Los Pilones

Los Pilones consists of more than a dozen crystalline, blue-green pools, all uniquely carved out by water rushing down from the nearby Sierra de Tormantos mountains. Located in the Jerte Valley within Cáceres, a city in western Spain’s Extremadura region, Los Pilones may be a bit off-the-beaten path but it’s worth the trek.

Smooth, rounded stones characterize the area, as well as wild green pops of diverse vegetation. Perfect for hikers, swimmers, wilderness lovers, and bird watchers, the site is one of the country’s best lesser-known tourist destinations with its stunning scenery. 

The clear, brisk waters are especially great to cool off in during the warmer months. Fragrant, white blooms of cherry blossoms blanket the area in early April, making it a bit more popular than other times. But depending on the time of day, you may only encounter a few other hikers/swimmers on your trek, especially during the fall season.

Observe the wonders of water, natural stone, and lush fauna in one of Spain’s deliciously enchanting destinations. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch, a hat for shade, and comfortable shoes for the day (the hike can get a bit steep in certain areas). Bonus? Expect to be greeted by random herds of goats on your hike.