Visit La Alberca
La-Alberca is in the province of Salamanca in the Castile and Leon region of Spain. It was the first village in Spain to be given National Historic Monument Status.
Explore La-Alberca
La-Alberca is one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. Its buildings are lovely half-timber houses and in the summer they are hung with vibrant displays of geraniums and summer flowers. The main square, the Plaza Mayor, is surrounded by these lovely buildings with their columned arcades offering shelter from the bright sunshine.
Cars are not allowed into the centre of the village except for those belonging to residents and so it really is like stepping back in time as you wander around this beautiful village.
The 18th Century Church of the Assumption has a 16th century granite pulpit and a wonderful Gothic Processional cross. La-Alberca's Feast of the Assumption on the 15th August is one of the best in Spain. Women of the village dress in fabulous traditional dresses.
The following day there is a comedy mixing religious and non-religious elements and the two days together are declared a 'National Tourist Interest'.
The main square offers lots of cafés where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere. It is surrounded by beautiful arcaded buildings.
Do not be suprised if you see a pig wandering the streets. Every year a piglet is selected and blessed in July and released to wander freely in the town where it is fed by all the town's residents. In January on the feast of San Antonio the pig is raffled off for charity.
On the second day of Easter every year the town celebrates the victory in 1465 of Portugese troops by the women of the town. They won the Portugese flag from the troops and this is still conserved in the village today.
La-Alberca is in the beautiful mountain area of the 'Sierras de Bejar y Francia' (Sierra de Francia) which is a UNESCO listed Biosphere reserve. There is a visitor centre in the village with details of hiking routes.
In the resort is one of the oldest and largest forests of strawberry trees (Arbutus unedo) in the world. Funny to find this garden classic as part of a large forest! To see it head for Miranda del Castanar.
In the Sierra de Francia the Valley of Las Batuecas has been declared a Historic Site and is home to a number of religious monuments. Its Carmelite Monastery is an important spiritual centre and within the sancuary are 18 hermitages, some of which can be visited.
Places to visit nearby
The beautiful city of Salamanca is nearby and is one of our favourite cities in Spain. If you are looking for somewhere for a long weekend this is ideal as it is not too big but has a beautiful centre.
Also nearby is the village of Ciudad Rodrigo which is another of the most beautiful villages of Spain.
Guadalupe is home to a beautiful Mudejar style monastery which is well worth a visit. It is a major pilgrim site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You can find more local travel ideas in the Salamanca guide and the Castile and Leon guide.
Map of La Alberca and places to visit
La Alberca places to visit
Ciudad Rodrigo
Ciudad Rodrigo has a beautiful old town with a 14th century castle, now a parador and an attractive cathedral.
Ciudad Rodrigo guide
Plasencia
Plasencia has an attractive old centre with an arcaded main square. It is surrounded by medieval walls.
Plasencia guide
Guadalupe
The Monastery of Guadalupe is a beautiful Mudejar style monastery and a major pilgrim destination.
Guadalupe guide
Salamanca
Salamanca is one of the most beautiful cities of all of Spain. Packed with fine Renaissance architecture built in golden-coloured stone.
Salamanca guide...or see all our recommended places to visit in Castile and Leon