Spain's Silver Route Walking Vacation

This walking adventure takes place where Caesar's legions came to mine the silver of the Sierra de Gata which borders this region to the north. The Romans left fine roads, bridges, aqueducts, and temples behind. The region is Extremadura, one of the most unspoiled regions of Spain bordering Castile to the north and east; Portugal to the west and Andalucia to the south. In fact, your walk takes you into Portugal and back into Spain.

The violence and harshness of the area in the sixteenth century bred austere men of toughness, fortitude and ambition. Extremadura carries the title of the "Cradle of the Conquistadors." The explorers and Conquistadors, Cortes, Pizarro, de Soto and Balboa all came from Extremadura. Now the land is peaceful, clean and beautiful.

The word Extremadura (which comes from "extremo" meaning farthest out in Spanish) comes from the area's geographic position during the eight centuries of fighting between the Spaniards and the Moors which went on for 800 years and finally ended in 1492. This was Spain's frontier back then. It is still the least populated area of Spain with about one third the density of population as the rest of the country. Because of this, the area is pristine and wildlife abounds.

This area is also where the Duke of Wellington came to force the combined French and Spanish armies out of Portugal and prevailed over the forces of Napoleon. You will cross the area where the armies fought and camped.

Your walk takes you through this well preserved and natural area as well as the villages and towns. Walkers should be prepared to walk from five to about ten miles per day although vehicle options are available on longer days.

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