La Codosera brings together the culture of a Spanish-Portuguese border region and a diverse river landscape. The upper Río Gévora flows through the town, is designated a Special Protection Area (SPA) and is part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Olive groves, cork oaks, holm oaks and pastureland shape the valley. Ash, poplar and alder trees grow in an important riparian forest in the Río Gévora floodplain. Nature and border history thus offer distinct, easily recognisable themes for a stay.
Hiking by the Río Gévora and natural pools
The Sendero Río Gévora Alto begins in La Codosera on Calle Félix Rodríguez de la Fuente, behind the town hall. This linear hiking trail is rated easy and covers 4.6 km there and back. It follows the river through vegetable gardens, pastureland, dehesa woodland and reforested oak groves. The route description thus links the river course with different forms of cultivated landscape. Check the trail conditions before setting out.
Another natural attraction is the pool complex on the Río Gévora, which comprises three pools with different water depths. The water is natural, flows continuously and is not treated like water in conventional swimming pools. Check conditions before swimming. The area includes picnic spots, a playground, toilets, a bar-restaurant, parking and a camping area; some facilities may be seasonal. This distinction is useful when planning your trip: the Sendero is a route through the landscape, while the pool complex brings together several swimming areas and visitor facilities.
Border culture and historic sites
The cross-border connection with Portugal has given rise to a distinct culture in La Codosera, known as “cultura rayana.” The international bridge at El Marco is a visible sign of the connection between the two countries: it crosses the Río Abrilongo and links Spain with Portugal. The Ruta del Contrabando explores another aspect of border history. Its re-enactment follows the routes and paths used by smugglers in the difficult decades after the Spanish Civil War, with a local theatre group portraying their daily lives.
The area’s architectural history also offers specific points of interest. The Molino del Duque is a fully preserved grain mill built on the Río Gévora in 1509. The castle ruins date from the first quarter of the 14th century and are part of the town’s defensive history. The Santuario de Chandavila is set in a landscape of pine, chestnut and holm oak trees, as well as eucalyptus. The mill, castle ruins and cross-border bridge each highlight a different aspect of history; they do not all tell the same story.
Festivals and events throughout the year
Events take place in different months and appeal to different interests. The La Codosera Tourist Office organises the Ruta del Contrabando re-enactment every year on the second weekend in March; exact dates may vary. In October, the Feria Rayana brings together Spanish and Portuguese businesses and includes tastings of local produce. Participating businesses and the programme may change. The fair focuses on meeting and regional produce, while the Ruta centres on the history of everyday life at the border.
The Cross-Border Mycology Days are usually held in November. The programme includes guided mushroom-gathering walks, talks, exhibitions and species identification; dates and the programme may vary. In December, the Desafío Codosera brings together athletes from Spain and Portugal for a route through mountains, rivers and trails. Dates and the route may also vary. Another tradition is Correr la Aleluya: at midnight on the night before Easter Sunday, bells and cowbells are rung. If an event is the reason for your trip, check the exact dates and programme in advance.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: La Nava de Santiago, Magacela, Palomas, Entrerríos, Aljucén, Fuente De Cantos, Oliva De Mérida, El Raposo.
For the main travel overview: Badajoz.
