Nature areas
Extremadura's Geopark
The Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark is not to be missed, with its spectacular landscapes, rich biodiversity and paleontological remains.
- Explore
- Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark
Nature areas
Captivating biodiversity
Location and Contact:
- Contact person: Javier López Caballero
- Tel.:+34 927 36 94 29
- Fax: +34 927 36 91 96
- Email: javier@aprodervi.com.es
- Website address: www.geoparquevilluercas.es
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeoparqueVilluercas/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/villuercasgpark
- Opening times
10am-2pm.
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The Villuercas-Ibores-Jara Geopark is not to be missed, with its spectacular landscapes, rich biodiversity and paleontological remains.
Located in the Villuercas-Ibores-Jara region, the Extremadura Geological Park was created on 17 September 2011. There are eight such parks in Spain, of which this is the only one in this area. The park covers nineteen towns and is a symbol of sustainable tourism based on geo-conservation. A geological site declared by UNESCO's General Conference.
And if this isn't enough to attract you to this unique landscape, you might just be tempted by the views from its highest point, Risco de La Villuerca at 1,601 metres, the dividing point for Extremadura's two great river basins, the Tagus and the Guadiana. This gives you a panoramic view over the mountain chains and valleys, and the other 44 outstanding geosites in the Geopark.
Start your visit at the Cañamero visitors' centre, where you can find out all about the area's history.
One of the area's major attractions is its paleontological riches, dating back some 540 million years to when this region was part of a primordial sea. This is demonstrated by huge folds and fault lines, and eroded and sedimentary forms.
You can discover numerous traces of human history, in the form of boulders with ancient paintings and dolmens, hill forts, castles and unique Mudejar architecture, which you can fully experience at the Guadalupe Monastery World Heritage site.
Mining was also present in the area, and you can experience this by visiting the Costanaza mine at Logrosán. There are also eight routes around the area: one takes you to one of the main geosites in the area, the Castañar de Ibor cave. It is no longer possible to visit the cave itself, but you can find out all about it in the visitors' centre.
And there's more... If you love good food, come and try some of the area's traditional delights, such as goat's cheese, honey, wines, cherries, chestnuts and traditional pastries. Delights that will make you want to return again and again.
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Type:
- Geopark
Accessibility:
- Disabled access
- Admits guide dogs
- Accessible car park
- Accessible elevator
- Accessible facilities and common areas
- Access ramps
- Assisted bathroom service
- Toilet with disabled access
- Toilet for disabled people in common areas
Services:
- Parking
- Recreational area child
- Restroom
- Coffee Shops
- Outreach Material
- Interpretive panels
- Guided Tours
Gallery:
More suggestions
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The goat's and sheep's cheeses are more than a speciality amongst the region's livestock farmers.
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Costanaza Mine
Discover mining activity, which has had an important role throughout history in this area, visiting the inside of the Costanaza mine.
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The Calabazas chestnut trees
This natural site consists of a group of 17 monumental chestnut trees and a gall oak in the Castañar de Ibor district.
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Museums of the Royal Monastery of Guadalupe
The old bakery, refectory and the Mudejar cloister are some of the places in the Monastery that house the museums
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La Nutria
Hiding amongst the trees and greenery is a natural pool with cool, clean water from the Ruecas river.
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Playa Cancho del Fresno
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Royal Monastery of Guadalupe
This holy place, which has been declared a Universal World Heritage Site, stands opposite the Central Square.
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Chapel of El Humilladero
The main function of this chapel is as an oratory for the pilgrims who come to Guadalupe from the north.
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Mirabel Estate
Alfonso XIII, Rainier III of Monaco or Miguel de Unamuno have lived or stayed in the rooms of this palace.
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Valdefuentes Estate
This estate was converted into one of the residences of Queen Isabel la Católica during her periods of rest in Extremadura.
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Cañamero
Nature lovers are in for a treat in Las Villuercas, which is also famous for its Designation of Origin wines.
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Guadalupe — an artistic and spiritual centre
The Royal Monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe is the most important monument in the town, the services offered by which are a genuine plus for all visitors.
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Sierra de Las Villuercas and Valle del Guadarranque ZEPA (Bird Sanctuary) Interpretation Centre
Gardens with indigenous plants, a viewing platform with unique views, and exhibition and reproduction rooms are some of the components that make up the centre.