🎵 Audio guide
The Acebo river (Rivera de Acebo) was formerly know as the Cervigona or Guadancil River. It rises in the steep valleys to the north of Acebo in the Cervigona area from where it flows into the Prado de Monjas (Nuns’ Meadow) dam.
A birds-eye view shows a wild landscape divided by a dense network of intense green – the various tributaries to the Acebo river. The river flows south-east, leaving the Acebo municipality before finally flowing into the Rivera de Gata.
The erosive power of the river is demonstrated by the bare rock and granite boulders in the riverbed. These are known locally as the ancient Gods’ abandoned marbles. Steep valleys alternate with more open areas which are taken advantage of for agriculture and livestock. Olive and orange orchards, vegetable gardens, fruit trees and meadows intertwine with the riverside forest. This forms a canopy over the river and is composed of deciduous trees including ash and willow, and smaller plants, creating a space which is buzzing with life.
The Acebo River is not just the magnificent natural pools, but a delightful natural environment where curious visitors can discover the rich and varied surroundings. One such attraction is the confluence of the Arroyo de la Mujer with the Rivera de Acebo, where slow moving pools alternate with fast moving sections of river, surrounded by meadows, olive and orange orchards.
The Jevero natural pool actually has two pools and a spacious, shady grass area which, together with its public amenities, makes it one of the best natural pools in Extremadura. It is well worth exploring upriver from Jevero pool where the force of the water has shaped the hard granite forming smaller pools. The Jevero pool is also the starting point of several walking trails.
Heading downriver, we can follow the course of the river to the Carrecia natural pool through a narrow valley where the riverside vegetation mixes with scrubland and an occasional orange orchard. A beautiful stone bridge with a pointed arch gives access to the natural pool area.
The Carrecia natural pool is small compared to Jevero pool. It has a café, an area for relaxing and beautiful views.
Following the old Camino de Gata (Gata trail), which forms part of the orange tree trail, we get to an area known as El Escurial. The water moves more slowly through this wild area where the greenery is provided by the riverside trees, and an occasional meadow or olive orchard.
What better plan than to spend the day in natural surroundings, stimulating all of our senses, going beyond simply bathing in the natural pool. Exploring the course of the Acebo River as it winds through the countryside around Acebo is to discover and enjoy an exceptional natural environment.