Palomera offers two hiking trails that clearly differ in length, route type and difficulty. The PR-CU 35 Sendero de Los Ceños is 15.20 kilometres long, follows a linear route and is rated as moderate. The PR-CU 36 Sendero de la Hoz del Huécar is a 7.70-kilometre circular trail with a low difficulty rating. Both trails start in Palomera. If hiking is an important reason for your stay, you have two clearly described options with different route layouts to choose from.

Hiking trails from Palomera

The PR-CU 35 runs from Palomera along the right bank of the Río Huécar to its source area near El Bodegón. Further along, it passes through a pine forest and by the Refugio de la Dehesilla. The riverbank, forest and refuge provide several clearly named landscape and location references along the linear route; the source area near El Bodegón marks its destination. This means the route can be described not only by its length, but also by its specific course.

The PR-CU 36 also starts in Palomera and runs through the upper area of the cliffs that border the Hoz del Huécar. At 7.70 kilometres, it is about half the length of the PR-CU 35 and is laid out as a circular route rather than a linear one. The routes therefore differ not only in length and difficulty, but also in landscape: gorge cliffs contrast with riverbanks, pine forest and the refuge.

For comparison, the details can be considered separately: kilometres describe the trail length, “linear” and “circular trail” describe the route type, and “low” and “moderate” indicate the difficulty rating. These features answer different questions about a hike, so a single figure does not convey the full character of a trail.

There is also a practical weather warning for the PR-CU 36: during periods of heavy rainfall, possible flooding is a concern. Take this warning into account when planning your hike.

Natural swimming spots

Palomera’s natural swimming spots include the pools of the Río Huécar and the Presa de la Pajosa. Reports from July 2025 mention both places in this context; among locals, the dam is known as El Paraíso. The name El Paraíso therefore refers to the Presa de la Pajosa, not to an additional swimming spot. Seasonal conditions and local rules may change. Check local regulations before visiting.

An architectural detail

The Church of San Justo y Pastor also has a specific feature: its porch has wooden beams. A porch is a part of a building that projects in front of the main structure; the wooden beams identify the church’s distinctive architectural feature. This brings an architectural aspect of Palomera into view alongside its landscape-focused hiking trails. If you are interested in both nature and architecture when choosing where to stay, this feature adds a different perspective to the impressions offered by the trails and waterside spots.

Discover more destinations: La Frontera, Solán De Cabras, Mota Del Cuervo, Valdecañas, Uclés, Tarancón, Los Eustaquios, Alarcón

Go to the main travel overview: Cuenca.