Extremadura is one of the best-preserved natural regions in western Europe, with national parks, dehesa woodlands, reservoirs, and some of the best birdwatching on the continent.
Low population and little industry have kept much of Extremadura wild. You'll find dehesa woodlands, mountain ranges, open steppes, and large reservoirs, plus a remarkable number of protected areas.
Highlights for nature lovers:
Each season brings a different landscape and a different set of birds, from the common cranes of winter to the great bustards of the open plains.
Last updated Mar 8
Monfragüe National Park is located between Navalmoral de la Mata, Plasencia and Trujillo, and is one of the most important ornithological zones in Spain. In this amazing environment, imperial eagles, black vultures, and griffon vultures fly over the park.
Last updated Oct 6
A season-by-season guide to the weather in Extremadura, from cherry blossom in spring to cranes and mild days in winter.
Last updated Mar 8
Holm oaks and cork oaks surround the Roman dam of Cornalvo, which was built over the Albarregas River to supply water to Augusta Emerita (Mérida).
Last updated Mar 8
The Natural monument of Los Barruecos is composed of large granite stones on the edge of ponds. The Vostell Museum is located inside the park, in an 18th Century wool washing place.
Last updated Mar 8
The Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark is extraordinarily rich in natural heritage including protected birds, biodiversity corridors, monumental trees, and Biosphere Reserves.
Last updated Mar 17
La Serena is a wide plain in eastern Badajoz province, known for its large reservoir, its birdlife, its cheeses, and the Tartessian site of Cancho Roano.
Last updated Mar 15
Sierra de Gata is one of those fabulous places full of incomparable corners that enrich those who go there. It is located on the border with Portugal; this situation increases its cultural legacy, a memorable magical touch to all the towns and villages of Sierra de Gata.
Last updated Mar 14
The great bustard is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, with large males weighing up to 20 kg (44 lb). Extremadura holds about 25% of the Spanish population, around 15% of the birds worldwide.
Last updated Mar 14
Every winter, about 75,000 cranes come to Extremadura. This region is nowadays the main winter habitat for the European crane. Cranes cover 3,000 kilometers in three weeks from their nesting habitats in the North of Europe.
Last updated Mar 13
At the end of March, the Valley of Jerte welcomes the spring season showing its best distinguishing feature: the beauty of its cherry trees blossoming.
Last updated Mar 8
The fertile plain of the Guadiana River, in eastern Badajoz province, with historic Medellín and the birthplace of Hernán Cortés.
Last updated Mar 8
Llerena, the historic heart of Campiña Sur, is a Mudejar town surrounded by dehesas where great bustards and cranes feed.
Last updated Mar 8
La Siberia is a remote region of northeastern Badajoz, known for its large reservoirs, birdlife, and dark night skies.
Last updated Mar 8
A protected mountain range in the center of Badajoz province, with holm and cork oak forests and rocky peaks where griffon vultures and golden eagles nest.
