Free walking tours in Granadilla and what to see

Must-sees

Granadilla is a walled village in northern Cáceres, in the Tierras de Granadilla area, left without inhabitants in the 1960s. The construction of the Gabriel y Galán reservoir led to the expropriation of the village and the eviction of its people, although the water never actually covered it. Today it belongs to the municipality of Zarza de Granadilla and has been a protected historic ensemble since 1980.

The route starts at the town gate and follows the main street, between restored houses, to the main square. The castle, with its keep, stands by the wall and has views over the reservoir. It's worth walking the wall-walk, which circles almost the whole village. Since the 1980s an educational programme has been restoring buildings for student stays, which brings some life to its streets.

Free tours and guided visits

In Granadilla there's both a free walking tour and a guided visit of the village. Both cover the walls, the castle and the main streets, and above all tell the story of the eviction, which is what gives the visit its meaning. Going with a guide helps you understand what each house was and how the villagers lived through the abandonment. If you prefer to go on your own, the route is short and easy to follow.

How long to spend

Granadilla can be seen well in two or three hours, with time to climb the castle and walk the walls. Bear in mind that access has limited hours and the village closes on some days, so check before you go. You can round off the day with a visit to Hervás or Plasencia, or a walk along the reservoir shore.

Where to stay

You can't sleep in Granadilla, as there's no tourist accommodation. The nearest option is Zarza de Granadilla, with rural houses and a small hotel or two. If you want more atmosphere, the Ambroz valley, with Hervás and its Jewish quarter, has a good choice of rural accommodation and is close by. Plasencia is the town alternative, with more services and restaurants, less than half an hour's drive away.