Explore this corner of Extremadura to discover a singular rocky massif of 2.554 km2 located between Montes de Toledo range and the peneplain of Trujillo, close to the famous National Park of Monfragüe.
The Geopark hosts a singular rocky massif of 2.554 km2 , mountain ranges and valleys in an accordion shape that have the most ancient fossils found in the Iberian Peninsula. There are more than 45 geosites or special geological interest places, established to interpret how this curious apalachense relief was formed (the best representation in Europe). You will watch the fold of the earth´s crust, the weathering of their mountains and the different soil formations.
Walk around the sunny slopes and the shady areas of the mountain ranges and enjoy the best conserved Mediterranean forests of Extremadura: Pyrenean oak groves, holm oaks, cork oaks, alder woods and the primitive loreras (Prunus lusitánica), a relict riverbank woodland that seems to belong to other times. Forests and rocky lands are responsible for the varied bird life allowing you to watch more than 100 bird species in a day.
Twelve historic pilgrim routes will lead you to the Royal Monastery of Guadalupe, which is a jewel of the mudejar art, declared World Heritage site. It is a showcase for the gothic, rennaisance, baroque and neoclassical styles. Stroll through the streets of La Puebla de Guadalupe to understand its medieval layout and discover the singular engineering works of one of the biggest cultural centres of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in Spain. The Jeronimos monks made this place a cultural and pilgrimage centre, and the Virgin of Guadalupe became Patron Saint of the Hispanic world.
Taste the flavours of the geopark through its four products with designation of origin: wine of Ribera del Guadiana, honey Villuercas-Ibores, cheese of Los Ibores and Iberian ham Dehesa de Extremadura. During your trip you will realise how work is being done to conserve its geo-biodiversity for future generations.
Type of protected area
UNESCO Global Geopark, Natura 2000 sites.
Commitment to sustainable tourism
Since 2010 it has been a member of the European and Global Geoparks Network sponsored by UNESCO. As a Geopark it has ction plan that develops an environmental education programme and actions for the conservation and dissemination of geodiversity.
Location
Cáceres (Extremadura)