Baños de Montemayor between thermal springs and Roman roads

Baños de Montemayor: The Balneario de Baños de Montemayor is a thermal spa and wellness complex with origins dating back to Roman times. The thermal springs have been used since the 2nd century and are described as mineral-medicinal.

Thermal springs

The characteristics of the Balneario's waters include calcium, oligometallic, sodium and sulphate properties. The facilities offer thermal treatments such as whirlpool baths, underwater massages, inhalations, jacuzzis, manual massages, parafango treatments and swimming-pool treatments. This makes it possible to experience the destination during a stay with different focuses, exploring not only its spa heritage but also its other trails, buildings and culinary traditions.

Culture and history

The Roman baths have been preserved in the former thermal spa. They form a circular room with a diameter of eight metres, covered by a hemispherical dome with zenithal lighting. The baths contain four oval granite tubs set into wall niches. The former thermal spa also houses a museum with various Roman artefacts related to the baths. The Roman baths and the thermal spa were classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1995.

The Roman road survives in two larger sections at the northern and southern entrances to the town. The paved northern section is almost two kilometres long and was restored in 1973. In the southern section, half a kilometre from the town, the heavily modified Roman bridge Puente del Cubo remains. It has a single arch with a span of 3.50 metres.

In the Barrio de El Castañar, traditional half-timbered buildings with façades made of chestnut wood, clay and bricks can be seen. A characteristic local craft tradition is chestnut basket-making. Its stages include heating, splitting, shaping and weaving the material; in some cases, decorations are also burned into it.

Trails and activities

The Vía Verde begins at the Área Recreativa de la Antigua Estación de Tren, a recreational area at the former railway station with barbecue areas, swings and a viewpoint over the valley. In Baños de Montemayor, the Vía Verde de la Plata includes a 400-metre-long tunnel illuminated by motion sensors. Its route follows the track of a former railway line; three restored stations now offer tourist services.

The official section of the Camino Natural Vía de la Plata between Baños de Montemayor and Béjar is 21.172 kilometres long and can be used on foot, as a footpath and by bicycle. The circular PR-CC 40 Pantano de Baños hiking trail begins and ends at the 17th-century Ermita del Humilladero. The linear SL-CC 92 Camino de Arrieros hiking trail begins at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento de Baños de Montemayor and leads through chestnut and oak groves to the neighbouring village of La Garganta.

Activities such as canoeing and paddleboarding are available at the Embalse de Baños de Montemayor. The different types of trails, landscapes and water activities offer varying options when planning individual days.

Cuisine and crafts

The local cuisine of Baños de Montemayor includes Zorongollo, Patatas escabechás and Tomate al Perico. Culinary traditions also include Iberian ham and cured meats, which are made and aged using traditional methods.

Other places at this destination level are Alía, Serrejón, Plasencia, Aldeanueva Dela Vera, Zarza de Montánchez, Abadía, Torrejón El Rubio and Tornavacas.

To the higher-level travel overview: Cáceres.