Ovejuela: Hiking Routes, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Ovejuela is a good base if you want to combine hiking routes, nature watching and cultural heritage in one trip. The local routes vary considerably in total distance: alongside a 3.8-kilometre out-and-back route, there are routes of 15 and 18 kilometres. There is also a viewpoint, a natural swimming pool along the way and historic buildings. You can tailor your stay to the things that interest you locally.

Comparing Hiking Routes and Distances

The Chorritero de Ovejuela route starts in Ovejuela’s main square, follows the river upstream and crosses four wooden bridges. The 3.8 kilometres cover the outward and return journey. There is also a natural swimming pool on the way to Chorritero. Check seasonal conditions locally if you plan to visit this section.

Another hiking route to Chorrituelo de Ovejuela starts in Ovejuela. It is listed as taking approximately 40 minutes each way. When planning, bear in mind that this is an approximate walking time and that seasonal trail conditions may affect it.

Two longer out-and-back routes lead to Puente de los Machos and along the Chorro de los Ángeles route. The round trip to the bridge is 15 kilometres, and the round trip to Chorro is 18 kilometres. Both routes are suitable for hiking, running and mountain biking. Compared directly, the Chorritero route at 3.8 kilometres is shorter than the 15- and 18-kilometre routes. All three distances are for the outward and return journey.

Landscape and Nature Watching

From a viewpoint on the Chorro de los Ángeles route, you can often see griffon vultures flying above the waterfall and river valley. Sightings are seasonal and are not guaranteed on every visit. If you are interested in birds and landscapes, this viewpoint offers a specific opportunity to connect with nature along the route.

Cultural Heritage, Architecture and Honey

Puente de los Machos dates from the 13th century. It is built from dry stone masonry and has a pointed arch. These terms describe two different features of the structure: dry stone masonry refers to the construction method, while pointed arch refers to the shape of the arch.

Ovejuela’s history is also linked to the 13th-century Franciscan convent of Los Ángeles. Its ruins are in the valley of the Los Ángeles River, are privately owned and cannot be visited. Check the access restriction locally before approaching the site. The Church of Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles in Ovejuela is an important heritage monument of the municipality. Remnants of the region’s traditional architecture are particularly prominent in the town.

The Centro de Interpretación de la Miel de Ovejuela offers another perspective on local culture. It is housed in the premises of a former olive oil mill. Visitors can take part in a small tasting of different types of honey there; check access in advance before visiting.

Getting to Ovejuela

Ovejuela can be reached via the EX-204 and then the CC-155, which ends in the settlement. You can use this sequence of roads to plan your journey.

Discover more destinations: Jarandilla De La Vera, Gata, Plasenzuela, Baños De Montemayor, Casas de Miravete, La Garganta, Cáceres, La Cumbre

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Cáceres.