An approximately 800-year-old chestnut tree, trails through forests and the natural pool at Garganta Ancha give Casas del Monte a strong connection to nature. The Castaño del Corbiche, also known as La Marotera, is officially designated by the municipality as a notable individual tree. If you’re looking to get active, you can choose from the Vía de la Plata nature trail, an easy circular hike and a mountain bike loop.

Hiking Between Dehesa and Chestnut Forest

The Casas del Monte–Hervás section of the Vía de la Plata nature trail leads from pastureland and dehesa to the deciduous forests on the mountain slopes. These include oak forests and significant chestnut forests in the province of Cáceres. The section begins at the municipal boundary between Jarilla and Casas del Monte. Access is via a paved rural road near kilometer 447 of the N-630: after 100 meters, an unpaved track branches off to the right toward the nature trail; its starting point is another 300 meters to the south. Trail conditions can change, so check them before setting out.

After the former railway station that once served Casas del Monte, the nature trail crosses the bridge over Garganta Ancha. 200 meters farther on, a wide rural road climbs to Casas del Monte. The route description thus covers both the change in landscape on the mountain slopes and the uphill route to the village.

An Easy Loop with a Stated Duration

The SL-CC 96 El Moralejo circular hiking trail begins at the entrance to Casas del Monte, in the Vuelta del Liriazo area. The loop is 5.7 kilometers long, rated easy and takes about one hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, it passes through landscapes with fruit trees, gardens and oak forests. Its length, rating and approximate duration make this hike easy to factor into your day’s plans. Check trail conditions locally.

Garganta Ancha: Natural Pool and Other Facilities

The natural swimming pool at Garganta Ancha near Casas del Monte has crystal-clear water. There are also several smaller natural pools along the watercourse. Water conditions vary by season, so check conditions before your visit.

The facilities at the natural swimming pool include two grill restaurants, a tourist hostel, a large barbecue area and parking. There is also a playground and sports areas with padel, beach volleyball and beach soccer courts. As the availability of facilities may change, check in advance which ones are open for use.

Mountain Biking Through the Ambroz Valley

The Ruta MTB 1 Bosques del Ambroz passes through Casas del Monte and the forests of the Ambroz Valley. It is a 40.12-kilometer, moderately difficult mountain bike loop. Compared with the 5.7-kilometer, easy El Moralejo hike, the activity, distance and rating are all different. Current trail conditions can vary; check in advance.

Founding and Parish Church

Casas del Monte was established around the second half of the 15th century, when shepherds from La Garganta settled there. Its parish church is dedicated to the Holy Martyrs Fabian and Sebastian and dates from the late 15th century. The settlement and construction of the church therefore fall within a similar period, giving the village’s history a tangible historical connection.

Discover more destinations: Navas Del Madroño, Ovejuela, Jerte, Carrascalejo, Calzadilla, Zarza de Montánchez, Torrecillas De La Tiesa, Horcajo.

For the broader travel overview: Cáceres.