Natural and National Parks in Extremadura

Extremadura, in western Spain, is a land of vast plains, river valleys, and rugged sierras, making it one of the best regions for nature lovers and birdwatchers. The area is home to both national and natural parks that protect its unique ecosystems and cultural landscapes.

The region’s only national park is Monfragüe National Park, located between Cáceres and Trujillo. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is renowned for its birdlife, including griffon vultures, black storks, and the Spanish imperial eagle. Its dramatic cliffs, oak woodlands, and river valleys make it a paradise for wildlife watching and hiking.

Extremadura also has several natural parks. Tajo Internacional Natural Park, shared with Portugal, protects the Tagus River valley and its Mediterranean forests, providing a corridor for both wildlife and cultural exchange. Cornalvo Natural Park, near Mérida, is known for its Roman dam, still functioning after 2,000 years, as well as its rich birdlife. Sierra de San Pedro Natural Park shelters Iberian lynxes and abundant deer populations in its dehesa woodlands.

Together, these parks highlight Extremadura’s importance for biodiversity, history, and sustainable tourism, offering a perfect blend of nature and heritage.

Valle del Jerte in Extremadura

by
Valle del Jerte in Extremadura

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 … Read more

Monfragüe National Park

by
The area of Monfragüe National Park is noted for its importance as a breeding area for a selection of rare and protected birds,
  • Region: Extremadura
  • Province: Cáceres
  • Declared a Natural Park: 1979
  • Upgraded to National Park: 2006
  • Park surface area: 18.852 hectares
  • Z.E.P.A (1988) Special Bird Protection Zone
  • Biosphere Reserve 2003

Points of interest

The area of Monfragüe National Park is noted for its importance as a breeding area for a selection of rare and protected birds, Black vulture, Black stork, Imperial eagle and Bonelli’s eagle.

Add to that the worlds most endangered wild cat, the Lynx which also resides here and one can see why it was upgraded from a natural to a national park.

The park altitudes range between 450 – 750m, covering an area 30km long and 7km wide. The habitat types are oak woods, scrub land, rocky out crops, river and reservoir plus dehesa.

The area has also become famous as a starlight destination. The Starlight Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2009 to promote the protection of the night sky and the development of “astrotourism” and there is an ever growing list of starlight destinations in Spain to visit.

Read more