Orellana: Adventure and Sports Guide on the Sweet Coast of Extremadura

Orellana La Vieja: the Blue Heart of Extremadura

In the heart of the province of Badajoz, where the Extremaduran dehesa meets the vast sheets of water of the Guadiana River, emerges a destination that has redefined the concept of inland tourism in Spain: Orellana la Vieja. Far from the coast, this municipality has transformed its most precious resource, the Orellana Reservoir, into a vibrant center for leisure, sports, and nature that attracts visitors from all over Europe. This success is not accidental, but the result of a strategic vision that merges rigorous environmental conservation with a powerful tourist brand and an unwavering commitment to quality. Orellana is not just a town with a reservoir; it is the “Sweet Coast,” a case study on how to create a sea in the interior.

The “Sweet Coast”: Creating a Sea in the Interior

The fundamental pillar of Orellana’s tourist identity is its “Playa Costa Dulce” (Sweet Coast Beach). In 2010, this enclave made history by becoming the first inland beach in Spain to receive the Blue Flag award, an internationally prestigious environmental distinction awarded by the Association for Environmental Education and Consumer (ADEAC). This recognition, revalidated consecutively for more than a decade, is a testament to the maintenance of exceptional standards of excellence.

For the visitor, the Blue Flag is a tangible guarantee of quality. It implies that the bathing waters are not only of “excellent” quality but are also regularly analyzed to ensure their purity. It guarantees the existence of security services, with lifeguard and first aid teams, and a complete infrastructure that includes toilets, showers, and adapted access for people with reduced mobility. The beach itself has a unique configuration: instead of sand, a wide concrete platform with a slight inclination allows bathers to settle comfortably under permanent wooden umbrellas, complemented by an extensive lawn area with natural shade and picnic areas.

Orellana’s strategy goes beyond the beach. The municipality has achieved a trifecta of blue awards that make up a coherent and certified tourist offer. Next to the beach, the Orellana la Vieja Marina also holds the Blue Flag, being the only inland one in Spain with this distinction uninterruptedly since 2018. This river port, with pontoons for recreational boats, meets rigorous criteria for environmental management, safety, and accessibility. Completing this trio is the

“Costa Dulce” Blue Trail, an initiative that rewards the recovery of itineraries that connect the beach and the port awarded with the natural and cultural heritage of the environment, promoting environmental interpretation and the sustainable enjoyment of the landscape. This cohesion demonstrates comprehensive planning, where each element reinforces Orellana’s global brand as a high-quality, safe, and environmentally responsible destination.

A Protected Natural Treasure: the Foundation of Paradise

Orellana’s tourist excellence is based on a foundation of extraordinary ecological richness, recognized and safeguarded by multiple forms of protection. The surroundings of the reservoir and the surrounding mountain ranges are part of the European ecological network Natura 2000 Network, under the figures of Special Protection Area for Birds (SPA) and Site of Community Importance (SCI), specifically within the “Orellana Reservoir and Sierra de Pela” area. This designation aims to ensure the long-term survival of Europe’s most valuable species and habitats.

Internationally, the Orellana Reservoir is listed as a Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention. This recognition is due to its exceptional characteristics, highlighting the zero contamination of its waters and its crucial role as a living and breeding area for a vast avifauna, including endangered species such as the majestic black stork. For the visitor, these protections translate into a direct experience with nature in its purest state: crystal clear waters, unaltered landscapes, and the opportunity to observe an amazing biodiversity.

The municipality’s commitment to a sustainable development model has been recognized with numerous awards that reinforce its positioning. Orellana la Vieja was awarded by UNESCO Extremadura as a “sustainable community” in 2018, received the Province of Badajoz Award for Tourism Innovation, and was awarded as a “Sustainable Tourist Destination” at the FITUR international tourism fair in 2020. These awards are not mere ornaments, but proof of proactive management that has turned environmental responsibility into its main tourist asset. Orellana’s strategy demonstrates that rigorous conservation and quality tourism are not only compatible but reinforce each other, creating a virtuous circle that benefits both the ecosystem and the local economy.

Walking through the Dehesa and the Riverbank: Hiking Routes for all Levels

The surroundings of Orellana la Vieja are an invitation to be explored on foot. Its trails meander between dehesas, mountains, and the banks of the great reservoir, offering a diversity of landscapes and experiences that adapt to any type of walker, from families looking for an accessible walk to experienced hikers looking for a challenge. The routes not only reveal the natural richness of the area but also unveil its deep cultural and historical legacy.

The “Costa Dulce” Blue Trail: the Flagship Route

As the flagship of the hiking offer, the “Costa Dulce” Blue Trail is the materialization of Orellana’s philosophy: connecting its award-winning tourist resources with the heritage of the territory. This route, which is part of a national ADEAC initiative, has been designed to recover old paths and highlight the landscapes and ethnographic elements that form the backbone of the region.

One of its most outstanding characteristics is its versatility, as it is presented in three circular variants designed to accommodate all types of public :

• Inclusive Route: A route of 1.6 km with an almost non-existent slope of +/−20 m. Classified with a MIDE of 1111 and a SIDIF of 1, it is designed to be fully accessible, allowing its enjoyment to people with reduced mobility, even with the use of joelette chairs.
• Short Route: With a distance of 10 km and a slope of +/−220 m (MIDE 1122, SIDIF 1), this option offers a more complete hiking experience, ideal for a half-day excursion.
• Long Route (Complete): The complete itinerary covers 19 km and a considerable slope of +/−420 m (MIDE 2223, SIDIF 2). It is a demanding route, designed for regular hikers who want to fully immerse themselves in the landscape of the Sierra de Pela.

Beyond its natural values, the Blue Trail is a journey through local history. The itinerary guides the walker through points of great cultural interest, such as the Orellana Palace Castle, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, and the Convent of San Benito. It also recovers places of collective memory, such as the

Fuente del Caño, a place where the women of the town used to wash clothes, or the historic “Camino de los Terreros”, used by the inhabitants of the neighboring Orellana de la Sierra.

The Guadiana Natural Path: Following the Great River

Orellana la Vieja is a strategic stop on the Guadiana Natural Path, a long-distance route that forms the backbone of the basin of one of the most important rivers in the Iberian Peninsula. The passage of this path through the town is articulated in two stages that show the landscape transition of the region:

• Stage 24 (Puebla de Alcocer – Orellana la Vieja): This stage introduces the hiker to the surroundings of Orellana. The path crosses the Guadiana River over the Cogolludo bridge, from where you can see the ruins of the Roman city of Lacimurga. After passing through the town of Orellana de la Sierra, the route enters Orellana la Vieja bordering the impressive cliffs of the Sierra de Pela.
• Stage 25 (Orellana la Vieja – Valdivia): Leaving Orellana, the landscape changes drastically. The route leaves behind the abrupt orography of the La Siberia region to enter the Vegas Altas del Guadiana, a territory dominated by irrigated crops. The path takes advantage of the infrastructures of the canals and old cords, offering a pleasant and smooth walk between new agricultural landscapes.

The Reservoir Trail (PR-BA-180): a Challenge for Adventurers

For the most ambitious hikers, the Reservoir Trail (PR-BA-180) represents the great challenge of the area. It is a linear route of

38 km, classified as medium difficulty not so much for its technical demands as for its considerable length, which requires an estimate of 11.5 hours to be completed. For this reason, it is an ideal option to do in stages.

The route connects four localities of the regions of La Serena and La Siberia, immersing the walker in ecosystems of great value and excellent state of conservation. Its main attraction lies in the combination of nature in its purest state with archaeological and cultural landmarks of the first order, such as the aforementioned Roman ruins of Lacimurga or the imposing Castle of Puebla de Alcocer.

Ornithological Paradise: Birding Routes

The declaration of the environment as a ZEPA makes Orellana a top-level destination for bird watching. Ornithological tourism is a booming activity, and the richness of ecosystems promotes a diversity of species that attracts fans from all over Europe.

The main route designed for this activity is the one called “Orellana Reservoir and Puerto Peña”. The sections that run through the municipality of Orellana (sections 3 and 4) trace a round trip to Puebla de Alcocer by different paths, which allows exploring a great variety of habitats. Depending on the environment, you can observe different species:

• Cliffs and crags: Griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, eagle owls.
• Pastures and cereal areas: Eagles, kites, falcons, and lesser kestrels.
• Sheet of water: Great variety of ducks and Anatidae, as well as large colonies of airplanes and other aquatic birds.

At certain times of the year, especially during migrations, the reservoir becomes a natural spectacle with the arrival of thousands of cranes and other birds that make a stop on their long seasonal journeys.

Summary of Hiking Routes in Orellana La Vieja

Pedal Stroke: Mountain Bike Adventure (MTB)

Orellana la Vieja is not only a paradise for walkers but also a strategic enclave for mountain bike lovers (MTB). Its value lies not only in its local routes but in its positioning as a crucial node within a much broader cycle tourism network that covers the entire region. This connection makes the municipality an ideal base camp from which to launch explorations to the regions of La Serena and La Siberia, taking advantage of a well-developed and constantly growing infrastructure.

The Guadiana Natural Path by MTB

As with hiking, the Guadiana Natural Path has a specific variant for MTB, with a layout adapted to ensure cyclability and enjoyment for athletes. This signposted route allows you to travel long distances following the course of the river, and Orellana la Vieja is established as a fundamental end and start point of the stage in its Extremaduran section.

• Stage 3 (Casas de Don Pedro – Orellana la Vieja): This stage of 46 km is a route of great landscape and historical interest. The route crosses the Guadiana River twice, offering cyclists a complete immersion in the landscapes that define the transition between La Siberia and the Vegas Altas.
• Stage 4 (Orellana la Vieja – Medellín): Starting from Orellana, this stage offers a smoother and more rolling profile. The route takes advantage of the service roads of the irrigation canals and the old road to Villanueva de la Serena, providing a pleasant ride among the characteristic agricultural landscapes of the Guadiana valley until reaching the historic town of Medellín.

This stage structure positions Orellana as a perfect place for rest and refueling on multi-day crossings, promoting an itinerant tourism that travels and revitalizes the territory.

Orellana in the Network of MTB Centers of Extremadura

The true potential of Orellana as an MTB destination is revealed when observing its role within the regional ecosystem. Extremadura has made a firm commitment to cycle tourism through the creation of a network of MTB Centers spread throughout its geography, with almost a dozen of them operating in areas such as the Jerte Valley, Monfragüe, La Siberia, or the Sierra de Gata. These centers are reception areas that offer cyclists a series of standardized services: a network of routes signposted and classified by difficulty, information points, and in many cases, support services such as rental, repair shops, or bicycle washing areas.

In this context, the region of La Serena, to which Orellana belongs, is actively working to consolidate its own infrastructure. Driven by local cycling associations such as the “Dientes de Perro” club of Castuera, there is a project for the creation of a MTB Center La Serena in this neighboring town. The initiative contemplates a reception point with parking, bicycle washing and repair area, showers, and even accommodation, which would serve as the epicenter for a catalog of routes that would travel through the most attractive places in the region.

The existence of this regional network and the regional development plans greatly amplify the attractiveness of Orellana. A cyclist doesn’t come here just to do one or two local routes; they come to a territory that offers a structured and long-distance cycling tourism product. You can use Orellana as a base to explore the routes of the future La Serena BTT Center, connect with the Guadiana Natural Path, or even plan a more ambitious route that connects with other BTT centers in the region, such as La Siberia. This interconnection transforms Orellana from a point on the map to a gateway to one of the great BTT adventures in southwestern Spain.

An Inland Sea: Sports and Leisure on the Orellana Reservoir

The Orellana Reservoir is the great setting where a range of aquatic activities unfolds, so wide and diverse that it rivals that of many coastal destinations. From the serenity of a kayak ride at dawn to the adrenaline of fishing for large predators, its clean waters and protected environment offer endless possibilities for all tastes and ages. The developed infrastructure, led by a marina with a Blue Flag, ensures that these activities can be enjoyed with the highest quality and safety throughout the year.

Sailing, and Wind

The wind and the vast expanse of the reservoir create the perfect conditions for sailing sports. The epicenter of this activity is the Iberian Sailing Center, an entity that was created with the aim of spreading this sport in the region and moving it away from the elitist stereotype. Located in the Marina, it has a permanent school that offers courses and activities for all levels, allowing novices and experts to glide on the waters of the Guadiana.

For windsurfing lovers, the “Costa Dulce” complex has a specific area for practicing this sport, where you can take advantage of the breezes that run through the reservoir.

Motor boating is also allowed and is a popular option for exploring the most remote corners of the reservoir or for sport fishing. Several local companies offer boat rental services. A crucial and mandatory aspect for any boat that accesses the reservoir is to go through the

Boat Disinfection Station. This service, located in Orellana la Vieja, is a fundamental protection measure to prevent the introduction and spread of invasive species, such as the zebra mussel, thus guaranteeing the health of the ecosystem.

Rowing and Pedaling: Activities for Everyone

For those who prefer a more direct and peaceful contact with the water, canoeing and paddle surfing are ideal options. Companies such as Piraguas Mabel and Wellness Costa Dulce Orellana offer kayak and paddle surf board rentals, allowing visitors to paddle at their own pace while enjoying the landscape and birdlife. Some rural houses, such as “Encantos de Orellana”, also provide this equipment to their guests, further facilitating access to these activities.

For families and groups looking for carefree fun, pedal boats are the perfect option. Hidropedales Laura offers visitors a fleet of these floating contraptions with fun shapes of swans or cars, guaranteeing laughter and a pleasant time in the beach’s bathing area.

Elite Fishing Destination: the Fisherman’s Challenge

Sport fishing is, without a doubt, one of Orellana’s star activities and a first-rate economic engine that attracts fishermen from all over Spain and Europe. The reservoir’s fame is due to the quality and size of its specimens, especially black bass and carp, which makes it a competition stage and a challenge for any fan.

• Species and Seasons:
  • Black Bass: It is the most coveted species. Spring is the best time, when the fish are more active and approach the shores to spawn. In summer they take refuge in deeper waters. The most effective techniques include the use of surface lures, Texas-rigged soft plastics, and jerkbaits.
  • Carp (Carp): Orellana is famous for its large carp, with catches exceeding 20 kg. Spring and autumn are the most favorable seasons. Baits such as boilies, tiger nuts or corn are used.
  • Pike: This species, also of great size, shows greater activity during the summer months.
• Essential Regulations: A Critical Guide Fishing in Orellana is strictly regulated to ensure its sustainability. It is essential that fishermen know and comply with the regulations:
  • Fishing License: It is essential to have a valid Extremadura fishing license.
  • Navigation Permit: Any boat, regardless of its size or engine, needs a responsible declaration or navigation authorization issued by the Guadiana Hydrographic Confederation. It is a procedure that can take time, so it must be requested well in advance. The specific regulations are published and updated periodically in the Official State Gazette (BOE).
  • Mandatory Disinfection: As mentioned, all boats must be disinfected at the official station before entering the water.
  • Zones and Schedules: There are permanent closure zones where fishing is prohibited all year round, such as in the vicinity of the Cogolludo bridge or at the mouth of certain streams. Navigation is prohibited upstream from the Cogolludo bridge. As a general rule, you can only fish from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset, although there are specific sections enabled for nighttime carp fishing.
• Companies and Professional Guides: Given the specialization of the destination, a service industry for the fisherman has flourished. Companies such as Extremadura Profishing, Extremadura Monsters, Pesca Extremadura or Guía Depredadores Orellana offer professional fishing guide services. These experts know the reservoir perfectly, the best areas and the most effective techniques, maximizing the client’s chances of success. In addition, companies such as Orellana Boats and the guides themselves offer the rental of fully equipped boats, with powerful engines, electric motors and state-of-the-art probes.

Active Tourism and Water Sports Companies

Accommodation, Gastronomy and Services

Successful planning of a trip to Orellana la Vieja requires knowing the solid service infrastructure that the destination has developed to welcome its visitors. The offer is remarkably diverse, which demonstrates the maturity of a tourist market capable of satisfying the needs of different traveler profiles, from families looking for a summer getaway to groups of international fishermen or couples who want a luxury stay in a rural environment.

Flavors of the Land and Water: Local Gastronomy

Orellana’s gastronomic offer is a reflection of its dual identity: the Extremaduran tradition of the interior and the holiday atmosphere of its “Costa Dulce.”

• Restaurants in the Town:
  • Amazonia Restaurant: Located in the Hotel Gilmar, it is the most sophisticated proposal. Its menu, creative and careful, is based on high-quality products, many of them from the area, presented in a design environment.
  • Bar-Restaurant La Viruta: A popular place known for its abundant and tasty portions and a pleasant atmosphere, with an interior terrace.
  • The town also has numerous cafes and pastry shops such as Dulce Capricho or Pastelarte, perfect for breakfasts and snacks with artisan products.
• Restaurants and Beach Bars on the Lake: The beach area offers a wide variety of establishments to eat or have a drink with views of the water. The culinary offer stands out for the products of the area, especially grilled or stewed meats.
  • El Velero Restaurant: Its main advantage is its privileged location in the heart of Costa Dulce, with magnificent views of the reservoir.
  • Costa Dulce Restaurant (or Costa Azul): A large infrastructure in the center of the beach complex, with a large terrace and splendid views, ideal for family meals.
  • Chiringuitos Los Mellys and El Burgo: More informal options to have a soft drink, an aperitif or a simple meal directly next to the bathing area.

Charming Rural House on the Shore of the Swamp

Encantos de Orellana: A spectacular fully rented rural house, with capacity for more than 12 people. Located on the banks of the reservoir, it offers luxury, privacy and unbeatable views. It is ideal for large groups or families and has its own kayaks and paddle surf boards for rent.

Plan your Visit: Events and Contacts

To enrich the visit, it is advisable to consult the calendar of events in Orellana, which is full of celebrations throughout the year.

• Featured Events:
  • The First of the Year: A popular race in the style of the San Silvestre that is celebrated in early January.
  • Romería de San Isidro: On May 15, a traditional festival in honor of the patron saint of farmers.
  • Nautical Procession of the Virgen del Carmen: In July, an emotional and unique procession of boats through the reservoir at sunset.
  • August Festivities: From August 14 to 18, they are the patron saint festivities and the moment of greatest animation in the municipality.
• Key Contacts:
  • Orellana la Vieja Town Hall: For official information. Email: ayuntamiento@orellanalavieja.es.
  • Tourist Office: The point of reference for visitors to obtain maps, brochures and updated information.