Natural Beauty Spots

As surprising, or more, for its cultural and artistic heritage as it is for the diversity of its scenery and environment, this region contains several protected spaces and natural parks that will delight any traveller who stops to admire them.

Without a doubt Monfragüe, in the province of Cáceres, is the flagship of this Extremadura defined by nature. The National Park stands out as one of the greatest examples of Mediterranean forest. The river Tagus, passing through the gently-sloping mountains and extensive pasture lands, is the backbone of this space. Furthermore, this vast area also lies within the Biosphere Reserve of the same name, which covers an incredible 116,160 hectares. And if you are interested in ornithology, inside the same reserve you will find one of the largest Special Protection Areas for birds in the region. There is also a good network of paths and viewing platforms from which to observe the most numerous and densest colony of cinereous vultures in the world. Black storks, griffon vultures and Egyptian vultures are some of the specimens you can also spot flying through the sky of the park.

As well as the National Park and the Biosphere Reserve, the Cornalvo Natural Park is also worth mentioning. This space contains the oldest, best-preserved working Roman reservoir in Europe. The most emblematic, singular species in the park, which is also an endangered bird, is the black stork.

The International Tagus Natural Park is the first international park in Europe. Its 25,088 hectares of banks with exuberant Mediterranean woods are cut through by the river Tagus and the tributaries Erjas, Salor and Sever. The black stork and the Spanish imperial eagle are the most notable species in the park.

There are numerous reserves and natural monuments, protected landscapes, biodiversity and green corridors, special protection areas for birds, and a long list of protected natural spaces that are sure to surprise you. Some of those that stand out from all of them, are the impressive Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve, in the Jerte Valley; the Los Barruecos Natural Monument, in Malpartida de Cáceres; and the Monte Valcorchero Protected Landscape, in Plasencia.