Carmonita: Dolmen, Hiking Routes and Festivals

For planning your trip to Carmonita, there are several specific points of interest to consider: the dolmen, hiking trails with different routes, the Iglesia de Santa María de Magdalena and recurring festivals. The routes differ in their paths and landscapes; the festivals provide their own dates to plan around. This can help you decide whether your stay should focus more on a hike, the sights or a festival taking place at a suitable time.

Church and dolmen: two distinct architectural forms

The Iglesia de Santa María de Magdalena is a late Gothic building in the centre of Carmonita. Its construction began in 1549–1551 and continued until the middle of the 17th century. The Dolmen de Carmonita offers a different historical point of reference: this megalithic monument is a dolmen with a long passage and an oval chamber made of ten orthostats. The diameter of the mound that covered it is visible around the monument. You can visit the monument on the Ruta del Dolmen; it is two kilometres from the municipality. The church and dolmen can therefore be considered distinct stops on a culturally focused stay.

Hiking routes with different highlights

The Ruta del Dolmen is an easy circular trail that starts in Carmonita. There are tables and benches at the dolmen where you can rest or have a meal. The route can also be cycled. During rainy periods, a short section of about 15 metres may be muddy. As trail conditions can change, it is worth checking the latest route information before setting out.

The Ruta Sierra de la Lombriz begins on a well-marked path between cork oaks, with the dolmen remaining on your right. After a climb, the route follows winding tracks across firm ground in the Sierra de la Lombriz. Along the way, there are views of the Horno Tejero and Boquerón reservoirs. From three viewpoints, you can see Casas de Don Antonio, Albalá, Alcuéscar, Montánchez and other places. The differences are clear when choosing a route: the dolmen circuit is a loop with an archaeological destination and places to rest, while the Sierra route combines a climb, winding paths and several viewpoints.

The route to the Mirador del Lito Blanco is linear and follows the same path there and back. It passes through holm oak and cork oak forests, as well as along winding paths through scrubland. From Puerto de San Blas, the final section climbs steeply to the geodetic summit at 697 metres. This point in the Sierra de la Lombriz is known as Lito Blanco and was built on a whitish-looking rock.

The Ruta Peñas Blancas is easy to complete. However, it crosses private estates where fighting bulls roam freely. Take this specific circumstance into account when deciding whether to choose this route.

The landscape around Carmonita

The slopes of the Sierra de San Pedro around Carmonita are covered with cork oak forests, as well as dense Mediterranean woodland and scrubland. The vegetation is home to rich and diverse wildlife. Species of interest for hunting include red deer and wild boar. This landscape adds a distinctive natural dimension to the cultural sights; the animals mentioned are part of the wildlife found in the area.

Festivals as dates to plan around

The Romería in honour of San Isidro Labrador takes place on the Saturday closest to 15 May. The people of Carmonita accompany the saint on foot to the municipal estate of El Empastao. Around noon, Mass is celebrated in the hermitage there; musical performances and DJs then begin, continuing until late at night. During the Romerías, the hermitage serves as a meeting place for local residents.

The Matanza Popular has been celebrated as a traditional festival in March at the El Empastao estate since 2007. In the morning, local volunteers cook migas, which are offered free of charge to everyone attending. The event also includes a solidarity walk in support of cystic fibrosis. In July, the Semana Cultural takes place at the same time as the festival of Virgen de la Magdalena, celebrated on 22 July. That day’s celebrations include Mass followed by a procession through the streets of Carmonita.

The Fiesta del Santísimo Cristo del Perdón runs from 10 to 15 September. On 14 September, the patron saint is honoured with a Mass and the traditional Ramo de Ofrendas. If you would like to plan your trip around a festival, check the specific date before booking.

Discover more destinations: Cabeza La Vaca, Granja de Torrehermosa, Puebla De Alcocer, San Vicente De Alcántara, Higuera La Real, Aceuchal, La Parra, Burguillos.

For the wider travel overview: Badajoz.