Spain’s Underrated Interior: A Journey Through the Serranía Celtibérica

The Alto Tajo Natural Park is famous for its canyons and gorges formed by the river Tagus and its tributaries

Spain, a country renowned for its vibrant coastal regions and captivating cities that often overshadow a treasure nestled within its heartland. While the majority of tourists flock to the sun-kissed beaches and bustling metropolises, a vast and sparsely populated interior awaits exploration. So, lets take a journey through the Serranía Celtibérica!

A Journey Through the Serranía Celtibérica

One such region, a treasure waiting to be unearthed, is the “Serranía Celtibérica.” This expansive region encompasses the eastern limits of the Sistema Central (Central Mountain Range) and the entirety of the Sistema Ibérico (Iberian Mountains), covering much of the interior of north-eastern and eastern Spain.

Spain's Underrated Interior: A Journey Through the Serranía Celtibérica
Spain’s Underrated Interior: A Journey Through the Serranía Celtibérica. This region was the cradle of Celtic-Iberian civilizations millennia ago. It has also been likened to “Spanish Lapland,” given its low population density – comparable to the Scandinavian region – and its extremely cold winters. In fact, some of the coldest towns in Spain, experiencing temperatures as low as -25°C, are located within this region.

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Black Vultures in Spain. Rewilding Spain, Terra Naturalis and GREFA’s Conservation Odyssey

Black Vulture - aegypius monachus - Birds and Birdwatching in Spain

In the heart of the Iberian Highlands, the resurgence of black vultures in Spain unfolds through dedicated conservation efforts. In Alto Tajo Nature Park and the Sierra de la Demanda, new nests signify a strategic push to reintroduce these majestic raptors. With support from the Regional Government of Castilla-La Mancha, Rewilding Spain, Terra Naturalis, and GREFA, the black vulture’s return becomes a compelling narrative of successful collaboration.

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Cinereous Vulture Reintroduction Program Takes Flight in Spain’s Iberian Highlands

Black Vulture - aegypius monachus - Birds and Birdwatching in Spain

In an ambitious effort to restore the majestic Cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus) to its historic home, a collaborative reintroduction project has been launched in Spain’s Iberian Highlands. Once a common sight, this magnificent scavenger bird faced decline and extinction in the region due to shrinking forest habitats a century ago.

Organised by the Castilla-La Mancha regional government and Alto Tajo Nature Park. The initiative is a joint endeavor between Terra Naturalis association and Rewilding Spain. The project involves the reintroduction of the Cinereous vulture with seven individuals recently released after a meticulous seven-month acclimatization period in an aviary. These birds, equipped with GPS transmitters, are now becoming acquainted with their new environment.

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Wild horses return to the Alto Tajo

Wild horses return to the Alto Tajo

The caballo serrano, also known as the “Serranía de Guadalajara horse,” is a breed native to the central Iberian Peninsula, specifically the mountainous region of the Serranía de Guadalajara. This breed has played an important role in local rural culture for centuries. The caballo serrano is a small, robust horse with a thick, wiry coat … Read more