Villanueva del Fresno by the Alqueva Reservoir

Villanueva del Fresno offers several specific starting points for planning your trip: the shores of the Alqueva Reservoir, historic buildings and nature. Whether you focus on the water, architecture or landscape will shape the emphasis of your stay.

Shoreline and routes

Villanueva del Fresno has 22.5 kilometres of shoreline along the Alqueva Reservoir, where there is a landing stage. You can go kayaking and canoeing along the shore. As local operating conditions can change, check the local conditions for these activities before setting out. A mountain biking route connects Villanueva del Fresno, Higuera de Vargas and the Convento de la Luz. One route passes through flat dehesa and pastureland and offers viewpoints overlooking the Alqueva Reservoir. When planning your trip, you can choose between activities on the water, a mountain biking connection and landscapes with viewpoints. Check the conditions of the mountain biking route before setting out, as they can change.

Buildings and history

The fortified core of the Castillo Fortaleza had three towers, including the square Torre del Castillo. The ruins have been restored and consolidated; the site is fenced off during adaptation work. Check access before visiting.

The Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción has three naves and a central hemispherical dome that rises higher than the side naves. The church was consecrated in 1685. The variation in height draws the eye to the centre of the building.

The Ermita de San Ginés de la Jara is a simple masonry building with sturdy buttresses and a small atrium. Architectural details also include a basket-handle arch and a simple bell gable. A basket-handle arch is a shallow arch. In contrast to the central dome of the Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Concepción, the buttresses and bell gable define the architectural impression here.

The Puente de la Bogaña was built in the 16th century on the old road from Higuera de Vargas, crossing the Alcarrache. The masonry bridge has a level roadway supported by eight semicircular arches. The roadway and arches make the construction easy to understand at a glance.

The Acueducto del Convento de la Luz served to supply water. The bridge built onto it made it possible to cross the Friegamuñoz River. The structure thus combines two practical functions: water supply and river crossing.

Nature and seasons

A large ZEPA (Special Protection Area for Birds) lies within the municipality, where great bustards, little bustards, stone-curlews, cranes, vultures and black storks can be seen. Wildcats are also found here. Wildlife sightings are seasonal, so take the time of year into account when planning nature-watching activities.

Among the wild mushrooms found in the Villanueva del Fresno area, the gurumelo stands out. Egg mushrooms, porcini and níscalos are also found. If you are interested in foraging, check the local regulations and conditions beforehand.

The Romería de San Ginés de la Jara takes place on the first Sunday in May around the Ermita; participants spend the day in the countryside. As the date should be checked each year, find out the exact date for the year of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Malcocinado, Garbayuela, Puebla De La Calzada, La Garrovilla, Barcarrota, Guadiana del Caudillo, Mirandilla, Zalamea De La Serena

For the main travel overview: Badajoz.