La Codosera: River Landscapes and Border Traditions

La Codosera’s cross-border ties with Portugal have shaped a distinct culture known as “cultura rayana.” The town offers several ways to plan a stay: the Río Gévora and its river landscape, a hiking trail, historic buildings, and traditions and events throughout the year. You can tailor your trip to your interests, whether you are especially drawn to nature by the water, local history, or cultural events.

Río Gévora and the Landscape

The upper Río Gévora runs through La Codosera, is designated as a ZEPA (Special Protection Area for Birds), and is part of the European Natura 2000 protected areas network. The valley around the town is characterized by olive groves, cork oaks, holm oaks, and pastureland. The river’s floodplain is also home to an extensive gallery forest of ash, poplar, and alder trees. The valley and the more densely vegetated areas along the river offer contrasting sides of the local landscape.

Hiking by the River

The Sendero Río Gévora Alto begins in La Codosera, on Calle Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, behind the town hall. It is an easy linear hiking trail, measuring 4.6 km (2.9 miles) there and back. Following the river, the trail passes vegetable gardens, pastureland, dehesas, and replanted oak groves. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Natural Pools and Planning Your Visit

The natural pool complex on the Río Gévora comprises three pools of varying depths. The water is natural river water that flows continuously and is not treated like water in conventional swimming pools. If you plan to swim, check conditions before your visit. The complex includes picnic areas, a playground, toilets, a bar-restaurant, parking, and a camping area. Some facilities may be seasonal.

Bridge and Historic Buildings

At El Marco, the international bridge crosses the Río Abrilongo, linking Spain and Portugal. Another landmark on the Río Gévora is the Molino del Duque: this fully preserved grain mill was built in 1509. The two structures reflect different aspects of the area’s history—the bridge represents a connection across the border, while the mill reflects the use of the river. The Santuario de Chandavila is set in a landscape of pine, chestnut, and holm oak trees, as well as eucalyptus.

Border Traditions and Festivals Throughout the Year

The tourism office organizes a reenactment of the Ruta del Contrabando every year on the second weekend of March; the exact date may vary. The event follows routes and paths used by smugglers during the difficult decades after the Spanish Civil War. A local theater group depicts the smugglers’ daily lives. The event thus brings together the history of the smuggling routes and a theatrical portrayal.

In October, the Feria Rayana brings Spanish and Portuguese businesses together and includes tastings of local products. Participating businesses and the program may vary. The Transfrontal Mycology Days take place every year in November and include foraging walks, talks, exhibitions, and species identification. Dates and the program may change. In December, the Desafío Codosera brings athletes from Spain and Portugal together each year for a route through mountains, rivers, and trails; dates and the course may vary.

Another tradition is Correr la Aleluya: at midnight on the night before Easter Sunday, bells and cowbells are rung. These events are spread across several months, each with its own focus—from reenacting historic routes to regional products and mycology, as well as a sporting challenge. If a particular festival is important to your trip, check the exact dates.

Discover more destinations: Higuera de Vargas, Villanueva De La Serena, Santa Marta, Oliva De Mérida, La Zarza, Alange, Burguillos, Torremejía.

See the broader travel overview: Badajoz.