Las Mestas: Nature, Water and History

The natural pools of Las Mestas form at the confluence of the Batuecas and Ladrillar rivers. At Charco de la Olla near the municipality of Ladrillar and next to the bridge, you will find the best-known natural swimming pool in Las Mestas; there are also recreational areas beside it.

Water, hiking and recreational areas can be considered as separate topics alongside one another.

Hiking

The PR-CC 212 Senda de Alfonso XIII is a 22-kilometre hiking trail. It is a linear route in one direction only, from Casares de las Hurdes to Las Mestas. The Senda de Alfonso XIII reaches Las Mestas via a 200-metre section of trail and ends next to the town's natural swimming pool. The different route lengths, the linear layout and the short walk can be considered alongside one another when planning your day. This provides both a longer linear route and shorter paths at different locations in the town.

At La Pesquera on the Río Batuecas, a short walk follows an old irrigation channel that was formerly used in Las Mestas. La Pesquera on the Río Batuecas in Las Mestas combines dense riverside vegetation, crystal-clear river water, pools and a small cascade created by the former weir.

The natural bathing area at Puente Vega de los Conejos was carved into the rock by the river and offers calm, crystal-clear mountain water as well as a chiringuito complex with a bar, terrace, restaurant, dancing area and toilets.

History and Architectural Heritage

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

The Enebro de Las Mestas was declared an Árbol Singular de Extremadura by decree in March 2001. The Enebro de Las Mestas is a juniper of the species Juniperus oxycedrus and has lived in the upper part of the settlement for more than 350 years.

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 Hurdana architecture.

Craft Products

La Casa de la Miel – El Tío Picho produces honey, pollen and royal jelly, as well as other artisanal products made from its own harvest, such as liqueurs and creams.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Las Mestas, travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions can be read as separate points of comparison. The information can be weighted according to the specific dates and preferences; this means that the accommodation decision remains an individual consideration alongside the town's various themes.

Other places connected to the same travel context: Cabezo.

For the broader travel overview: Ladrillar.