Discover Cañaveral – Religious Buildings, Festivals and Historic Paths

Cañaveral is located near the Vía de la Plata and in the vicinity of Monfragüe National Park. Cañaveral was founded in the 16th century. The settlement of Cañaveral grew up around the Cañada Real Soriana, which historically served for livestock driving and the salt trade.

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Culture and History

In the southwest of the town, next to the town hall, stands the Templo de Santa Marina de Cañaveral. It dates from the 14th and 16th centuries. Its high altar is a gilded Baroque woodcarving from the second third of the 18th century.

The Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Cabezón is Baroque and houses an image of the Virgin and Child dating back approximately to the 12th century. The Cristo del Humilladero is a 16th-century sculpture that can be viewed in the parish church of Cañaveral. The Ermita de San Roque is a historic religious building in Cañaveral.

Festivals and Local Cuisine

The annual Fiestas de San Roque take place in Cañaveral in August and are organized by the municipal council with the support of the parish. The patron saint festivities in honor of the Virgen de Cabezón are deeply rooted in the town’s religious and social life. On the second Sunday in May, a large pilgrimage takes place to the Santuario de Nuestra Señora de Cabezón.

Cañaveral’s desserts include the famous “limas”.

Paths and Landscape

In Cañaveral, remains of the Roman road of the Vía de la Plata have been preserved on the right-hand side of the N-630, in the section between the Bar-Hostal Miraltajo and the railway station. In the Cabezón area, the Ermita de Nuestra Señora de Cabezón stands next to the Roman road and the Cañada Real de Merinas.

The Cañaveral–Galisteo stage begins at the Ermita de San Cristóbal in Cañaveral and follows a steep path uphill to the Puerto de los Castaños. The Sierra de Cañaveral route climbs to the Sierra de Cañaveral and returns to the town via the Senda del Caño along a wooded trail.

The Embalse de Alcántara–Grimaldo stage passes through cork oak woodland on a path beyond the Puerto de los Castaños. On the Ciclosenda del Tajo, Cañaveral serves as an urban stop where visitors can rest and explore predominantly religious heritage.

Getting There

Cañaveral railway station is located east of the town on the Madrid–Badajoz railway line.

Other Places

Zorita, Guadalupe, Grimaldo, Santibáñez El Alto, Zarza La Mayor, Moraleja, Montehermoso and El Gordo

For the higher-level travel overview: Cáceres.