Alcántara

Alcántara is a small town in Cáceres Province that spreads across gentle hills beside the Tagus River. Houses with orange and golden-toned facades cling to the slopes, while narrow cobblestone streets wind through the center.

The Romans built an impressive bridge across the Tagus between 103 and 106 AD that still stands today. This structure became the symbol of the town and solidified control over this crucial river crossing.

The name comes from Arabic meaning "the bridge," reflecting the long Moorish presence in the region. Walking through the narrow streets and stone buildings today, you sense how the town served as a boundary between different worlds and cultures.

Visitors can walk across the old bridge and explore the church with its center on chivalric orders. The paths are steep and uneven, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

A reservoir called La Cantera was created from materials of the dam and is now a popular summer swimming spot. The area attracts rare birds like vultures and black storks that circle overhead.

Location: Cáceres Province

Capital city: Alcántara

Elevation above the sea: 291 m

Part of: Tajo-Salor Community

Shares border with: Acehúche, Brozas, Ceclavín, Garrovillas de Alconétar, Membrío, Navas del Madroño, Portezuelo, Salorino, Villa del Rey, Zarza la Mayor, Mata de Alcántara, Piedras Albas, Idanha-a-Nova

Website: http://alcantara.es

GPS coordinates: 39.71861,-6.88389

Latest update: December 20, 2025 12:57