Cáceres is a city that rewards slow exploration, but the surrounding province holds a different kind of magic. Once you have wandered the medieval streets and UNESCO-listed plazas of the old town, the landscape opens up into a vast, rugged territory of dehesas, granite peaks, and shimmering reservoirs. For travelers who love the outdoors, this part of Extremadura remains surprisingly uncrowded, offering a sense of discovery that is increasingly rare in southern Europe.
The geography here is defined by contrast. To the north, the Sierra de Gata and Las Hurdes rise into cool, forested mountains with crystalline rivers. To the south and east, the terrain flattens into the classic Extremaduran plains, dotted with holm oaks and some of the best birdwatching in Spain. This diversity means that within a short drive from the city, you can hike a high ridge, swim in a natural pool, or watch griffon vultures circle above a rocky gorge.
Nature near Cáceres is not a curated, manicured experience. It feels wild, ancient, and deeply connected to the rhythms of rural life. You are as likely to share a trail with free-range Iberian pigs as with other hikers. The light here is extraordinary, especially in the late afternoon, when the granite boulders glow gold and the landscape takes on an almost cinematic quality.
Access is straightforward for anyone with a rental car, and most destinations are within a ninety-minute drive. Distances are manageable, roads are generally quiet, and even in peak spring season, you will rarely encounter crowds. The main considerations are timing and preparation. Summers are intensely hot, so the best months for serious outdoor activity are March through June and September through November.
Water is a defining feature of the region’s natural appeal. The reservoirs and river gorges around Cáceres are not just scenic backdrops; they are places where locals swim, kayak, and picnic. In a landlocked province, these blue spaces provide a vital escape from the summer heat and a striking contrast to the dry, golden plains.
Wildlife is another major draw. Extremadura is one of Europe’s most important regions for raptors, and the areas around Cáceres offer reliable sightings of Spanish imperial eagles, black vultures, and black storks. Even a short walk in the countryside can yield encounters with hoopoes, bee-eaters, and azure-winged magpies.
Whether you are a serious hiker, a casual nature lover, or a family looking for a scenic day trip, the natural areas around Cáceres offer something genuinely memorable. The following destinations represent the very best of the region, combining accessibility with outstanding landscape and ecological value.
Parque Nacional de Monfragüe
| Address | 10695 Villareal de San Carlos, Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 927 19 91 34 |
We came there to see and photograph the landscape and wildlife. A splendid day, black vulture, griffon vulture, Egyptian vulture, eagle, blue magpie, deer, etc. quite near by, gorges, river and brooks, ruïnes, rocks and forests, a paradise for nature lovers!
I haven't got the statistics but I believe that Monfragüe National Park must be Spain's most visited National Park by foreign birders. It's a paradise for raptors, with Black, Griffon and Egyptian Vultures, Spanish Imperial Eagles, Golden, Booted, Short-toed and Bonelli's Eagles, as well as Black Stork, Eagle Owl, Iberian Magpie, Spanish Sparrow, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Hawfinch, and a whole lot more.
My first visit here was with the UEA bird club back in 1985, and it hasn't really changed much in essence since then. These days I visit the park once or twice a year, usually leading birding tours for our own company, Birding In Spain, or for a British or American bird tour operator. There are more parking spaces at the Salto del Gitano, but it also gets a lot busier than it used to. The views from the Castillo are as impressive as they always were, and you can see still Eagle Owls at La Portilla, with a bit of luck. Then, just immerse yoourself in the beauty of the surrounding cork oak dehesa to really enrich the experience.
Monfragüe National Park? AN absolute must-see for any visiting birder!
Absolutely stunning. Snow topped mountains, open clean air, sunshine. Great place to drive, amazing countryside. I went to take photographs of birds. I was not disappointed. I can recommend a visit.
A must see on the road to Madrid or Lisbon !!! The scenery is amazing, I enjoyed walking / hiking in the middle of wild life. Animals were all around me. Be discret and observe 😉
recommended to avoid it on really sunny on hot days, since the park doesn't have many big trees for shade.
the landscape is astonishigly beautiful and there are many paths you can follow around if you want to discober the park hiking
Natural Monument Los Barruecos
| Address | Vereda de Malpartida o del Lavadero de Lanas, 10910 Malpartida de Cáceres, Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM, 4:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 927 27 62 36 |
Los Barruecos is an absolutely fantastic place to spend the day with family — peaceful, beautiful, and just a little bit magical. Pack some food and drinks for a picnic (you will want to stay longer than planned), and please remember to take all your trash with you. Let’s keep this natural wonder as pristine as it deserves.
Getting there is super easy, and there are several parking areas — including one right at the main entrance, which is perfect if you’re traveling with kids or carrying a “just-in-case” amount of snacks.
And yes, if something feels strangely familiar… you’re not imagining it. This is where one of the epic battles from Game of Thrones was filmed. No dragons spotted during my visit, but you never know — better bring comfortable shoes just in case you need to run.
Highly recommended. It’s one of those places where you leave calmer, happier, and with a phone full of photos you’ll actually want to keep.
We wanted a change from old towns and this was fantastic. We went to the information centre and were advised to do the blue route, which has the best stone groups and neolithic sites. It was easy walking. We did a portion of the green route and this was less easy to walk, but not difficult.
Really great park that is accessible. You can drive right to the trailhead and the walk to the famous looking rocks and concrete car is a mere 10 minute stroll. There are lots of different trails. It is perfect to go in the evening when it is not too hot.
This place is gorgeous! Photo’s can’t capture the beauty of this (quiet) place, so make sure to visit is. We had doubts since it was a little far off our route, but where very happy to made this stop. Easy (offroad) drive and great scenery directly from the road/car!
You should visit Natural Monument Los Barruecos if you really enjoy nature observation and geology, mainly granite,
In general.
Those, were formed from plutonic extrusion millions of years ago and with the exposition to erosive agents, they’ve been breaking modeling, gaining spectacular shapes.
Reserva Natural Garganta de los Infiernos
| Address | Ctra. N. 110, km 368, 10612 Jerte, Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 927 01 49 36 |
This (free) place is just fantastic for a super fun day during your summer rural holidays around the west countryside part of Spain, or for locals seeking a fresh splash and cool down the heat.
Natural pools are accessible after a 40 min walk up the mountain from the car park (there are a few car parks being some of them free; I paid 5€ for the one I picked). The walking trail ain’t too difficult but a bit steep sometimes.
Water is cold, clear and clean. Lots of spots to settle yourself in and enjoy nature.
Please respect the area and keep it clean by taking your rubbish home.
Visitors centre located here.
Excellent hike to the waterfall pools. Hike Rated at 1 hour but we did it quite a bit faster without being regular hikers. The pools are fantastic, never been to such a place before!
Supernice place really good to get refreshment in these natural pools
I M P R E S I O N A N T E!!!!!!
Ideal
Humedal de la Cigüeña
| Address | Vereda de Malpartida o del Lavadero de Lanas, 10910 Malpartida de Cáceres, Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
This wetland is a feeding and breeding ground not only for the White Stork colony but also for waterfowl, herons, birds of prey, European pond turtles, and more. It's simply wonderful! In my opinion, the most impressive natural spot in Cáceres!
Near Los Barruecos, it offers various routes to explore, in perfect harmony and peace with nature. 😍
One of the most impressive protected natural areas in Cáceres. It's advisable to visit it at sunset along with the Los Barruecos Natural Monument, as this wetland can only be seen in a very short time, but it's incredibly photogenic. Horses, birds, and nature abound.
Spectacular and a place straight out of a movie, or as they say in a series...
Beautiful black poles with stork nests. Beautiful landscape art in Monumento Natural Los Barrueccos
These platforms are intended to allow storks to build their nests on them to incubate their eggs in spring, while at the same time protecting historical monuments.
Parque Natural de Cornalvo
| Address | Badajoz, Spain |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 924 32 74 00 |
A superb nature reserve. We visited it in mid May to see the rare endemic orchid Serapias perez-chiscanoi. The area was alive with birds, including lots of singing Nightingale. When we arrived at the northern end of the reservoir, at a bridge where the stream enters the reservoir we found a carpet of tongue orchids and eventually found four of the target species. We also found Brown Bluebell there.
Very nice place to go and have a walk..... Don't miss..
A nice scenic park to walk or bike through
Really great place to hike with great scenery
❤️
Meandro Del Melero
| Address | Diseminado Riomalo, 1, 10624 Riomalo de Abajo, Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
These views are spectacular. So much better than j could have imagined. The drive over is also stunning, I recommend driving all the way around, possibly do a hike, and then make your way over to Granadilla if there’s time.
This spot was gorgeous! We were lucky that it had rained a lot over the last couple of weeks so the water was really high in the river. The mountains in the backdrop were snowy, the place was really idyllic. We walked for about 2km along the road which was full of beautiful trees and waterfalls.
Beautiful place! You could go up with your car till the view point
Beautiful place. Also the small town La Alberca on the way to the lookout Of Mirador La Antigua
Much more impressive than the pictures show
Cascada Bonal
| Address | 10615 Piornal, Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 927 78 01 30 |
Testing drive to reach the start of the walk, which winds steeply up poor, rocky paths, with occasional approaches to view the impressive wide waterfall cascading over sloping rocks. No sign posts to be seen, many of the side paths quite dangerous as they approach the falls. Could be a fabulous natural spectacle to visit, but needs better, safer access, and more safe viewpoints - it's currently free to view, maybe making a small charge could help the local authority to fund the improvements needed.
Climb up needs suitable shoes and take your time. Pretty gushing waterfall. Limited parking when we arrived however plenty when we had finished the viewing.
Hidden waterfall near Valdastillas. A small 1km detour from main road leads to a corner in the mountain. A small bridge and some space to park will allow you to climb 100m of path to the base of a 30m tall waterfall spread down the rocky face of the cliff. A catwalk lets you go just in front of the base for nice photographs.
Nice waterfall. Not something special.
Very beautiful waterfall.
Asociación PASEO ALTO de Cáceres
| Address | FJMC+FW3, Centro-Casco Antiguo, 10004 Cáceres, Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 687 58 10 54 |
Nice views of part of the city. It's very dry in the summer, but very pleasant at sunset. It's a shame that people don't respect the benches and other public spaces; they're all covered in graffiti. But it's worth at least going for a stroll. Some of the colorful letters spelling out "Cáceres" are there.
A wonderful walk to escape the noise. The chapel is only open once a year, but it's well worth the visit and the sweets they sell. Highly recommended.
A place steeped in melancholy, perfect for a stroll and enjoying the views.
Also ideal for families with children, allowing you to follow their pace while observing the surrounding nature.
A great area for a stroll and a refreshing beer, especially during the San Francisco festivities organized by the Brotherhood of Health of Cáceres.
A pleasant green space just steps from the historic center of Cáceres. It's a great place to escape the city and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Cáceres plains, with the snow-capped Gredos mountains as a backdrop on clear winter days. On the downside: insufficient security and maintenance, and the practice of public drinking.
Salto del Gitano
| Address | 10694 Torrejón el Rubio, Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Monfragüe National Park – Spain 🇪🇸
Today we stopped at Monfragüe National Park, and it was absolutely amazing. The scenery here is breathtaking and one of the most beautiful natural landscapes we have seen on our road trip through Spain.
We visited the famous Salto del Gitano viewpoint, where dramatic cliffs rise above the river. The views are spectacular, and if you are lucky you can see vultures and other birds flying over the valley.
After that, we walked up to Monfragüe Castle. The walk took us about two hours in total, but it was completely worth it. From the top of the hill, the panoramic views over the park are incredible and unforgettable.
If you are driving through Extremadura, I highly recommend stopping here. It is a peaceful place with stunning nature and definitely one of the highlights of our journey. 🌄
Beautiful area with a really wonderful hike. If you want an easy walk, take the free bus to the Castle, walk down and around. You'll never have to walk up hill. If you want a more challenging walk, do the opposite. The birds are visible from many places
Magnificent views. Astounding number of vultures, lots of small birds and even some black herons.
If you're birding in Extremadura then the Salto del Gitano is one of your must-sees. In the Monfragüe National Park the Salto del Gitano together with la Portilla are the two sites - if not in Spain then certainly in Extremadura - most visited by birders from around the world.
There is good roadside parking space, although you may have to walk a bit at the busier times. There are information panels and observation platforms too, but the most important thing here is the rocky terrain and its birds. Black Stork, Black Vulture, Griffon Vulture, Peregrine, Egyptian Vulture, Blue Rock Thrush, Rock Bunting, Red-rumped Swallow and more can all be seen here on a regular basis.
Early morning is best before the crowds get there, but be sure to take a warm layer or too as it can get pretty chilly first thing. Take your time to enjoy the birds through your bins, scope and telephoto lens if you have them, as we always do whenever on tour in the region.
Amazing ! Visit the park with the guide Valentin from the camping Monfragüe
Piscina natural Las Pilatillas
| Address | 10412 Garganta la Olla, Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Super swimming spot. Easy to access and park. Water is very clear and quite cold! Bar nearby and plenty of places to picnic
Fabulous place recommend visiting
☺️☺️
I 6.
Superb
Barranquismo, rutas 4x4, senderismo, Los Pilones
| Address | Paraje los Arenales sn, 10612 Jerte, Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Phone | 658 37 16 26 |
I managed to get a last minute place on a 2 hour tour to the giant's kettles of Los Pilones, the other members of the tour being a Spanish family (I was aware that this particular tour would be in Spanish).
The guide, Jésus, was very kind, friendly and knowledgeable, and although he did not speak much English (and my Spanish is poor), he made a great effort to ensure that I was able to follow, and learn about the area during the drive.
The pools themselves are fantastic, and we were given plenty of time to swim and relax, before heading back down the mountain to Jerte. The total trip was closer to 3 hours than 2, and great value for money (only 20€).
I hope to return to Jerte in the spring sometime, to see the charry trees in bloom, and will certainly use this company again...100% recommended!
Outstanding place for a cold bath after a beautiful hike of 1 hour. Come in the low season to avoid crowds!
The circular 16km is great to have a better swim in all the river
Very nice trekking route!!
Expectacular
Paseo de Cánovas
| Address | Av. de España, Centro-Casco Antiguo, 10001 Cáceres |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
Beautiful place for a walk. Lots of trees, fountains, small bars and newspapers stands, children playground and central. Occasionally you can find book street vendors and artisans. Nearby the public library and commercial stores.
Beautiful green space, which is greatly appreciated in Caceres as the historic centre doesn't have any parks. Lovely to just sit here and watch the world go by.
Great place for leisure
Lovely shaded area for the summer, lots of seating available. Nice place to catch up with friends for a chat. Our dog loved sniffing everywhere here.
A shaded park right next to the old city. Great to beat the heat. There's a bar in the middle of the park. Great to enjoy the shade and just to chill out.
Tips for Visiting Nature Areas Near Cáceres
Making the most of your time in the Cáceres countryside requires a little local knowledge. The climate, the terrain, and the rhythm of rural life all shape how you should plan your excursions. These practical tips will help you stay comfortable, safe, and respectful of the landscapes you are visiting.
- Start early in warm months. From May to September, temperatures can exceed 35°C by midday. Plan hikes and outdoor activities for the first hours after sunrise, and carry at least two liters of water per person.
- Wear sturdy footwear. Many trails cross rocky granite terrain, loose scree, or uneven ground. Light hiking boots or trail shoes with good grip will make a significant difference to your comfort and safety.
- Bring binoculars. Even if you are not a dedicated birdwatcher, the raptor and waterbird viewing near Cáceres is world-class. A basic pair of binoculars will transform your experience of the landscape.
- Check reservoir levels before swimming. Some natural swimming areas depend on seasonal water levels. In dry years, beaches may be smaller or access points may change. A quick check with the local tourist office can save you a wasted trip.
- Respect the dehesa. Much of the land around Cáceres is privately owned working farmland. Stick to marked paths, close any gates you open, and never approach livestock, including the free-range pigs that are so iconic to the region.
The natural areas around Cáceres reward patience and a willingness to slow down. This is not a destination for rushed itineraries or checking off sights. The pleasure lies in the details: the sound of a golden oriole in a riverside forest, the scent of rockrose after rain, the sight of a black vulture soaring over a granite peak.
Pack a picnic, bring more water than you think you need, and let the landscape set the pace. In a province so rich in history and culture, its wild spaces offer a quieter, deeper kind of connection to Extremadura.
