The PR-CC 18 Robledal de la Solana runs for 17.3 kilometres through the Garganta del Obispo valley and climbs through the oak forest along the eastern side of the Sierra de San Bernabé. Another route links Barrado, the Ermita La Virgen, Barreros and Lancharejos in a 5.5-kilometre trail, with an estimated duration of about 1 hour and 45 minutes. When choosing a trail, you can take account of the specific distances and, for the shorter route, its approximate duration.

Hiking and the outdoors

The PR-CC 18 is a signposted circular hiking trail in Barrado. It passes the Roble de la Solana, a solitary tree about 15 metres tall that is recognised and protected in Extremadura as an Árbol Singular. The Robledal de la Solana also defines the route: it is considered an island of biodiversity and a refuge for wildlife. Check trail conditions locally before setting out.

Around Barrado, meadows and olive, cherry and other fruit crops alternate with oak and chestnut forests. Viewpoints offer different perspectives on the landscape: Mirador Los Lagares overlooks the area around the Garganta del Obispo, is accessible by car and is a good place for a picnic with a view. From Mirador de las Fernedas on Avenida de Extremadura, the view stretches across La Vera and Campo Arañuelo to the dehesas of Monfragüe. The Ermita Santa María del Viso serves as a viewpoint with panoramic views of the far end of the Valle del Tiétar.

Swimming spots and viewpoints

Swimming is possible in the reservoir of the Garganta del Obispo; check conditions locally. The same gorge is home to Piscina Natural Las Camellas, a natural swimming pool with a picnic area. To get there, travel from Barrado towards Piornal, then follow a path. These two swimming spots add another way to spend time by the water alongside the hiking trails, although they are not the same type of swimming spot.

Churches and architectural history

The Church of San Sebastián stands in the upper part of Barrado. Dating from the 16th century, it is dedicated to the martyr San Sebastián. It is considered the town’s most important monument and is also regarded as one of the oldest churches in the Valle del Jerte. Late Romanesque features can be seen, among other places, on the tower. The church also has an 18th-century dome and a richly ornamented main altarpiece associated with local carvers from Barrado, including the Incera Velasco brothers.

The Ermita de Santa María is an 18th-century chapel that houses Barrado’s patron image, Ntra. Sra. del Viso. Its altarpiece features Baroque ornamentation. Another chapel, the Ermita del Cristo del Humilladero, is located at Alto del Humilladero on the outskirts of the town and is built in the Mudéjar style. In Barrado, you will encounter different religious buildings and styles, rather than just one historical focal point.

Festivals and local traditions

During the Alborá in honour of San Sebastián, people sing and play tambourines throughout the night; the festival ends with chocolate and sweets for breakfast. For the San Gregorio festival, the saint is covered with cherries. The parish council makes a decorative branch from strawberry-tree branches, hung with rosquillas and little bells. The Palo de San Juan is another tradition that is still maintained, even after the end of compulsory military service: the festival features a greased pole to climb, with products from the traditional home slaughtering placed at the top.

During Semana Santa, Jesus and the Dolorosa are carried along separate routes for El Encuentro: men carry Jesus, while women carry the Dolorosa. The routes meet in the village square, where the Coplas del Encuentro are then sung. The Fiestas de la Virgen include an offerings market, with an auction of sweets, handicrafts, fruit and traditional dishes. Check the dates and programme before travelling. The Fiesta del Cristo del Humilladero also features cultural and sporting activities, as well as evening dances; the programme may vary from one edition to another.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pescueza, Santiago De Alcántara, Hervás, Pedroso De Acim, Madroñera, Casas de Miravete, Navatrasierra, Moraleja.

For the main travel overview: Cáceres.