Cheles by the Alqueva Reservoir

Cheles brings together the Alqueva Reservoir, the Dehesa landscape, cycling and walking routes, and historic buildings. When choosing where to stay, the town offers several distinct themes: a beach area by the reservoir, trails through named Dehesa areas, traditional cuisine and architecture from different centuries.

Beach and reservoir

Playa de Cheles is on the Alqueva Reservoir, about five kilometres from the town, surrounded by typical Extremaduran Dehesa landscape. The beach area includes grass and sand, a bathing area, parking, a children's playground, parasols, picnic areas and a beach bar. Check the beach bar's opening times in advance, as it may operate seasonally; conditions at the beach may also vary.

The Embarcadero de Cheles has moorings for boats. Following the course of the reservoir, it is about two kilometres south of the beach area. Mooring availability and access rules may vary. Playa La Dehesa, also known as Isla Ceniza, is also designated as an official bathing-water area. Bathing-water inspections and seasonal services may change; check local notices before visiting.

In the Cheles area, Alqueva Entretenida offers year-round activities such as boat trips, water sports, hiking, cycling and tastings of Iberian products. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, confirm current availability before your trip.

Dehesa routes and nature

The BTT Route 4 Dehesas de Cheles is a 14.28-kilometre circular route that starts and ends in Cheles and is rated easy. Its official rating and length provide a specific reference point for planning your route; check trail conditions locally. In Cheles, Routes 3 and 4 also connect. Route 4 passes through the Dehesa Boyal and the Dehesa de Mirleo.

The route offers views of the confluence of the Arroyo de Valcuervo, the Ribera de Táliga and the Río Guadiana, dammed by the Alqueva Dam. Plants that can be seen there include thyme, mint, oregano and the Rosa de Alejandría, also known as Rosa Albardeira. Golden eagles, Bonelli's eagles, cranes and black storks can also be spotted; sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.

For a different route option, the Camino Natural del Guadiana leads to Cheles, its beach and the Embarcadero before continuing to Villanueva del Fresno. A BTT route connects Alconchel with Cheles and leads to the Embalse de Alqueva. Check current route conditions before setting off. The EX-315 also leads near the municipality of Cheles to the Gran Lago de Alqueva, the largest artificial lake in Western Europe; road conditions and possible access restrictions may change.

Cuisine and events

Traditional Cheles cuisine uses ingredients from the surrounding countryside, the typical Extremaduran Dehesa and the Río Guadiana. It includes 61 recipes across several categories: soups and other bread-based dishes, vegetables and legumes, meat and slaughter dishes, game and fish, as well as sweets and pastries. This gives you an overview of the range of local culinary traditions without implying that these dishes are currently available.

At the end of October 2019, a gastronomic, sporting and musical festival was held in Cheles. People from Spain and Portugal came together to sample fish typical of Cheles. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the dates and programme in advance.

Churches and architectural history

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción was built in the first third of the 16th century, when Cheles was moved to its present location. Its entrance staircase is made of marble from the neighbouring Portuguese town of Villaviciosa. The church has three masonry naves with ribbed vaults; the main chapel is topped by a Gothic ribbed vault.

The Ermita del Cristo de la Paz is a small, simple building in a popular architectural style. Its visible features include whitewashed walls and a large, striking dome with a tiled roof. Construction is thought to have begun after the Portuguese Restoration War, in the last quarter of the 17th century.

The Palacio de los Condes de Cheles, known as Vía Manuel, was also built at the end of the 17th century, after the castle was destroyed during the Portuguese Restoration War. A stone tower and an arch, or passageway, above Calle de Guadalupe have been preserved. It once connected the residence with its private gardens. Together with the churches, the palace offers a glimpse into different chapters of the town's history.

Discover more destinations: Benquerencia De La Serena, Acedera, Quintana De La Serena, Magacela, Peraleda del Zaucejo, Herrera Del Duque, Granja de Torrehermosa, Aceuchal.

For the wider travel overview: Badajoz.