Detail of river in Hervás, Ambroz Valley in Caceres, Extremadura

Ambroz Valley: EDEN Award 2019

Extremadura

Extremadura

This area in the north of Extremadura is the ideal place to rest and unwind surrounded by a landscape of contrasts, with mountains over 2,000 metres high and leafy forests with spectacular colours in autumn. In the Ambroz Valley, you can explore eight villages with charming corners: Abadía, Aldeanueva del Camino, Baños de Montemayor, Casas del Monte, La Garganta, Gargantilla, Hervás and Segura de Toro.Another draw for visitors is the valley's waterfalls, like La Chorrera and its incredible natural and tree-lined pools, and tree-lined walks with waterfalls, such as in Casas del Monte and Abadía.The waters of this area have been known for their properties since Roman times. You will find its famous Roman Spa of Baños de Montemayor. That's why the Ambroz Valley has won the EDEN European Award in the Health and Well-being category. 

Magical autumn landscapes

Walk through this valley to find leafy chestnut and oak forests, cherry and plum trees, meadows of holm oaks and cork oaks... And a special place that is often said to be like a "natural cathedral", the Temblar chestnut trees: huge ancient trees wrapped in a huge grove.A special time to really enjoy all these natural spaces dyed yellow and red is October and November, when the festival "Magical Autumn in the Ambroz Valley" normally features activities like mycological fairs, tasting of roasted chestnuts, live music, guided tours, and astronomical observations.And if you prefer a more active alternative, you can go hiking and cycling on the greenway Camino Natural de la Ruta de la Plata, an old railway line reconverted into a path. 

Traces of different cultures

In this valley, you find traces of cultures like the Vettone, the Celtic or the Jewish culture. You can discover them by visiting the Celtic bull of Segura de Toro or the beautiful network of alleys in the Jewish quarter of Hervás, one of the most beautiful villages in the area. And make sure to visit the Renaissance Palace of Sotofermoso (in Abadía), initially a fortress used by the Templars that later became an abbey for Cistercian monks and a cultural centre. In the neighbouring region, there is the fascinating feudal town of Granadilla and the Roman city of Cáparra. 

View of Hervás in Caceres, Extremadura
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