El Simarro is a sparsely populated hamlet; its notable features include the square and the Ermita de Santa Catalina. Local culture and outdoor activities offer two distinct perspectives for a stay. The festivities focus on Santa Catalina and local customs; when it comes to routes, direction, length and course are the practical planning considerations.
Festivals and Santa Catalina
The chapel is dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria. El Simarro’s patron saint festivals are also celebrated in honour of the saint. During the festivities, Mayos are traditionally sung in the church in honour of the patron saint. Santa Catalina thus connects the chapel’s dedication with local celebrations.
La Luminaria is part of local tradition: a large bonfire in the centre of El Simarro, lit on the Saturday before the local festival. Residents gather firewood for it, so preparations are also part of the custom. The Ermita de Santa Catalina has been restored several times with contributions from the residents and friends of El Simarro.
Landscape and routes
El Simarro’s landscape is characterised by hills, elevations and rugged terrain. Its cultural landscape is shaped mainly by irrigated and dry-farmed cereal crops, vineyards and olive groves. The surrounding terrain is considered suitable habitat for partridges, rabbits, hares, foxes, golden eagles and imperial eagles. Crops and animal habitats reveal two distinct aspects of the area: its agricultural cultural landscape and its terrain as a habitat.
The easy, one-way “Vara de Rey–El Simarro” walking route is 7.44 km long. Its route listing was uploaded on 25 May 2025; conditions and availability may change. Check the latest information before setting out. As the route is one-way, planning the return journey is a separate consideration.
The description of the “El Simarro–El Cañavate” cycling route was checked on 25 March 2023. It lists El Simarro as the starting point and El Cañavate as the destination: the route begins with a gentle climb, then follows rural tracks across extensive plains. Lavajos de Simarro is mentioned as a point of interest. By comparison, the walking route’s length, difficulty rating and one-way format are its clear planning features; the cycling route focuses on its start, destination and terrain profile.
Planning information
For orientation, El Simarro is located on the road connecting Casas de Fernando Alonso and Casas de Haro. These questions can be considered separately before booking or setting out.
Discover more destinations: Campillo De Altobuey, Uña, Carrascosa Del Campo, Torrejoncillo Del Rey, Zafra De Záncara, Mariana, Puente De Vadillos, Talayuelas.
For the broader travel overview: Cuenca.
