Set on the banks of the Rio Ruecas, Cañamero is a picturesque town in the Spanish community of Extremadura. It lies on the doorstep of the UNESCO-listed Geoparque Villuercas-Ibores-Jara and the historic town of Guadalupe, which is famed for its 14th-century Royal Monastery commissioned by King Alfonso XI of Castile.
Things to do in Cañamero
Watching over the town are the ruins of the Castillo de Cañamero, which is believed to have originally been established by the Runcones people. In 1461, it was demolished by order of King Enrique IV of Castile and remains in that condition today. A hiking trail leads to the castle ruins, from where there are sweeping views across Cañamero.
Running north-east of Cañamero is the Rio Ruecas, which is framed by a deep gorge and the ridges of Los Castillejos and La Loriga mountains. It is home to several caves that have provided a refuge for people and animals since at least the Chalcolithic period, with paintings made by our ancestors still visible today. The remains of medieval flour mills also dot the river banks.
Cañamero also makes an ideal base for exploring the Geoparque Villuercas-Ibores-Jara, which encompasses mountains and ravines between the Tajo and Guadiana rivers. It is particularly renowned for its geological and mining sites, as well as encompassing a forest of giant chestnut trees. From the 1,601-metre-high peak of Risco de la Villuerca, you can enjoy sweeping views across the countryside toward Guadalupe.
Getting around Cañamero
Cañamero is around three hours’ drive from Madrid and Adolfo Suarez Madrid–Barajas Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Cañamero and exploring the surrounding region. The town is compact enough to explore on foot.