Free walking tours in La Alberca and what to see

Must-sees

La Alberca was the first village in Spain to be declared a historic-artistic site, in 1940. It is in the Sierra de Francia, south of Salamanca, and keeps a very distinctive mountain architecture: stone houses, timber framing and balconies that almost touch over narrow streets. The centre is the Plaza Mayor, irregular and arcaded, presided over by a granite cross.

Very close is the parish church, with a painted granite pulpit. Walking around you will see religious inscriptions on the door lintels and the statue of Saint Anthony’s pig. By tradition, every year a pig roams free in the village from June until January, when it is raffled. Cured meats, ham and mountain honey are sold in many shops in the centre.

Free tours and guided visits

La Alberca does not usually have pay-what-you-like free walking tours. The norm is paid guided tours of the old town and excursions around the area, which holds much of the interest. A good option is a guided route through the Sierra de Francia, which usually covers several villages in one day.

The most common excursions go to the Peña de Francia, with its sanctuary on the summit and sweeping views, and to the Las Batuecas valley, within the Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park. Mogarraz, with residents’ portraits painted on the façades, and Miranda del Castañar are other nearby villages.

How long to spend

Three or four hours are enough for La Alberca: a stroll through the old town, the square and the church, and time for lunch. If you stay two days, spend the second on the Peña de Francia, Las Batuecas and a neighbouring village such as Mogarraz. If you have a third day, you can look in on Las Hurdes, in Cáceres, or other mountain villages.

Where to stay

The nicest option is to stay in or very near the old town, in rural cottages and small mountain-style hotels. At night, without visitors, the village is much more appealing. On the outskirts there are larger hotels with easy parking, good if you are driving and want to explore the mountains. Another quiet option is to sleep in Mogarraz or San Martín del Castañar.