I’m currently the proud owner of a plot of land in the Sierra de Gata of Cáceres province in Extremadura, subject to the successful application for a military permit from the Ministry of Defence. As the land is close to the Portugal border, and I am a foreigner (non-EU), I need a permit.

According to the official documentation, the area is approximately 3,370m² and features old vines, olive, fig, cherry, and quince trees.

The land is walled with stone and partitioned by a wire fence shared with my elderly neighbour.

A stream, Arroyo de la Nave, divides the land, which is perfect for creating a shallow plunge pool.

The villages of San Martín de Trevejo, Eljas, and Valverde del Fresno, nestled in the foothills of the Sierra de Gata, are home to a unique linguistic tradition. The local dialect, known as Fala, is distinct from both Spanish and Portuguese but bears a stronger resemblance to the latter. Within the region, it is referred to as manhegu (or mañegu).

The landscape surrounding these villages is defined by striking peaks and rolling hills, with some of the most notable elevations including Mesas (1,260m), Corral Fidalgo, La Tuiriña, Barrocarrubia, Malvana, Picoto, Peña de los Amantes (994m), and Corral de los Colmenas.

The Sierra de Gata is located in the northwest of the province of Cáceres. It borders with Portugal on the west in the area of the Portuguese Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve.

There is a great flat spot to park my campervan and plenty of freedom for Issy and Poppy. More about Extremadura here.

I've named it - Hermoso Campo which means "beautiful field."

FOOTNOTE

For more one-pan recipes, travel tips, and dog-friendly routes, explore my comprehensive guide, Vanlife in Spain: A Guide to Cooking and Travelling with Dogs.

Wonky park-ups, proper food, genuine adventures – The Flexible Chef.