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Las Villuercas is a
region located between the rivers Tagus and Guadiana in Southeast
Cáceres. The area borders in the north to Campo Los Ibores
Arañuelo, in the west to Trujillo, in the south to La Serena and
Siberia (both in the province of Badajoz), and east to the Toledo
province (Castilla La Mancha).
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| The area has large
mountain ranges. The
highest is the Pico Villuercas with 1,601 meters. Las Villuercas has
different ecosystems with multiple micro-climates. It is a rugged
mountainous area, with well-preserved deciduous and coniferous forests,
Pyrenean oak, Chestnut, Cork oak and dehesas with mainly Holm oak.
The largest non-divided area of Cork oaks in Europe lies in the Western
part of Las Villuercas. Steppe areas also occur in this part of
Extremadura. Las Villuercas has a varied wildlife, including deer, wild boar, otter, genets and in the most pristine areas the Iberian lynx. |
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Since 2011, Las Villuercas and adjacent areas Ibores and Jara
have the status of "Geoparque". A Geoparque is a territory that has a
geological heritage and sites of particular importance. The Geoparque
Villuercas-Ibores-Jara, which is the only of its kind in the western
part of Spain, has also great importance as a natural site and will be
instrumental in promoting tourism in the province of Cáceres. It
is worth noting that UNESCO has approved a plan for a European
Geoparques Network. |
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| The majority (70%) of
Geopark Villuercas-Ibores-Jara is protected nature area, including the special
protection zones for birds (ZEPA - Zona Especial Para Aves). Not only
important as bird breeding grounds but also as winter shelter and
temporary stopover for migratory birds. The area is very tranquil, 2,544 km², with a population of 14,500 or about 6 per square kilometre. Without exaggeration, it is a paradise for geologists and archeologists, bird watchers, bird and landscape photographers, landscape painters, horse riders and hikers. |
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| The combination of mountains and valleys,
forests, its climate, and how the people lived through the ages, has
made Las Villuercas a world within itself. It is an area where you can enjoy landscapes without being confronted with the consequences of the modern world. An area with abundant rich natural resources and clean air. Really clean air. Las Villuercas is also one of the few places in Europe virtually free of "light pollution". With a clear sky you can see the galaxy with the naked eye. |
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Also, Las Villuercas has a rich
history- it has the most petroglyphs of Extremadura, and there are
numerous archaeological remains and traces of various cultures from
throughout the course of history. |
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| Promotional video of the Geoparque Villuercas-Ibores-Jara (only in Spanish): |
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