What is the Ambroz Valley and where is it?
The Ambroz Valley is a region in the north of Extremadura, famous for its cultural wealth and natural beauty. Surrounded by the Jerte Valley, Las Hurdes and Tierras de Granadilla and limited by the province of Salamanca.
This article will reveal some of the best things to see in the Ambroz Valley and why this region of Extremadura is one of the most virgin, natural and beautiful areas in all of Spain.
As we say, the Ambroz Valley is a hidden gem in Spain that deserves to be discovered.
We can visit the Ambroz Valley on foot, by bike, motorcycle or car. Unfortunately there is no bus service from one town to another, round trip. One of the most fascinating things about traveling through the Ambroz Valley is crossing rivers with bridges made of wood, stone or rope.
What to do in the Ambroz Valley?
The most popular activities are horse riding and hiking, rafting and kayaking, which are great ways to explore the region.
With its natural beauty and unspoilt villages, this is a great destination for those looking to escape the busy world around them… for a while.
Where to stay in the Ambroz Valley?
And to rest, there is nothing better than doing it at Casa Rural Villabellosa.
What to do in the Ambroz Valley?
El Valle has its headquarters in Hervás, the nerve center of tourist activity in this beautiful region. If we talk about Hervás, we talk about history, legacy, inheritance. The passage of Jewish civilization through these lands can be seen in its Jewish quarter, declared a Historical-Artistic Site since 1969 and belonging to the Network of Jewish Quarters of Spain. There is no better place to get lost than among its winding and narrow streets, imagine what the Jewish culture and its people were like, what they did, how they made their tools, their costumes; what they ate… The parishioners, to celebrate and remember their past and their history, have celebrated every year, since 1997 in the month of July, the Fiesta de los Conversos Cultural Festival, in which they perform theatrical performances for all audiences, in an unbeatable location, on the banks of the Ambroz River.
But, to the baggage they preserve from Jewish civilization, there is the cultural heritage that Hervás preserves, highlighting the Dávila Palace, from the 18th century, which houses the Pérez Comendador – Leroux Museum, with works by the sculptor Enrique Pérez Comendador and the painter Magdalena Leroux.
Lovers of the world of motors will also find their attraction in Hervás, being able to visit the Motorcycle and Classic Car Museum, with a valuable collection to admire.
Hervás also maintains a beautiful tradition such as cabinetmaking, making furniture, baskets and baskets. But not only that, they also make leather and leather garments. Without a doubt, it is a must to get to know its people, get lost in its streets and admire the wonders that these places provide.
If you like palaces, you have to go to Abadía to visit the Palace of Sotofermoso (or of the Dukes of Alba), a cultural center of importance during the Renaissance. You can let yourself be enchanted by its Mudejar patio and its Renaissance gardens. Some artists of the time, such as Lope de Vega, walked through its corridors and wrote their illustrious works. Perhaps they also walked along the medieval bridge or made a stop at the Bien Parada Convent.
The Ambroz River irrigates the town of Abadía with its waters, delighting everyone with its natural pool in summer.
We can go to Aldeanueva del Camino to buy the delicious paprika that is made in these lands, a hallmark of the municipality, walk along its main street, an old Roman road, and also along its bridge, from the same Roman period. A work by the sculptor Ángel Duarte has arrived in Aldeanueva del Camino, which we can see in the school square.
It is also worth highlighting its important natural heritage, highlighting among all the Fresneda Cork Oak, protected as a unique tree, being one of the largest cork oaks in the WORLD!!! Of course, Aldeanueva del Caminos is unique.
Baños de Montemayor is the birthplace of hot springs, where we can take a peaceful bath to disconnect from the outside world and connect with the interior. But we can also tour the town and see remains of the Roman population that are still preserved, purchase artisanal products made of wicker such as baskets and see how they are made.
In summer, the Casas del Monte natural pool welcomes countless intrepid bathers who defy the thermometer and dive under its cold waters. But this town not only stands out for its swimming pool, but also for its fields, full of chestnut trees and century-old oaks, in which you can immerse yourself and spend a good day hiking and collecting mushrooms and admiring the art of mycology.
La Garganta, the highest town in the Ambroz Valley, is located at 1000m, which is why in winter we can be lucky enough to see its lands covered in snow. An old icebox is still preserved. The residents of the municipality, in the past, used it to store the snow that fell in winter and thus sell it in the form of ice in the summer. We cannot leave La Garganta without first having visited the Iberian Wolf Interpretation Center, the only one in Extremadura, or an old trap for this canine.
If you want to see cherry and plum trees, chestnut trees and unique trees like birch, Gargantilla is your next stop. Through its places you can take routes and appreciate the colors and smells of its flora. It is bathed by the Garganta de la Buitrera, finding a natural pool in which to take a bath and be able to swim. And it is precisely next to this pool where the charcoal path begins, a route that leads to the Port of Honduras and the Jerte Valley, which we will talk about at another time.
And, finally, Segura de Toro. It may be the oldest town in this Ambroz Valley. We cannot pass through it without seeing the unique bull of Celtiberian origin in its main square, or the remains that are still preserved from pre-Roman civilizations such as the Vetones. We can imagine what a Templar castle was like by seeing the remains that Segura de Toro preserves of one. But the jewel in the crown is its natural heritage, the Temblar chestnut trees. In them, getting lost is not an option. Loaded with ancient trees and bathed by a gorge of the same name, it is a landscape to explore, disconnect your phones and simply enjoy. Just as we were talking about the cold waters of the Casas del Monte pool, we cannot fail to mention those of this beautiful municipality, whose natural pool has several areas where you can take a revitalizing dip.
These small, picturesque settlements are worth exploring to discover their secrets and the countless charms they hold.
As we said previously, this valley offers stunning scenery, as well as many opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, horse riding or even canoeing.
Now, that autumn is knocking on our doors, the Ambroz Valley has a lot to offer. The Magic Autumn is celebrated in this region every year, with 2022 being its 25th edition. A lot of activities in nature to be able to feel and enjoy it first-hand, such as hiking trails, bicycles, bike climbing, water activities, mycological activities and practice of mycology, and much more!! Enjoy this region with everything organized, so you can enjoy it with all your senses, as a couple, family or groups.
This region belongs to everyone and for everyone.
If you are looking for a relaxing getaway to enjoy nature while learning about its history, the Ambroz Valley and Casa Rural Villabellosa are your destination!
