Young man looking out over the River Tagus on its course through the Monfragüe National Park.

Road trip to explore Cáceres and the natural beauties of the surrounding area

Cáceres

Cáceres is a destination that’s jam-packed with history, and one that never fails to capture the imagination of all who explore its streets. Its Old Quarter has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, and nearby there are some beautiful natural spaces with a huge variety of flora and fauna to be enjoyed. Take this 115-kilometre route and see for yourself. 

The city of Cáceres

To start your trip, why not explore the city of Cáceres, being sure to visit the Plaza Mayor where you can admire the town hall and the Torre de Bujaco tower. The tower is a symbol of the city, and it’s definitely worth climbing up to the top to take in the spectacular views.Close by is the Plaza de Santa María, where you’ll find more interesting buildings, such as the Co-cathedral and the Mayoralgo and Golfines de Abajo palaces. 

Top: Cáceres Town Hall © David MG / Bottom: Cathedral of Santa María de la Asunción

From here you can exit into the Plaza de San Jorge to admire the Mercedes Calle Foundation Museum, the Church of San Francisco Javier and the peaceful Doña Cristina de Ulloa gardens.To continue your stroll, we recommend crossing the Plaza de San Pablo square and passing under the unusual Torre de las Cigüeñas tower to reach the Casa de los PererosAlmost at the highest part of the old quarter is the Plaza de San Mateo, together with other places of interest such as its church and the Convent of San Pablo.

Top: Church of San Francisco Javier / Bottom: Convent of San Pablo

Nearby natural spaces

Around 60 kilometres away lies the Monfragüe National Park. The park, covering more than 18,000 hectares and cross-cut by the River Tagus, is a paradise for birdwatchers where you can spot black storks, different types of vultures, and Spanish imperial eagles, among many other species. Furthermore, you can admire panoramic views and dramatic landscapes from some of the viewpoints, such as the Salto del Gitano and the Castle of Monfragüe.

Top: The River Tagus on its course through the Monfragüe National Park / Bottom: Castle of Monfragüe

Some 60 kilometres from the Monfragüe National Park in the Valle del Jerte region is the Garganta de los Infiernos. It covers an area of around 7,200 hectares, and one of the reasons it stands out is the abundance of waterfalls and rapids you’ll find there, as well as the massive plunge pools (large pools carved into the rock by fluvial erosion). There’s also a great diversity of vegetation, such as hawthorn, mulberry, chestnut, cherry, ash, willow, birch, and holly trees. And the fauna is hugely varied too: you can find newts, griffon vultures, peregrine falcons, wildcats, etc.

Top: The Los Pilones Route / Below: Garganta de los infiernos © Oscar Garriga Estrada

As you can see, Cáceres and the natural beauties of the surrounding area are a must-see if you decide to travel around Spain. Here we’ve only been able to give you a brief taste of all the good things that this region has to offer, and there are many more out there just waiting to be discovered.

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