Free walking tours in Cabeza del Buey and what to see

Must-sees

Cabeza del Buey is the eastern gateway to La Serena, the area of dehesa wood pasture and sheep grazing in eastern Badajoz province, and rests on the slope of the Sierra del Pedregoso. Its best-loved visit is the sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de Belén, in the hills, surrounded by centuries-old elms protected as notable trees. In the town, the parish church of Nuestra Señora de Armentera, the early 16th-century convent of the Franciscan Conceptionists and the Comendador's house stand out.

A few kilometres away, on an isolated hill in the plain, rise the ruins of Almorchón castle, of Moorish origin, with views over the whole area. Also in the municipality are the 1st-century Roman baths of Puerto de la Nava. This is the land of La Serena cheese, made from Merino sheep's milk, and its open landscape draws many birdwatchers, with cranes in winter, great bustards and birds of prey.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no regular free walking tours in Cabeza del Buey. The activity you will find is a cheese tasting, where they explain how La Serena cheese is made and you try different ages. Otherwise, the rock art interpretation centre and the nature classroom help you understand the area. Ask at the town hall about visits to the Belén sanctuary and birdwatching routes around the area.

How long to spend

Three or four hours are enough for the town and the Belén sanctuary. If you add Almorchón castle and the cheese tasting, allow the full day. With two days you can explore La Serena at leisure, visit the La Serena reservoir, one of the largest in Spain, and nearby villages such as Zalamea de la Serena or Castuera.

Where to stay

The most practical option is to sleep in the town itself, in the centre or on the outskirts, where there are guesthouses and a rural house or two in the countryside. As the town with the most services in the area, it is a good base for getting around. Choice is limited, so book ahead. Castuera and Zalamea de la Serena are nearby alternatives if you cannot find a room.