Casavieja lies on the southern slope of the eastern Gredos range. When planning your trip, nature trails and trail running sit alongside festive traditions involving masquerades, music, and processions. These experiences are spread throughout the year, so which side of the town you focus on also depends on your travel dates.
Hiking, cycling, and trail running
Casavieja has a permanent trail running center in a natural setting, recognized and accredited by the RFEA. Check the center’s current status before your trip. It includes a short, marked green route suitable for beginners. The route starts and finishes at the Fuente Helecha nature area. Signage, difficulty ratings, and the starting point may change, so check the latest route information in advance.
For hiking and cycling routes, Casavieja works with CD Calamochos. The municipality features routes through the town and neighboring municipalities. Other outdoor activities featured by the municipality include the Calamochos Bike Race, with two routes, and the Calamochos Trail, which includes a half marathon and a cross-country race. Route and event details may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before making plans.
Fuente Helecha is also a landmark for another place to visit: the municipal swimming pool is located there, next to the campsite. It is equipped for adults and children. Seasonal opening, opening hours, and prices may change; check these details before visiting.
Zarramaches and other festive traditions
The Zarramaches masquerade takes place every year on February 3 in Casavieja and is recognized as a Bien de Interés Cultural, a Spanish cultural heritage designation. During the celebration, the Quintos portray two festive figures. The procession sets off from the town hall and passes through the main streets to the church at the entrance to the town. There, the figures attend Mass and process around the temple; the settlements at higher elevations are not visited. The tradition takes place on February 3, although the visitor program may vary. The exact ceremony schedule may also change.
Other dates bring different festivities: on August 24, the feast in honor of Saint Bartholomew is celebrated with a solemn Mass at the parish church of San Juan Bautista, followed by a procession through the town streets. The church has a four-story tower. Carnival features five days of dancing led by the Quintos and three costume parades.
The weeks before Christmas are also part of the festive calendar. From the first weekend in December until the Saturday before Christmas, the folk groups of the Pastores de Casavieja take to the streets every weekend, singing Rondas and Christmas carols. The traditional Zambombada also takes place on the Saturday before Christmas; the exact calendar date depends on the year. Check the annual schedule before your trip if you would like to experience one of these festivities.
Casavieja is also one of seven municipalities in Mascarávila, an annual cultural project that moves between locations. It showcases local dances, music, and masquerades. Participating municipalities and the program may change over time. The dates are therefore spread throughout the year: Zarramaches takes place in February, the Saint Bartholomew feast in August, and the aforementioned Pastores traditions and Zambombada in the run-up to Christmas.
Landscape and setting
The mild climate and lush, varied vegetation complement Casavieja’s location on the southern slope of the eastern Gredos range. Together with the hiking and cycling routes described above, this landscape offers a different way to experience the town than its festive calendar: you can plan around outdoor activities or choose a specific date to focus on one of its seasonal traditions.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: El Barrio, Blacha, Hernansancho, Navalperal De Tormes, Pedro Bernardo, Hoyocasero, Pradosegar, Barajas
For the broader travel overview: Avila.
