Casas Del Monte: Hiking Trails, Chestnuts and Garganta Ancha

Casas del Monte can be approached for trip planning through its landscape and activities: along the Vía de la Plata nature trail, pastureland and dehesa give way to broadleaf forests on the mountain slopes; the Garganta Ancha and an ancient sweet chestnut tree add to the nature theme. There is also a circular hiking trail, a mountain biking loop and a local history that dates back to the 15th century. If you are looking for a hotel in Casas del Monte, these differences can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.

Hiking between dehesa and chestnut forest

The Casas del Monte–Hervás section of the Vía de la Plata nature trail begins at the municipal boundary between Jarilla and Casas del Monte. It leads from pastureland and dehesa to the broadleaf forests on the mountain slopes, including the province of Cáceres’ oak forests and significant chestnut forests. Access is via a paved rural road near kilometre 447 of the N-630. After 100 metres, an unpaved track on the right leads to the nature trail; its starting point is a further 300 metres to the south.

Further along, the nature trail passes the former railway station that once served Casas del Monte and crosses the bridge over the Garganta Ancha. 200 metres after that, a broad rural road climbs uphill to Casas del Monte. Check local trail and access conditions before setting out.

Circular hike and mountain biking

The SL-CC 96 El Moralejo circular hiking trail starts at the entrance to the town, in the Vuelta del Liriazo area. It passes through landscapes of fruit trees, gardens and oak forests. The easy circular route is 5.7 kilometres long and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The Ruta MTB 1 Bosques del Ambroz offers a different distance: this moderately difficult mountain biking loop is 40.12 kilometres long and passes through Casas del Monte and the forests of the Ambroz Valley. The routes differ considerably: an easy circular hike with a stated duration versus a longer, moderately difficult cycling loop. Check current trail conditions before riding.

Garganta Ancha and ancient sweet chestnut tree

The natural swimming pool on the Garganta Ancha near Casas del Monte has crystal-clear water; water conditions may vary seasonally. There are also several smaller natural pools along the course of the Garganta Ancha, where water levels may vary.

The facilities at the natural swimming pool include two grill restaurants, a tourist hostel, a large barbecue area, parking, a playground and sports areas with padel, beach volleyball and beach soccer courts. If these facilities are important for your plans, check their current availability.

The Castaño del Corbiche, officially designated in Casas del Monte as a notable solitary tree, is also one of the town’s natural attractions. The sweet chestnut tree is approximately 800 years old and is also known as La Marotera.

Local history in the 15th century

Casas del Monte was founded around the second half of the 15th century, when herders from La Garganta settled there. Its parish church, dedicated to the Holy Martyrs Fabian and Sebastian, dates from the late 15th century. The town can therefore also be understood through the connection between its landscape, trails and historical development.

Discover more destinations: Santa Ana, Berzocana, Horcajo, Coria, Ovejuela, Cilleros, Botija, Pasarón De La Vera

For the broader travel overview: Cáceres.