Las Mestas combines a riverside landscape with tangible evidence of its natural and cultural history. The town’s natural pools form at the confluence of the Batuecas and Ladrillar rivers. Other facets of this destination include riverside vegetation, an old irrigation channel, a centuries-old juniper tree and historic buildings.

Riverside waters

Near the municipality of Ladrillar and beside the bridge lies Charco de la Olla, Las Mestas’s best-known natural swimming pool. There are also recreational areas nearby.

At Puente Vega de los Conejos, the river has carved the natural bathing spot into the rock. The water there is calm and crystal clear. The chiringuito complex includes a bar, terrace, restaurant, dance area and toilets. As visitor facilities may change, check which facilities are available before your visit.

Riverside trails and hiking

The Pesquera on the Río Batuecas in Las Mestas brings together several features of the water: dense riverside vegetation, crystal-clear river water, pools and a small cascade. The cascade is formed by the former weir. A short walk there follows an old irrigation channel that was once used in Las Mestas. Together, the channel and the weir show how closely the Pesquera’s waterscape is linked to its former use.

For a longer hike, the PR-CC 212 Senda de Alfonso XIII is a different proposition. The FEXME homologation document, whose most recent revision is dated August 2012, gives the route’s length as 22 kilometres and describes it as linear and one-way: from Casares de las Hurdes to Las Mestas. The trail reaches Las Mestas via a 200-metre section of path and ends beside the town’s natural swimming pool. As a one-way route, it requires quite different planning from the short walk at the Pesquera: the start and finish are in Casares de las Hurdes and Las Mestas, respectively.

Trees and buildings

The Enebro de Las Mestas is a juniper of the species Juniperus oxycedrus. It grows in the upper part of the settlement and has been there for more than 350 years. A decree issued in March 2001 declared it an Árbol Singular de Extremadura (Singular Tree of Extremadura).

The Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen also adds a cultural note: it is considered one of the oldest churches in Las Hurdes, is built of stone and follows the forms of traditional Hurdano architecture. Its age, materials and style are three distinct features.

The former Factoría Alfonso XIII in Las Mestas housed a hospital, an asylum and an associated school, making an important contribution to social and cultural development. The building is now the Hospedería Hurdes Reales. Historically, the Factoría in Las Mestas was one of three Factorías established in Las Hurdes; the other two were the Factoría de Los Angeles in Caminomorisco and the Factoría del Jordán in Nuñomoral.

Discover more destinations: Cabezo.

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