Tentudia region at south west of Extremadura
A region in the southwest of Badajoz province, with the highest mountains in southern Extremadura, a hilltop monastery, caves, and the birthplace of the painter Zurbarán.
The Tentudía region is in the southwest of Badajoz province, on the border with the province of Seville. It combines open country with the high peaks of the Sierra de Tentudía, the highest mountains in southern Extremadura.
What to see
- Monastery of Tentudía: a monastery on the summit of the mountain range, with wide views. According to legend, the name comes from the words ten tu día (“hold your day”), said during a medieval battle.
- Caves of Fuentes de León: a natural monument with underground passages and formations.
- La Pisa del Caballo: a natural area of rocks and oak woodland.
- Los Castillejos: a pre-Roman site on the road between Fuente de Cantos and Calera de León.
- The Alcornoque de los Galaperales, a large old cork oak.
Fuente de Cantos
Fuente de Cantos is the main town of the region and the birthplace of the painter Francisco de Zurbarán (1598). The town celebrates two country festivals: Chanfaina, on the last Sunday of April, and San Isidro, in mid-May, with food and local wine.
Near the town is a Special Protection Area for birds (ZEPA), where the lesser kestrel is common.
Towns and villages
- Monesterio, on the A-66, is a well-known center for jamón ibérico and has a ham museum.
- Calera de León has the Conventual Santiaguista, a reminder of the Order of Santiago.
- Segura de León keeps a hilltop castle, and Fuentes de León is the gateway to the caves.
Best time to visit
Spring is the best season, with mild weather and wildflowers in the mountains. The towns hold country festivals in late April and May. Autumn is also pleasant, while summers are very hot.
What to eat
Jamón ibérico is the star product, especially around Monesterio. You’ll also find lamb, migas, and sheep cheese.
How to get there
The region is on the A-66 (Vía de la Plata), about 1 hour from Mérida and Seville. Monesterio is the main access point, and the nearest airports are Seville (SVQ) and Badajoz (BJZ).
Getting around
A car is the best way to explore the mountain villages around the Sierra de Tentudía. Monesterio, on the A-66, is the main access point, with buses and trains to Mérida and Seville.