Discover Las Mestas

Nature by the water, hiking trails and places of cultural and historical interest offer different perspectives on Las Mestas. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between the specific options: the Senda de Alfonso XIII is a linear hiking route; at the Pesquera, a short walk follows a formerly used irrigation channel. Natural pools and historic buildings round out these themes.

Waterscape and natural swimming spots

The natural pools of Las Mestas form where the Batuecas and Ladrillar rivers meet. The Charco de la Olla, near the municipality of Ladrillar and beside the bridge, is considered the best-known natural swimming pool in Las Mestas; there are also recreational areas nearby.

The natural bathing spot at Puente Vega de los Conejos was carved into the rock by the river. It has calm, crystal-clear mountain water and a chiringuito complex with a bar, terrace, restaurant, dance area and toilets. Check in advance which facilities are currently available.

The Pesquera on the Río Batuecas combines dense riverside vegetation with clear river water, pools and a small cascade formed by the former weir. A short walk follows an old irrigation channel that was once used in Las Mestas. Here, the focus is both on the river landscape and on the former use of the water.

Hiking trails and route planning

The FEXME certification was last revised in August 2012. It lists the PR-CC 212 Senda de Alfonso XIII as a 22-kilometre linear route in one direction only: from Casares de las Hurdes to Las Mestas. The trail reaches Las Mestas via a 200-metre path section and ends beside the town’s natural swimming pool.

For this hiking route, its length and one-way direction are the key details for planning. At the Pesquera, by contrast, the route described is a short walk along the old channel. This makes it possible to distinguish between a longer hiking route and a short walk, without treating them as the same tour.

Tree and architecture

The Enebro de Las Mestas is a juniper of the species Juniperus oxycedrus and has been growing in the upper part of the settlement for more than 350 years. In March 2001, a decree declared it an Árbol Singular de Extremadura (Singular Tree of Extremadura). Its species, age and designation give the tree a clear natural and cultural identity.

The Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen is considered one of the oldest churches in Las Hurdes. It is built of stone and follows the forms of traditional Hurdan architecture. For anyone interested in architectural history, both its material and its regional style are important features.

Historical context

The former Factoría Alfonso XIII in Las Mestas housed a hospital, an asylum and an associated school, and made an important contribution to social and cultural development. It was one of three factorías. The other two were the Factoría de Los Angeles in Caminomorisco and the Factoría del Jordán in Nuñomoral. The three sites point to a history of the factorías in Las Hurdes that extends beyond Las Mestas.

Discover more destinations: Cabezo.

For the overview of the wider region: Ladrillar.