The landscape in this part of central Spain is shaped by the mountain ranges of the Cordillera Central, Montes de Toledo and the Sierra Morena (which is on its southern border with Andalucia). Fertile plains surround the large bodies of water supplied by the Tajo river in Cáceres and the Guadiana in the low lands of Badajoz. Apart from some fantastic natural parks (https://wildsideholidays.co.uk/natural-parks-in-extremadura/) there are quite a few other places to visit such as the 5 natural monuments in Extremadura (Monumentos naturales de Extremadura)
Continue reading 5 Natural monuments in ExtremaduraCategory Archives: Extremadura
Extremadura is a region in southwestern Spain, known for its rich history, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Here are some key features and attractions of Extremadura:
History and culture: Steeped in history, with many well-preserved historic sites and cultural landmarks. The region has a strong Roman and Moorish heritage, with many historic towns and villages showcasing architectural styles from different periods. Some of the most notable cultural attractions in Extremadura include the Roman Theatre in Merida, the medieval walled city of Caceres, and the 16th century monastery of Guadalupe.
Natural beauty: Home to stunning natural landscapes, including the Sierra de Gredos mountain range, the Monfragüe National Park, and the Tajo International Natural Park. These areas offer opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities, while also providing habitats for a range of wildlife, such as the Iberian lynx and the Spanish imperial eagle.
Cuisine: The food and drink of Extremadura is another highlight of the region. The region is known for its excellent cured meats, such as Iberico ham and chorizo, as well as its cheeses, particularly the famous Torta del Casar. Wine production is also an important industry in Extremadura, with several local vineyards producing award-winning wines.
Festivals: Extremadura is home to many colorful festivals and celebrations throughout the year, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural traditions. Some of the most famous festivals in the region include the Carnival of Badajoz, the Cherry Festival in the Jerte Valley, and the Holy Week processions in various towns and cities.
Overall, Extremadura is a region of Spain that offers a rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. Whether you are interested in history, outdoor activities, or simply relaxing and enjoying the local food and wine, Extremadura has something to offer.
The dehesa of Extremadura
The region of Extremadura is about the same size as Switzerland and is made up of two large, sparsely-populated provinces – Cáceres and Badajoz. Passing through Extremadura you may well encounter areas containing splendid oak trees. They appear at first glance to be a natural landscape with majestic trees scattered over rolling hills, but in fact they are carefully cultivated and managed. This is the dehesa of Extremadura.
“Dehesa” is the name given to these expansive areas of farmland consisting of groves of low density, mature oak trees. The spaces between the trees are used to cultivate cereals and as pasture for grazing livestock.
Continue reading The dehesa of Extremadura
Valle del Jerte in Extremadura
- Declared an Asset of Cultural Interest in 1973.
- Towns and villages: Barrado, Cabezuela del Valle, Cabrero, Casas del Castañar, El Torno, Jerte, Navaconcejo, Piornal, Rebollar, Tornavacas, Valdastillas.
- Best time to visit: Mid March to mid April
Located in the extreme north-east of the province, the Valle del Jerte in Extremadura is bordered to the north by the provinces of Ávila and Salamanca, to the west by Valle del Ambroz, to the south by the city of Plasencia and to the east by La Vera. The area has become quite famous for the beauty of its cherry tree orchards in spring and for the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve.
Find a hotel close to the Valle del Jerte in Extremadura
Booking.comThe cherry bloom festival
During the second week of March the festival of El Cerezo en Flor is celebrated in the Jerte Valley when over a million and a half trees are in full bloom.
At this time of year a circular route through the villages by car is highly recommended. (Valdastillas, Piornal, Barrado, Cabrero, Casas del Castañar, El Torno and Rebollar. (about 50 KM)
Reserva Natural Garganta de los Infiernos
Located in the heart of the Jerte Valley, the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve is known for its streams and waterfalls and rock pools. From the Sierra de Tormantos to the southwestern slope of the Sierra de Gredos, the course of the Jerte River shapes granite and gneiss landscapes with the highest point being the Cuerda de los Infiernos at more than 2,000 meters and the Cerro del Estecillo, an old glacier, considered to be the origin of the Jerte valley.
In the deciduous forests there are some large specimens of oak along with hawthorn, yew, holly, birch, strawberry and chestnut trees. In the undergrowth of oaks there are abundant species of ferns and orchids. On the sunniest slopes there are large areas of the cultivated picota cherry.
Autumn in the Valle del Jerte
The Garganta de los Infiernos
The variety of ecosystems in the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve favors the abundance and diversity of fauna. The waters of this reserve are populated by a number of fish species such as common trout, the most characteristic of these rivers. Although amphibians such as salamanders and newts are also present.
At the river side look out for kingfisher and dipper and in the skies, griffon vulture and especially golden eagles.
Mammals represented in the area include wildcat and genet, otter and the little known desman. The most abundant mammal species in the area is Spanish Ibex.
The Garganta de los Infiernos Natural Reserve has quite a few walking routes through some of the most beautiful places in the Jerte region such as: Los Pilones, Carlos V Route, Cordel del Valle and the route through Upper Extremadura. (More info on these routes at the main information centre in Cabezuela del Valle
Tourist offices and museums
Oficina de turismo del Valle del Jerte
Paraje de Peñas Albas, s/n, 10610 Cabezuela del Valle, Càceres
This is the main tourist office to head for where you will be able to get information about the area in general along with maps and guides for walking routes in the area.
Museo de la Cereza
In the same town as the main tourist office for the area you can also find the cherry museum. Here, information panels and exhibitions explain the cultivation of the world famous Jerte cherries.
C/ Hondón, 58, Cabezuela del Valle
The official website for the Valle del Jerte in Extremadura is https://www.turismocaceres.org/es/comarcas-turisticas/valle-del-jerte
Alternative titles for this article
- The Valle del Jerte: A Springtime Wonderland
- Cherry Blossoms in the Valle del Jerte
- Explore the Garganta de los Infiernos Nature Reserve
- The Best Things to Do in the Valle del Jerte
- A Guide to the Valle del Jerte
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