Babacashee
Plaza de Toros and Parque Pintasilgos
We start at Plaza de Toros, a 19th-century bullring built inside an old defensive bastion. From there we walk to Parque Pintasilgos. The park has a floating tap fountain, which means water play he isn't really allowed, and artificial turf. It is small, but it is shaded. It is also the only park we found.
Into the old town and Plaza Santa María
We enter the old centre through a medieval gate from 1306. At Plaza Santa María, the castle tower has ramps that riders and artillery once used. The church next door holds a huge artwork tracing the family line of Jesus. We took Aba through the old centre with us, since most of what there is to see is outdoors.
Olivenza was Portuguese for more than five centuries, and you can see it as you walk. Look at the pavements, tiles, gates and buildings. Nearby is another medieval gate between two round towers. On one street the black and white patterned paving feels very Portuguese.
Plaza de la Constitución and Santa María Magdalena
At Plaza de la Constitución, the town hall grew out of 15th-century Portuguese council buildings. Its decorated entrance reflects Portugal's age of exploration. Next we go to Santa María Magdalena. The church is known for its twisted columns, which are shaped like the heavy ropes used on Portuguese ships. The streets are very clean and easy on paws.
The streets, Puerta del Calvario and Baluarte de la Reina
Then we follow the narrow streets of the town where people actually live. We end up at Puerta del Calvario, the only gate left from the 17th-century outer wall. We finish beside Baluarte de la Reina, one of that wall's nine original bastions. For more space to walk, the quieter areas outside the old walls are the place to go.
Good to know
- Plan Aba-style fun at Parque Pintasilgos. It has the fountain, the artificial turf and the shade, and it is the only park we found.
- If your dog needs a calmer walk, go outside the old walls.
- For birders: this walk is mostly urban birds, so only bring the big lenses if you are exploring the wider area too.
Olivenza with a dog: questions
Is Olivenza a good place to walk a dog?
Olivenza is not much of a dog-walking town. There are few places to run or cool off. The town has only a small shaded park, plus some quieter walking outside the old walls, where off-leash chances are limited.
Where can a dog play with water in Olivenza?
We take Aba to Parque Pintasilgos in Olivenza. The park has a floating tap fountain for forbidden water fun. It also has the Kunstrasen, his favourite surface.
Can I see the sights of Olivenza with my dog?
Yes. Most of the sights in Olivenza are outdoors, so you can see them together with your dog.
Is Olivenza worth a trip with a dog?
For us, Olivenza is perfect for a relaxed, short trip with a dog. Everyone we have met there has been lovely. We keep going back for lunch, a short walk or a coffee.