- Javier Flores
Leaving behind the province of Salamanca and the village of Puerto de Béjar, we start the first EuroVelo 1 stage in Extremadura. The route runs through beautiful landscapes and via the Greenway to Baños de Montemayor. This village gives the cyclist the opportunity to relax in its well-known spa, in which he/she can not only enjoy its thermal springs but also travel back in time by visiting its springs of Roman origin.
The second point of interest on the stage, at kilometre 10, is the town of Hervás. Has one of the best Jewish quarters of the Iberian Peninsula with a magnificent network of alleyways and traditional architecture.
If you have the time and inclination, you can take a break from the main route to ascend the Puerto de Honduras through exuberant woodland of chestnut trees. It is snow-covered in winter and marks the dividing line with the neighbouring valley of the Jerte, which is known the world over for its cherry trees.
Our gentle downhill pedalling now takes us to Aldeanueva del Camino at an altitude of 530 metres. From this point on we are entering the Cáparra-Tierras de Granadilla district. Now it is the pasturelands or dehesas which accompany us on the route which soon take us to one of the most attractive points of this stage: the former Roman city of Cáparra. Discover this ancient city, which has little by little revealed its streets and buildings and its Quadriffons arch which is unique in Spain. In addition, nowadays it is one of the satellite stages of the Mérida Classical Theatre Festival.
We continue towards the south along the N-630 to Oliva de Plasencia and a little further on, if we want to go some 8 km off the EuroVelo 1 Route, we can visit Plasencia, the capital of the north of Extremadura. This majestic town with its noteworthy cathedral complex and interesting mansions is well worth a visit. In summer we can enjoy its green areas and its bathing area on the Jerte River, and if we arrive on a Tuesday we can shop at the famous market in the plaza.
About 30 kilometres from Plasencia lies the Monfragüe National Park and Biosphere Reserve, a notable stronghold of Mediterranean woodland and one of the most important sites for birdwatching, especially birds of prey. Moreover, in late February bird enthusiasts should not miss the International Fair of Ornithological Tourism (FIO).
The remainder of this first stage continues on local roads through Carcaboso and Aldehuela del Jerte until we arrive in Galisteo. The end of this first EuroVelo 1 section in Extremadura is this pretty village, which is noted for its well preserved Almohad walls of pebbles from the river.
Comments: Section 20