La Rabaza – A border village with rayano culture

La Rabaza is a hamlet on the Spanish-Portuguese border and preserves elements of rayano culture. Its border location is reflected in the village’s history as well as in a hiking route that starts in the hamlet and crosses the border. When planning your trip, you can explore cultural themes alongside practical details about the landscape and places to visit around the Río Gévora.

Border history and rayano culture

The place name is thought to be of Portuguese origin. On the other side of the border lies a neighbouring settlement that is also called “La Rabaza Portuguesa”; La Rabaza itself is referred to as “La Rabaza Española.” The two names make the border location apparent in the language as well. La Rabaza was probably established in the last third of the 19th century. The settlement of Portuguese families continued into the 20th century, so an initial likely period of settlement can be distinguished from the later continuation of settlement. La Rabaza is also associated with traces of smuggling in the Spanish-Portuguese border region. Together with elements of rayano culture, the place names, settlement history and association with smuggling offer different ways to explore the history of this border hamlet.

The Río Gévora and natural water conditions

La Rabaza borders the Sierra de San Mamede and the Río Gévora. The upper reaches of the Río Gévora, which flows through La Codosera, are designated as a ZEPA (Special Protection Area) and form part of the European Natura 2000 network. The Río Gévora is the only trout river in the province of Badajoz and attracts many anglers each season. Another water-related attraction is the Complejo de las Piscinas Naturales del Río Gévora: its pools are supplied by constantly flowing natural river water. Unlike water in a conventional swimming pool, it is not hygienically treated; natural water conditions can vary. When comparing these options, the focus is on seasonal fishing in the river and the natural water conditions of the Piscinas.

Cross-border hiking route

The La Rabaza–Cascada de Cabroeira–Piscinas de La Codosera hiking route starts in La Rabaza and follows a path that crosses the border between Spain and Portugal. It leads to the Cascada de Cabreiroa, also known as the Cascada de Cabroeira; the Piscinas de La Codosera are also included in the route’s name. Both names refer to the same waterfall. The starting point, border crossing and named locations provide practical reference points for planning the route. Before setting out, check whether the route is available and what the trail conditions are, as these may change.

Cultural sites and practical visit planning

The Ermita de San Cristóbal is in La Rabaza, within the municipality of La Codosera in the province of Badajoz. Visits to the Centro de Interpretación Río Gévora require an appointment in advance. Plan your visit by booking an appointment beforehand.

Brasería Portugal is in the Caserío de La Rabaza, on the road from La Codosera to Aldea de la Rabaza. It combines Extremaduran and Portuguese cuisine. As the menu and service may change, ask about the current offering before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Puebla De Alcocer, Monterrubio de la Serena, Táliga, Garbayuela, Oliva De Mérida, Hornachos, Higuera de Vargas, Cordobilla de Lácara.

For the broader travel overview: Badajoz.