex (5 or more). What does it include: Qualified guide, initiation class, kayak, vest, paddle, RC insurance and accidents. Language: Spanish and Catalan. Observations: Wear a swimsuit, cap, sunglasses and T-shirt. It is compulsory to know how to swim.

STAGE · 1 Circular routes by boat departing from the International Centre for Sports Innovation “El Anillo” and visiting places such as the medieval town of Granadilla, the natural park of Las Batuecas or El Melero meander. Possibility to book your lunch on the boat. Large parking area. It can be combined with other water activities: paddle surfing, windsurfing, wakeboarding or the water toys, ideal for the summer.

Information and bookings: Panthos, deporte y ocio (Moraleja) +34 606 849 644 www.panthos.es

Information and bookings: Jálama Outdoor (Carcaboso) +34 667 027 319 www.jalamaoutdoor.com

INCLUSIVE CYCLING STAGE · 1 Find out about the daily life of the Placeat Plena Inclusion residence for people with intellectual disabilities in San Gil. You can take a guided tour and share conversations and activities with the residents. The residence hall has a bicycle club for people with disabilities, which offers you a bike ride through this 20th century settlement with its peculiar architecture.

Place: Embalse de Gabriel y Galán. Season: All year, subject to booking and availability. Duration: From 2 to 6 hours, depending on the option chosen. Price: 25 € pex (2 h), 35 € pex (3 h) and 70 € (6 h, including lunch). What does it include: Navigation, explanation of points of interest, consumption and snacks during the trip. Languages: Spanish and English. Observations: Maximum capacity 9 people. Boat adapted to people with limitations. Pets are accepted.

PLASENCIA IN ROUTE Place: San Gil (Plasencia). Season: Available throughout the year. It would be necessary to book 5 days in advance. Duration: 2 hours, approximately. Price: Free. Groups from 1 to 15 people. What does it include: Guided tour and bike ride (participants must bring their own bike). Languages: Spanish and English. Observations: Fully accessible area. Information and bookings: Albergue Vía Plata +34 927 410 152 / +34 637 765 030 www.albergueviaplata.com

STAGE · 1 We propose you to spend the night in the apartments Rincón del Salvador in Plasencia, to keep your bike and to have it ready (cleaning and greasing) in the professional workshop of GR-100 and to visit the monumental area with an experienced official guide of the city. From his hand you will visit cathedrals, palaces, churches and Jewish quarters, and learn about the facts, characters and legends that gave life to their historic stones.

Place: Plasencia. Season: Available throughout the year (except Easter and Christmas), previous booking. Duration: Guided tour: 2 h, approx. Price: 1 night: 60 € pex. 2 or more nights: 52 € pex. 5 nights: 220 € pex. Route activity only: 10 € pex. Minimum 4 people. What does it include: Accommodation, guided tour, tuning and storage of the bike. Languages: Spanish and Portuguese. Observations: The visit can be done at night, according to availability. Information and bookings: Oeste Natura (Plasencia) +34 680 812 157 www.oestenatura.com

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA 45

NOMADIC PEOPLE ON BICYCLES STAGE · 2 Visit the interpretation centre of the Cultural Pastoral “Casa Pinotes”, located in a pastoral house, next to the local supply reservoir. From its observatory, equipped with optical material, we can get to know the birds of the environment. At the end of the visit, we will enjoy a commented tasting of Torta del Casar cheese and Ribera del Guadiana DOP wine. Round trip by bicycle (7 km) from Casar de Cáceres, along a stretch of the Western Soriana Royal Gorge and the Vía de la Plata.

Place: Casar de Cáceres. Season: Available throughout the year, previous booking. Duration: 3 hours approximately. Timetable to be arranged. Price: Visit to the interpretation centre and tasting: 3 € pax. Children under 10 years: free. Minimum 2 people. Maximum 20/25 people. What does it include: guided tour, bird watching material (optics and specialised guide), Torta del Casar tasting and wine. Language: Spanish, French and Portuguese. Information and bookings: Turismo Casar de Cáceres +34 927 290 002 / +34 610 301 775 www.turismocasardecaceres.es

STARS ON BICYCLES STAGE · 2 Night tour by bike to contemplate and interpret the starry skies of Cáceres and its surroundings from different natural and cultural sites. There are several observation options to choose from: sky with the simple sight of a laser pointer, deep sky with professional optical material, screen projection to interpret what has been observed without waiting time. We will finish with a wine tasting under the stars.

46 EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

Place: Cáceres. Season: Available throughout the year. Duration: 2/3 hours. Price: According to choice and number of participants. What does it include: Guide for the route and observation of the sky, wine tasting. Language: Spanish and English. Information and bookings: AOSSA Extremadura (Cáceres) +34 927 627 616 www.aossaextremadura.com

CÁCERES BIKE ADVENTURE DAY STAGE · 2 Guided route on electric bicycle to know Caceres (UNESCO World Heritage) and its surroundings. We will start by visiting the remains of the old phosphorite mines from the 19th and 20th centuries. From there we will go to the national monument of Los Barruecos, where water and other agents have eroded the granite with whimsical shapes that remind us of animals, objects and people. We finish the tour by returning to Cáceres with its Roman, Arab, Jewish and medieval traces.

PASTURE AND CATTLE STAGE · 3 Explanatory talk on the uses and customs of the pasture (dehesa), the production of different types of cheese and Iberian sausages, and then proceed to their tasting. Three possibilities are offered: cheeses of the Extremadura denominations of origin, products derived from the Iberian pig or a combination of cheeses and Iberian products.

Place: Cáceres. Season: Available throughout the year, subject to booking and availability. Duration: 4,5 hours. Price: 50 € per person. What does it include: Qualified MTB guide service, accident and RC insurance, helmet, high-end electric bike rental (Specialized Turbo Levo FSR Comp Carbon) and picnic. Languages: Spanish and English. Information and bookings: Bikes at Forest (Cáceres) +34 616 595 787 www.bikesatforest.com

Place: Aldea del Cano. Season: Available throughout the year, at arranged times. Duration: 30 minutes. The rest is up to the client. Price: Minimum 4 people. Total price 4 people: 87 €. Each additional person: 18 euros. What does it include: Talk and tasting (according to choice) accompanied by salad, wine, beer and bread. Language: Spanish. Information and bookings: Casa Rural Vía de la Plata (Aldea del Cano) +34 666 431 420 www.crviadelaplata.com

UNDER THE SKY OF EMERITA AUGUSTA STAGE · 3 Guided observation with the simple sight of the night sky of the ancient Roman Emerita Augusta, identifying the most important stars and constellations, while we tell you stories of the Greek and Roman mythologies that gave them some of their names. Then, through professional telescopes, we will see various celestial objects, such as planets (Jupiter, Saturn, Venus...), the Moon, clusters, nebulae, galaxies...

ROMAN THEATRE AND AMPHITHEATRE OF MERIDA STAGE · 3 A tour in which you will discover why these two Roman show buildings were built, what events were held in them and how their spectators lived them. You will learn what “The seven chairs” are and how the archaeological excavation of the theatre in 1910 changed the destiny of Merida, a UNESCO World Heritage city since 1993.

Place: Mérida. Season: Available throughout the year, previous booking. Duration: 2 hours. Price: 15 € per person. What does it include: guided observation and an individual protection element for the telescope eyepiece, which allows a safe observation. Language: Spanish. Information and bookings: Astroturismo (Mérida) +34 680 258 903 www.astroturismoporextremadura.es

Place: Mérida. Season: All year, subject to booking and availability. Duration: 1h 15’ approximately. Horarios: April - October: 9:30 am and 7 pm; November-March: 10 am and 4 pm. Price: 5 € pax. Children under 12 years old free of charge. For private visits, please ask for an estimate. What does it include: Visit with an official tourist guide of Extremadura. It does not include entrance tickets to the monuments. Languages: Spanish and Portuguese.

SELF-GUIDED TOUR IN MERIDA STAGE · 3 Discover Merida at your own leisure for a day with a self-guided tour. You will receive a guide of the itinerary, with the schedules and explanatory route of the monuments to visit, for which we will facilitate you the tickets. We’ll give you a picnic to go and you can take it anywhere you like. Also is included -varying according to the time and preference of the traveler- one of these options: seeing a play at the Roman theatre, a water activity at the Proserpina reservoir, renting a bicycle for a ride, enjoying a lunch or a dinner.

LEGENDARY NIGHT ROUTES STAGE · 3 Don’t miss the opportunity to get to know the hidden face of Merida by visiting the most magical spots in the city centre. Because when the night falls, the myths wake up, you will discover the feared lobishomes, how to defend yourself from the hidden forces as the Romans did, you will see enigmatic millenary tombs, spectral ghostly figures and you will hear supernatural experiences that took place in an old convent...

Place: Mérida. Season: Available throughout the year, previous booking. Duration: 1 day. Price: 89 € per person. What does it include: Detailed itinerary, tickets to the theatre, amphitheatre, circus and Roman museum, alcazaba and others; picnic, activity of your choice, assistance insurance. Languages: Spanish and English. Observations: Simple route, suitable for all ages. Services can be added, on request, at an additional cost. Information and bookings: U Destinations (Badajoz) +34 639 333 425 www.udestinations.com

Place: Mérida. Season: Available throughout the year (Fridays and Saturdays) and August every day. Duration: 2 hours. Price: 12.5 € per person. Maximum 30 people. What does it include: Guided route. Language: Spanish. Information and bookings: Mérida Secreta (Mérida) +34 625 037 479 www.meridasecreta.com

Information and bookings: Mª del Pilar Fuentes (Mérida) +34 646 938 602 www.meridaymas.com

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA 47

WATER ROUTE STAGE · 3 Bicycle route to see Merida in a different way: through the Roman engineering to channel the water. We start from the centre, where we will see the Castellum Aquae, a large collector that collected the water and distributed it around the city. After admiring the spectacular Los Milagros and San Lázaro aqueducts, we will leave the town centre following the canalisation to the Proserpina reservoir. There we will have a snack before returning to the city.

Place: Mérida. Season: September, October, March, April and May. Duration: 4 hours. Horarios: Departures on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 am. Price: 20 € per person, with own bike. Optional: bicycle rental (consult price). Minimum 6 participants. What does it include: Guide and snack. Languages: Spanish and English. Observations: We have two other options of alternative routes to this one.

BETWEEN ZEPA AND CEPA STAGE · 4 We propose you a bicycle tour to visit the spots where you can observe the lesser kestrel, among other urban birds, and taste the best wines in the area. A unique experience for the senses with a renowned wine taster and a bird watching guide. You can choose between Almendralejo, Ribera del Fresno or Zafra, towns that are part of the Ribera del Guadiana Wine Route and have urban SPA.

Information and bookings: Cata con Cati – Extremadura Wine Tours (Ribera del Fresno) +34 656 837 943 www.cataconcati.es

Information and bookings: Activa Viajes (Mérida) +34 924 110 888 www.activatours.es

OLIVE MILL AND WINE PAIRING STAGE · 4 We propose you a visit to the historical building of the old oil mill of Villafranca de los Barros. At the end, we will enjoy a wine pairing with three tapas of Spanish-Portuguese fusion cuisine and three wines from the San Isidro Cooperative in Villafranca de los Barros.

Place: Villafranca de los Barros. Season: Available throughout the year, previous booking. Duration: 3 hours. Price: 15 € per person. What does it include: Visit to the oil mill, wine tasting (3 varieties) and food and wine pairing (3 tapas). Language: Spanish, Portuguese, English and French. Information and bookings: Albergue Turístico La Almazara (Villafranca de los Barros) +34 924 986 181 / +34 669 964 546 www.albergueturisticolaalmazara.com

48 EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

Place: Almendralejo, Ribera del Fresno o Zafra (a elegir). Season: All year, previous booking. Duration: 4 hours. Price: 25 € pax (adults), 8 € pax (between 4 and 18 years old). What does it include: Meeting point pick-up, bird watching with an ornithological guide, guided tour of the winery o quesería with tasting and sampling (2 wines and 1 tapa), bird and wine guides, optical equipment. Language: Spanish and English. Observations: Experience guaranteed from 2 adults.

FROM THE PALACE TO THE WINE CELLAR STAGE · 4 The Conde de la Corte palace house, in the heart of the historical centre of Zafra, offers you the possibility of combining a night in its charming hotel, with a visit to the renowned Medina wine cellars, where you can have a wine tasting.

Place: Zafra. Season: Available throughout the year, previous booking to arrange a visit to the winery. Duration: 1 night. Price: 85 € (1 person), 105 € (2 people). What does it include: Accommodation and breakfast, dinner at Huerta Honda hotel, visit to winery with tasting, free parking for bicycles. Language: Spanish and English. Information and bookings: Casa Palacio Conde de la Corte (Zafra) +34 924 563 311 www.condedelacorte.com

THE FOOTPRINT OF SEÑORÍO DE FERIA STAGE · 4 Adjacent to the walls of the old fortress of the Dukes of Feria, the hotel Huerta Honda offers you to spend a night combined with a visit to the historic centre of Zafra, one of the most renowned cities in Extremadura. Walk through the streets that saw the first international chess champion, Ruy López de Segura, and see the imprint of the livestock fair, which dates back to 1453.

CLIMB THE MAGICAL MOUNTAIN OF TENTUDÍA STAGE · 5 Morning bike ride from Monesterio to the summit of the magical mountain of Tentudía (1,099 meters of altitude). Visit the emblematic buildings of the convent of Calera de León and the monastery of Tentudía itself. It passes through two different natural ecosystems: the Extremaduran pastureland and the Atlantic forest, with wonderful landscapes and a wide variety of native flora and birds. At the top we will enjoy a snack-tasting.

Place: Zafra. Season: From Tuesday to Sunday, previous booking for the guided tour. Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours (11 am and 7.30 pm).. Price: 69 € (1 person), 88 € (2 people). What does it include: Accommodation and breakfast, visit with official guide. Language: Spanish. Information and bookings: Hotel Huerta Honda (Zafra) +34 924 554 100 www.hotelhuertahonda.com

Place: Monesterio y Calera de León. Season: Available throughout the year. Duration: 6 hours approximately. Price: 35 € per person (from 4 people). Children up to 11 y. o.: 25 % disc. What does it include: Support vehicle, RC insurance, snack-tasting, access to visiting spots, bird watching material, cultural and nature guide. Language: Spanish and English. Observations: You can include a picnic in the Tentudía Reservoir (10€ pax) and a small hiking and birding route in the afternoon (5€ pax). Information and bookings: Mil Rutas por Extremadura (Fuente de Cantos) +34 924 580 379 / +34 625 371 485 www.milrutasporextremadura.com

URBAN BIRDS AND ZURBARÁN STAGE · 5 Visit the house museum and interpretation centre of the great baroque painter Francisco de Zurbarán and tour through the squares and streets of his childhood, with a special stop at the church of Nuestra Señora de la Granada. We will take the opportunity to observe and identify the numerous urban birds that nest in its walls and roofs, highlighting the Lesser Kestrel, which can be seen between March and July.

Place: Fuente de Cantos. Season: Available all year. Duration: 2.5 h. (in the afternoon).. Price: 15 € pax (2 to 4 people), 10 euros pax (from 5 people). Children up to 11 years old: 25 % discount. What does it include: Cultural and ornithological guide, material for birdwatching, access to the places to visit, Rc insurance. Language: Spanish and English. Observations: “Zurbarán Dinner” can be included in a traditional gastronomy establishment (15 € per person). Information and bookings: Mil Rutas por Extremadura (Fuente de Cantos) +34 924 580 379 / +34 625 371 485 www.milrutasporextremadura.com

THE PARADISE IN YOUR MOUTH STAGE · 5 Only a part of the hams produced in Spain are Iberian. To discover this gastronomic jewel we suggest you a visit to the Ham Museum in Monesterio. It shows the journey from the dehesa and the breeding of the Iberian breed, to the traditional and industrial slaughter of the pig. At the end we offer you a tasting of Iberian ham, accompanied by an artisan beer from Monesterio, the first in the world created to be tasted with Iberian products.

Place: Monesterio. Season: Available throughout the year, subject to booking and availability. Duration: Maximum 3 hours. Price: 12 € per person. What does it include: Entrance to the Ham Museum and guided tour, tasting of Iberian ham dish, tasting of beer from Monesterio. Languages: Spanish. Observations: Possibility of adaptation for people with food allergies and intolerances. Information and bookings: Descubre Tentudía (Cabeza la Vaca) +34 643 966 481 www.descubretentudia.com

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA 49

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

COMPANIES “Bike friendly” In the following pages we offer a list of establishments and companies that we consider to be “bike friendly”, offering services and taking care of the specific needs of those who travel by bike.

MAIN SERVICES* Bike storage

BAÑOS DE MONTEMAYOR

Bike wash

Hotel-Restaurante La Glorieta Avenida de las Termas, 101 +34 927 488 018 / +34 676 452 112 www.hotelrestaurantelaglorieta.com H-CC 00545

Routes information Wi-fi zone Bicycle workshop Bike inflator pump Baggage transfer

Hostal El Sendero Avenida Las Termas, 88, 1º A. +34 697 499 520 www.hostalelsendero.es H-CC 00786

Picnic

Apartamentos Casa Tío Basilio Calle Doctor Rengifo 19 +34 645 977 202 FB: casatiobasilio AT-CC 00514

Laundry

HERVÁS

Cycle tourists menu

Recharge BTT and electric rentals (*) The specific services depend on the offer of each establishment.

50 EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

WHERE TO SLEEP

Hospedería Valle del Ambroz Plaza del Hospital s/n +34 927 747 828 www.hospederiasdeextremadura.es H-CC 00627

Casa Rural Valdeamor Calle Valdeamor, 3 +34 678 937 323 www.casaruralvaldeamorhervas.com CR-CC 00291 Casa Rural La Cuestecilla Calle La Cuestecilla, 17 +34 640 879 592 / +34 665 928 371 CR-CC 00194 Aldea Vetonia Carretera EX-205, km. 2,400 +34 927 473 457 / +34 637 895 763 www.aldeavetonia.com AT-CC 00004 Camping Bungalows El Pinajarro Carretera EX-205, km. 2,700 +34 927 481 673 / +34 699 281 189 www.campingelpinajarro.com CT-CC 00013 Albergue Vía de la Plata Paseo de la Estación s/n +34 622 235 173 www.alberguehervas.com AL-CC 00037

SEGURA DE TORO

SAN GIL (Plasencia)

Casa Rural Ciudad de Verdeoliva Calle Pizarro, 15 +34 634 612 470 www.ciudaddeverdeoliva.com CR-CC 00153

Albergue Turístico Vía de la Plata +34 927 410 152 / +34 637 765 030 www. albergueviaplata.com AL-CC 00036

PLASENCIA Hotel Palacio Carvajal Girón Plaza de Ansano, 1 +34 927 426 326 / 699 681 307 www.palaciocarvajalgiron.com H-CC 00773 Parador de Turismo de Plasencia Plaza de San Vicente Ferrer s/n +34 927 425 870 www.parador.es H-CC 00600 Hotel Ciudad de Plasencia Calle Goicoechea, 12 +34 927 427 045 www.ciudaddeplasencia.es H-CC 00569 Apartamentos Puerta Trujillo Calle Ancha, 100 +34 678 588 906 puertatrujilloapartamentos@gmail.com AT-CC 00446/68/72/99 Apartamentos Rincón de la Magdalena Rincón de la Magdalena, 1 +34 659 511 307 www.rincondelamagdalena.com AT-CC 00187 Apartamento Turístico Puerta de Coria Calle Pedro Díez García, 1 +34 686 536 807 AT-CC 00574 Apartamento Rincón del Salvador Calle del Salvador, 9 +34 654 398 030 www.apartamentorincondelsalvador.com AT-CC 00309

GALISTEO Casa Rural María de Luna Calle Tomás Ávila, 6 +34 626 738 688 www.casaruraldegalisteo.es TR-CC 00297

RIOLOBOS Camping Las Catalinas Carretera Plasencia s/n. Finca Las Catalinas +34 927 451 150 www.campinglascatalinas.es CT-CC 00033

Gran Hotel Don Manuel Calle San Justo, 15 +34 927 242 524 www.granhoteldonmanuel.com H-CC 00742 Hotel Barceló Cáceres V Centenario

Calle Manuel Pacheco, 4 +34 927 232 200 FB: barcelocaceres H-CC 00506 Parador de Turismo de Cáceres Calle Ancha, 6 +34 927 211 759 www.parador.es H-CC 00474

CAÑAVERAL

AHC Hoteles Cáceres Avenida Universidad, 51 +34 927 628 223 www.ahchoteles.com H-CC 00760

Hostel Cañaveral Avd. Doctor. Luis Boticario, 12. N-630 km 510 +34 669 402 446 / +34 655 351 976 www.hostelcanaveral.com AL-CC 00032

Hotel Alfonso IX Calle Moret, 20 +34 927 246 400 / 637 503 737 www.hotelalfonsoix.com H-CC 00001

CASAR DE CÁCERES

HS Alameda Palacete Calle General Margallo, 45 +34 927 211 674 / 676 983 635 www.alamedapalacete.com H-CC 00677

Apartamentos Barbancho

Calle Nisa, 3 +34 639 352 727 / +34 636 251 747 www.apartamentosbarbancho.com AT-CC 00285/455

CÁCERES Extremadura Hotel Avenida Virgen de Guadalupe, 28 +34 927 629 639 www.extremadurahotel.com H-CC 00614

Pensión Carretero Plaza Mayor, 22 +34 927 247 482 www.pensioncarretero.com H-CC 00087 Alojamientos en Cáceres +34 607 397 934 www.alojamientosencaceres.com AT-CC 00453/54/500

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA 51

ALDEA DEL CANO Casa Rural Vía de la Plata Plaza Mayor, 8 +34 666 431 420 www.crviadelaplata.com CR-CC 00152

MÉRIDA Hotel Adealba Calle Romero Leal, 18 +34 924 900 637 www.adealba.es H-BA 00628 Parador de Mérida Plaza de la Constitución, 3 +34 924 313 800 www.parador.es H-BA 00535 Hostal Anas Avenida Reina Sofía, 9 +34 924 311 113 / +34 696 397 119 www.hostalanas.com H-BA 00389 Hostal Las Abadías (Mérida) Calle Villarta de los Montes, 1 +34 924 313 326 www.hostalabadias.es H-BA 00606 Apartamentos Coso de San Albín Calle José Espronceda, 26 +34 656 643 715 www.apartamentoscososanalbin.com H-BA 00060 Apartamentos Ad Theatrum Calle Legión V, 15 +34 600 400 739 www.booking.es AT-BA 00096 Apartamentos Imperium Calle Badajoz, 4, 4ª A - 5º C +34 685 432 492 / 667 697 876 AT-BA 00077/78

52 EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

La Casa de la Alcazaba Calle Graciano, 5 +34 636 364 235 AT-BA 00059 Tria Nomina Apartamentos Avd. Milagros, 29, esquina Calle Ceclavín +34 689 781 413 www.trianomina.es AT-BA 00106

VILLAFRANCA DE LOS BARROS Hotel Acosta Ciudad de la Música Carretera N-630, km. 666 +34 924 520 055 www.hotelacostacm.com H-BA 00398 Hotel Diana Plaza Juan Carlos I, s/n +34 924 520 502 www.hoteldiana.es H-BA 00549 Casa Perín Calle Carrillo Arenas, 40 +34 646 179 914 H-BA 00558 Alojamientos Extrenatura Calle Carvajales, 2 +34 656 314 025 www.alojamientoextrenatura.es AL-BA 00023/AT-BA 00041 Albergue Turístico La Almazara Crtra. N-630, km. 670,6 +34 924 986 161 / +34 669 964 546 www.albergueturisticolaalmazara.com AL-BA 00037

Casa Palacio Conde de la Corte Plaza del Pilar Redondo, 2 +34 924 563 311 www.condedelacorte.com H-BA 00598

Casa Rural Sierra de Aguafría Paraje de Sierra de Aguafría +34 687 449 545 www.casaruralsierradeaguafria.com TR-BA 00110

Hotel Huerta Honda Calle López Asme, 30 +34 924 554 100 www.hotelhuertahonda.com H-BA 00292

WHERE TO EAT

Hotel Las Atalayas Extremadura Carretera Badajoz-Granada, km. 69,300 +34 924 563 201 www.atalayasextremadura.es H-BA 00545 Hostal Carmen Avenida de la Estación, 9 +34 924 551 439 www.hostalcarmen.com H-BA 00424

MONESTERIO

Restaurante A fuego lento (Hervás) Calle Vedelejos, 6 +34 927 48 16 74 www.afuegolentohervas.com R-CC 01318 Restaurante Orellana (Cáceres) Avenida Virgen de Guadalupe, 28 +34 927 629 639 www.extremadurahotel.com R-CC 00821 Brewdog (Cáceres) Plaza Islandia, 1 +34 633 059 102 www.brewdogcaceres.es CB-CC 10379

Complejo Leo 24 H Autovía A-66, km. 730 +34 924 517 048 www.complejoleo.es H-BA 00640

Restaurante Naya (Mérida) Calle José Ramón Mélida, 44 +34 924 303 524 / +34 649 493 324 R-BA 00952

Hotel Leo Paseo de Extremadura, 2 +34 924 516 428 www.hotelleo.es H-BA 00453

Mesón El Lebrel (Mérida) Calle John Lennon, 4 +34 924 315 757 meson-el-lebrel-cocina-tradicional-extremena.negocio.site/ CB-BA 09994

ZAFRA

Alojamiento Rural Las Dehesillas Carretera Pallares-Santa María, km. 32 +34 636 829 845 www.lasdehesillas.com TR-BA 00070

Parador de Zafra Plaza Corazón de María, 7 +34 924 554 540 www.paradores.es H-BA 00536

Casa Rural La Arboleda Calle Ramón y Cajal 36 D +34 691 316 644 FB: Casa Rural La Arboleda TR-BA 00109

Albor d’Eyre (Villafranca de los Barros) Calle Hernán Cortés, 1 +34 924 961 836 / 680 993 925 FB: albordeyre CB-BA 13777 Restaurante Rogelio (Zafra) Avenida de la Estación, 9 +34 924 551 439 www.hostalcarmen.com R-BA 00242

WHERE TO RELAX Balneario de Baños de Montemayor Avenida de las Termas, 57 +34 927 488 302 / 343 www.balneariomontemayor.com H-CC 00008 Termal Resort El Salugral (Hervás) Carretera Nacional 630 - Km. 434 +34 927 474 850 www.elsalugral.com H-CC 00716 Balneario de Alange Calle Baños, 58 +34 924 365 106 www.balneariodealange.com H-BA 00439/596

Oeste Natura (Plasencia) +34 680 812 157 www.oestenatura.com OA-CC 00065 Conyegar (Losar de la Vera) +34 609 014 875 www.conyegar.com OA-CC 00067 Panthos, deporte y ocio (Moraleja) +34 606 849 644 www.panthos.es 0A-CC 00132 Ecoturismo Monfragüe Landscape (Jaraicejo) +34 680 858 724 www.ecoturismomonfrague.com 0A-CC 00127

Balneario El Raposo (Puebla de Sancho Pérez) Carretera El Raposo, s/n +34 924 570 410 www.balneario.net H-BA 00087

Actividades Barbancho (Casar de Cáceres) +34 639 352 727 / 636 251 747 www.apartamentosbarbancho.com OA-CC 00155/00117

ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITIES

Aossa Extremadura (Cáceres) +34 670 591 676 www.aossaextremadura.com 0A-CC 00049

Bicicletas Colmer (Hervás) +34 927 481 040 / +34 679 066 620 www.bicicletascolmer.com OA-CC 00111

Activa Viajes (Mérida) +34 924 110 888 www.activatours.es AV-BA 00519

Origen y Naturaleza (Hervás) +34 661 511 878 www.origennaturaleza.com OA-CC 00019

Astroturismo por Extremadura (Mérida) +34 924 317 714 / 680 258 903 www.astroturismoporextremadura.es OA-BA 00060 Mérida y Más +34 646 938 602 www.meridaymas.com G-00090

Bike at Forest (Horcajo) +34 616 595 787 www.bikesatforest.com AV-CC 00529 Jálama Outdoor (Carcaboso) +34 667 027 319 www.jalamaoutdoor.com OA-CC 00135

Cata con Cati - Extremadura Wine Tours (Ribera del Fresno) +34 656 837 943 www.cataconcati.es OA-BA 00046 Mil rutas por Extremadura (Fuente de Cantos) +34 625 371 485 www.milrutasporextremadura.com OA-BA 00075 Descubre Tentudía (Cabeza la Vaca) +34 643 96 64 81 www.descubretentudia.com AV-00582 U Destinations (Badajoz) +34 639 333 425 www.udestinations.com AV-00571

OTHER COMPANIES Bodega CAVE San José (Villafranca de los Barros) +34 924 524 417 / 620 860 289 www.bodegascave.com

Mérida Secreta +34 625 037 479 www.meridasecreta.com OA-BA 00039

EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA 53

EuroVelo 1 · PEDALING EXTREMADURA

TRANSPORTS: HOW TO GET TO EXTREMADURA? Extremadura is situated in the west of Spain, sharing a wide border with neighbouring Portugal. To reach the Extremadura route of EuroVelo 1 we recommend doing so from the main population centres along the route. From there we will find several alternatives to reach any point of the route that we want.

BY PLANE

BY BUS

Depending on the site from which we want to join the EuroVelo 1 route, we can choose from several airports. The closest one is Badajoz, located in the town of Talavera la Real. It has taxi service and car rental. Information on timetables and airlines at www.aena.es

There are good bus connections to get to the EuroVelo 1 route and to move along it. These are the main companies providing services:

Airport (road distance in kilometers) Badajoz 197

Madrid 261

Sevilla ·

Cáceres

121

312

269

201

313

Mérida

50,6

197

272

287

168

283

75,2

140

311

Plasencia

Almendralejo Zafra

Salamanca 127

Lisboa ·

· Avanzabus (connection with Madrid) www.avanzabus.com / +34 91 272 28 32 · Alsa (connection with Castilla y León/Asturias and with Sevilla, and all stages of the route in Extremadura) www.alsa.es / +34 91 991 40 30 · Leda (connection with Sevilla and stages 2, 3, 4 and 5) www.leda.es / +34 924 37 14 03 · Cevesa (connection with Madrid and stages 1 and 2) www.cevesa.es / +34 902 393 132 · Norbabus (local connections with Cáceres) www.norbabus.com / +34 927 234 808 - 606 935 210

BY CAR BY TRAIN Renfe Media Distancia operates the railway lines with which we can reach the main towns and cities on the EuroVelo 1 route in Extremadura. The MadridBadajoz’s line stops at Plasencia, Cáceres and Mérida. You can also travel from Madrid to Mérida (The capital city of Extremadura) on the line that runs trough Ciudad Real and Puertollano. The Sevilla-Madrid line stops at Zafra, Almendralejo and Mérida. There is also a line that connects Zafra to Huelva. Information on timetables at www.renfe.com 54 EuroVelo 1 · EXTREMADURA

If you travel in a private car, the A-66 motorway (Gijón-Sevilla) crosses the whole region from north to south and runs largely parallel to the EuroVelo 1 route through Extremadura, passing through Baños de Montemayor, Plasencia, Cáceres, Mérida, Almendralejo, Zafra and Monesterio. For those travelling from Madrid, the main access is the A-5 motorway, which will take you to Merida. To go to Plasencia, at Navalmoral de la Mata, take the EX-A1 regional highway.

SALAMANCA A-66 Baños de Montemayor

Galisteo

Cáceres

LISBON IP-7

Plasencia EX-A1

A-58

Mérida

Badajoz

Zafra Monesterio

SPAIN Salamanca Madrid Lisbon

Badajoz Seville

SEVILLE A-66

MADRID A-5