Palomera: Hiking Trails, Swimming Spots and Church

Palomera offers three distinct points of interest to help you plan your trip: hiking, natural swimming spots and the Church of San Justo y Pastor. If you are looking for a hotel in Palomera, the specific route profiles can help you choose your destination. The two PR-CU routes differ in their layouts, lengths and difficulty levels; the swimming spots add a seasonal element.

Hiking trails with different profiles

The PR-CU 35 Sendero de Los Ceños is a 15.20-kilometre linear hiking trail of moderate difficulty. From Palomera, the route follows the right bank of the Río Huécar to its headwaters near El Bodegón. Further along, it passes through a pine forest and by the Refugio de la Dehesilla. The riverbank, headwaters, forest and refugio are therefore specific landmarks along this linear route.

The PR-CU 36 Sendero de la Hoz del Huécar is 7.70 kilometres long and is a circular hiking trail of low difficulty. It starts in Palomera and runs along the upper part of the cliffs that border the gorge. The Senda Botánica “Huerta de Las Parras” is also part of this route.

The differences can help you decide: the PR-CU 35 is the longer, linear route of moderate difficulty; the PR-CU 36 is shorter, circular and rated as low difficulty. You can first consider which type of route you prefer, then weigh up the length and difficulty together. The settings described also differ: the PR-CU 35 follows the Río Huécar, passes through a pine forest and goes by the refugio; the PR-CU 36 takes in the upper cliffs of the Hoz and the Senda Botánica. This makes it possible to assess each hike based on more than just its distance.

A warning about possible flooding on the PR-CU 36 is issued during periods of heavy rainfall. Take this into account when planning and check conditions before setting out.

Natural swimming spots

A report from July 2025 names the Pocetas of the Río Huécar as one of Palomera’s natural swimming spots. The same report also lists the Presa de la Pajosa as a natural swimming spot; locals know it as El Paraíso. These names refer to different places: El Paraíso is the local name for the Presa de la Pajosa, while the Pocetas are on the Río Huécar. Seasonal conditions and local rules may change. Check conditions and rules before planning a visit.

Church of San Justo y Pastor

The Church of San Justo y Pastor in Palomera has a porch with wooden beams. This architectural detail complements the hiking and nature themes with a point of architectural interest. If you would also like to take architecture into account when choosing a destination, the porch is a clearly identifiable feature of the church.

Discover more destinations: Fuentes, Pozoseco, Casas De Los Pinos, Monteagudo De Las Salinas, Huete, Mira, Jábaga, Las Valeras

For the overview of destinations in the wider area: Cuenca.