Sierra de Francia, Las Hurdes and the Jerte valley
From Salamanca to the stone village of La Alberca, the Peña de Francia, the river loop of Las Hurdes, abandoned Granadilla and the cherry valley of Jerte.
- Distance
- 204 km (127 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 49 min
- Suggested days
- 3
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Spain
- Updated
- July 29, 2026
At a glance: 3-day road trip of about 204 km (127 mi) with 8 stops, from Salamanca to Cabezuela del Valle. About 2 h 49 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Spain
Route description
Leave Salamanca south-west via Tamames to La Alberca, about 75 km. It is a village of half-timbered houses with overhanging upper floors, one of the first in Spain to be protected as a historic site. Park at the entrance, as the streets are narrow. Nearby villages such as Mogarraz, where portraits of residents hang on the façades, and Miranda del Castañar are worth short stops.
From La Alberca a road climbs to the Peña de Francia, 1,723 m high, with a sanctuary on the summit. The final section is narrow and steep, suitable for cars and small vans only. Then descend south over the mountains into Las Hurdes, a valley area in Extremadura that was once among the poorest in Spain. From Riomalo de Abajo a signed track climbs to the Mirador de la Antigua above the Meandro del Melero.
Continue south-east to the Gabriel y Galán reservoir and the walled village of Granadilla, which was abandoned when the reservoir was built and is now open for visits. Check the opening hours before going, as they are limited. From there Plasencia is about 40 km on the A-66 and minor roads. The old town has two cathedrals, one Romanesque and one Gothic, built side by side.
From Plasencia the N-110 runs north-east up the Jerte valley, known for over a million cherry trees that flower in late March or early April and for its cherries in June and July. The Garganta de los Infiernos reserve, between Cabezuela del Valle and Jerte, has trails to the natural pools of Los Pilones. The N-110 continues over the Puerto de Tornavacas to Ávila if you want to go on.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Salamanca
Spain - 282 km
La Alberca
Spain - 37 km
Peña de Francia
ViewsEl Cabaco, SpainA 1,723 m summit with a Dominican sanctuary and wide views over Salamanca and Extremadura. The final road is steep and single-track with passing places; not for large motorhomes.
- 420 km
Meandro del Melero
ViewsRiomalo de Abajo, SpainA near-perfect river loop of the Alagón around a wooded island, seen from the Mirador de la Antigua. A signed track of about 2 km, partly unpaved, climbs from Riomalo de Abajo; you can also walk it.
- 517 km
Granadilla
HistoryZarza de Granadilla, SpainA walled village abandoned in the 1960s for a reservoir that never flooded it, now partly restored. Free entry with limited opening hours; walk the walls and climb the castle keep.
- 633 km
Plasencia
Spain - 741 km
Garganta de los Infiernos
NatureJerte, SpainA nature reserve in the Jerte valley with Los Pilones, round granite pools carved by the river, about 3 km on foot from the visitor centre. Parking there is paid from spring to autumn; the water is cold even in summer.
- 84 km
Cabezuela del Valle
Spain
Suggested stages and overnight stops
3 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Salamanca → La Alberca · 82 km · 1 h 08 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Las Cavenes (9 km); Camping Riomalo (10 km).
- Day 2: La Alberca → Granadilla · 44 km · 0 h 36 minOn the way: Peña de Francia, Meandro del Melero.Overnight nearby, for example: Victoriano Martin (5 km); Camping Riomalo (15 km).
- Day 3: Granadilla → Cabezuela del Valle · 78 km · 1 h 05 minOn the way: Plasencia, Garganta de los Infiernos.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping-Bungalows La Vera (16 km); Camping El Pinajarro (10 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Sierra de Francia, Las Hurdes and the Jerte valley?
3-day road trip of about 204 km (127 mi) with 8 stops, from Salamanca to Cabezuela del Valle. About 2 h 49 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Sierra de Francia, Las Hurdes and the Jerte valley?
We suggest 3 days: about 2 h 49 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Sierra de Francia, Las Hurdes and the Jerte valley start and end?
It starts in Salamanca and ends in Cabezuela del Valle.
Which countries does Sierra de Francia, Las Hurdes and the Jerte valley pass through?
Spain.
Where can you camp along Sierra de Francia, Las Hurdes and the Jerte valley?
OpenStreetMap lists 48 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping Monfragüe, Area Autocaravanas Terradillos and Camping Las Cavenes.
When is the best time for Sierra de Francia, Las Hurdes and the Jerte valley?
The most pleasant months are usually April–June and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, July–August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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