Points of interest 

Remains of the Roman dam at Valdera, Cabañera, the Alcanadre river, a birdwatching area, the shrine of San Bartolomé, panoramic views.

Route description 

This route winds its way through the isolated low hills in the south of the Somontano, a virtually semi-desert area characterised by largely flat terrain, and what are known as the “planas”: flat-topped, sheer-sided hillocks. These arid lands, traditionally given over to dry farming, have been transformed in recent times with the advent of irrigated crops.

The section between Peralta de Alcofea and Lacuadrada brings to mind the bleating herds and fl ocks of livestock
that used to wend their way up this selfsame path en route to the Pyrenean pastures, where they would spend the summer months before coming back down again to the more sheltered fl atlands when the chills of winter blew in.

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Location map 

Points of interest

The well-springs of Laperdiguera, Lagunarrota and Laluenga where is possible to visit the Somontano spring wells visitor centre.

Route description 

From Laluenga in the south of Somontano, the route runs into thefl atlands leading to Los Monegros to reveal another side to the Somotano region, a semi-desert landscape with gentle ridges, isolated low hills and solitary boulders, a landscape that was once covered with holm oaks. In the southernmost part savin and juniper bushes, gorse and aromatic plants have managed to withstand the harsh climate and establish themselves in the poor soil. Having once eked out a living through dryland farming, in recent years the local people have transformed the countryside by creating vast areas of irrigated land.

The nearby villages of Laluenga, Lagunarrota and Laperdiguera are home to a number of well-springs, which provided access to underground springs. The well-springs consisted of a shaft dug into the rock and featuring several galleries, the shaft being accessed by steps that were in part domed.

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Location map 

Points of interest

The sanctuary of Santa María de Dulcis (Buera) and the Cave Art Visitor Centre in Colungo.

Route description

Buera sits on fl at land some 522 metres above sea level. Its inhabitants have traditionally made a living growing cereal crops, almonds, vines and olives. The Buera olive mill (a museum dedicated to Somontano olive oil) brings the ancient trades of the past vividly to life.

The route begins in Buera before crossing what is known as the Pozo ravine, where snow and ice was once collected to then be stored at the nearby D’os Moros ice well. The ice was used to preserve food and for therapeutic purposes. This large circular construction is covered by a beautiful dome made entirely of stone and half buried beneath the ground.

Further on lies the 12th-century sanctuar y of the Virgen de Dulcis, an area where riders can rest in the shade, take on water and pick up information on the area. The route links up a little later with the old hiking trail that leads to the nearby village of Colungo, at which point it turns and runs along the foothills of the Sierra de Salinas back to Buera.

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Location map 

Points of interest 

The Sanctuary of Santa María de Dulcis, the D’os Moros ice well, the Somontano olive mill and museum in Buera, La Candelera shrine (Salas Altas), panoramic views, and the vineyards of the Somontano Designation of Origin.

Route description

This route runs through the heart of the Somontano Designation of Origin, one of the areas that best conveys the harmony between the three staple crops of the Mediterranean: wheat, grapes and olives.

The ancient tradition of winemaking, closely linked as it is to Mediterranean civilisation, has transformed the local landscape into a pleasing combination of endless rows of green vines interspersed with fl ashes of silvery wire, rows that take on a reddish-brown hue in the autumn months before winter strips them bare, awaiting next year’s harvest.

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Location map