This cycle route gives the possibility to know both Extremadura provinces and their capital cities bicycle using the impressive Tagus Nature cycle route, and uniting it with the wonderful Guadiana Nature Trail, letting the cyclist tourists discover the two main rivers of the region.
Both Cáceres and Badajoz have bicycle renting systems, on Badajoz the system has a fixed timetable from 7:30 am to 10:30 pm everyday, afer this time, you should return your bike in any of the posts availables. Also, you have plenty of stores available where you can rent a bike in case you need it for longer routes.
Extremadura is a gastronomical and natural paradise that is sure to surprise you. Because a host of recipes inherited from olden times have been passed down from generation to generation to our days, and now delight us with their exquisite flavours. Upon hearing the word 'ibérico' the first thing that comes to mind is Iberian ham. And it is precisely in Extremadura where one of the best cured hams of the Iberian Peninsula is made, due to the large extension of dehesa, or pasture lands, in the region. The pigs, which have long, fine, muscular legs, are used to running several kilometres in search of acorns every day - a foodstuff which, along with the pasture, gives their meat that singular texture, flavour and fragrance. Like the rest of the cold meats: cured loin, black pudding, chorizo, spiced sausage, blood sausage... In general, all of Extremadura's gastronomy is top quality. Because who could resist trying one of the region's stews or a dish of migas, chanfaina or zorongollo? Simply, yet very delicious cuisine.
And if we start talking about desserts... A portion of técula mécula, the recipe for which is guarded jealously by the bakery in Olivenza where it is made; arrope (grape concentrate),perrunillas (cookies), bollos de chicharrones (sweets made with pork crackling), hornazos(pies), sapillos or repápalos en leche (fritters)... Because something sweet always goes down well.
And sweet indeed are the region's fruits, starting with the cherries, of which Extremadura is the first producer in Spain and the holder of the "Cereza del Jerte" Denomination of Origin. But it is also an important producer of plums as the region ranks number one in Europe in terms of volume.
The cheeses are important, too, so much so that it is said that in the Middle Ages they were used as currency. The Tortas del Casar, the cheeses of La Serena and Los Ibores, all of which have Denomination of Origin, are famous. And you can also try some of the goat's cheeses from La Raya, a goat's cheese from Gata, from Las Hurdes, from Castiblanco or from La Vera...
And what could be better to wash down these delicacies with than a local wine, from the Ribera del Guadiana Denomination of Origin? Or a pitarra wine. And to finish up, let's drink a toast to your trip with a glass of cava from Almendralejo: to the gastronomy tour of Extremadura you are about to embark on... Welcome to a new world of flavour - of Iberian flavour.
While Badajoz has a service of 11 urban bus routes and Cáceres 12 of them which will make you easier you trips around the city. Also, you can take buses on both bus stations that will take you to any town of the region and even the whole country.
This route connects Cáceres and Badajoz (capitals of Extremadura region) via the Cáceres-Tagus Nature Trail link, to unite this last route with the Guadiana Nature Trail, thus creating a trail hub between the great journeys for MTB in Extremadura.
The 110 km corridor is divided into two 53 km and 57 km stages respectively, passing through two natural protected areas of great importance: Cáceres and Sierra de Fuentes Special Bird Protection Area, and Sierra de San Pedro Area of Regional Interest
The entire route is signposted as a Nature Trail except for some small sections where diverging tracks have been designed and sought to improve its cyclability.
STAGE 1: Cáceres – Puebla de Obando
The stage and the route begins in the monumental city of Cáceres, coinciding its departure point with the Vía de la Plata route until crossing the Salor river, after leaving behind the town of Valdesalor. The cyclist then enters Llanos de Cáceres until crossing the Ayuela river. From here, the stage runs parallel to the EX-100 road and enters Sierra de San Pedro, where the most winding area of the stage begins.
These mountains are home to numerous protected species such as the Iberian imperial eagle and the black vulture. Nor will it be difficult to spot herds of deer along the way.
The route diverges from the path of the road, through a sea of holm and cork oak trees to reach Puebla de Obando, the final destination of the stage.
STAGE 2: Puebla de Obando – Villar del Rey – Valdebótoa – Gévora – Badajoz
The stage begins in Puebla de Obando, climbing the Zángano pass, the highest point of the journey. After the descent, the cyclist enters a meadow land with holm and cork oak trees, an ideal area for birdwatching.
The stage continues without going off the track until Villar del Rey. We continue on the Sancha Brava track which runs parallel to the road until it lines-up with the riverbed of the Zapatón river.
Soon we will leave behind the Bótoa military base and reach the Gévora river where the landscape is dotted with orchards and corn fields. The visitor will be accompanied by these fields for the rest of the route passing through the towns of Valdebótoa and Gévora until reaching the final destination, Badajoz.
