Nature and parks in Extremadura

Natural Wonders of Extremadura

Extremadura’s landscape is defined by the rugged terrain of Monfragüe National Park, where the Salto del Gitano offers views of nesting griffon vultures. The region features significant water systems, including the Guadiana River and the massive Embalse de la Serena. Natural highlights include the dramatic Meandro Melero on the Alagón River, the granite pools of Cascada del Diablo, and the seasonal cherry blossoms of the Jerte Valley visible from the Puerto de Tornavacas.

Cascada del Diablo

Located in Villanueva de la Vera, this waterfall on the Gualtaminos gorge features a series of granite pools and falls carved into the rock.

Discasto / CC BY-SA 4.0

Salto del Gitano

A 300-meter-high quartzite cliff in Monfragüe National Park overlooking the Tagus River. It is a premier site for observing nesting griffon vultures and black storks.

Jose Rodriguez M / CC-BY-SA

Meandro Melero

A dramatic horseshoe bend in the Alagón River near Riomalo de Abajo. The viewpoint provides a panoramic view of the river encircling a forested peninsula.

Ceinturion / CC BY-SA 4.0

Guadiana

The Guadiana River, or Odiana, is an international river defining a long stretch of the Portugal-Spain border, separating Extremadura and…

Mirador Puerto de Tornavacas

A mountain pass viewpoint at 1,275 meters elevation, offering expansive views over the Jerte Valley and the border between the provinces of Cáceres and Ávila.

Ceinturion / CC BY-SA 4.0

Alqueva Dam

The Alqueva Dam is an arch dam and the centrepiece of the Alqueva Multipurpose Project.

El Balcón del Valle

A viewpoint located in Piornal, the highest village in Extremadura, providing vistas across the Jerte Valley and its extensive cherry orchards.

Cascada El Caozo

A 30-meter-high waterfall in the Jerte Valley between Valdastillas and Piornal. A metal walkway provides access for viewing the water cascading over the granite face.

Castillo de Monfragüe

A hilltop fortification of Arab origin rebuilt during the Christian reconquest. It serves as a strategic viewpoint for the Tagus River and Monfragüe National Park.

Adolfobrigido / CC BY-SA 4.0

Castelar Park

Castelar Park is located in Badajoz, in Extremadura, Spain. Situated south of Guadiana River, its features include tall palm trees and a…

senza senso / CC BY 2.0

Embalse de la Serena

One of the largest reservoirs in Europe by capacity, created by damming the Zújar River for hydroelectric power and irrigation across the La Serena region.

Torre de Carvajal

A 15th-century tower in Cáceres that formed part of the city's defensive walls. It features a Renaissance balcony and provides views over the medieval old town.

Mirador de la Memoria

A memorial in El Torno featuring four life-sized human sculptures by Francisco Cedenilla. It overlooks the Jerte Valley and commemorates victims of the Spanish Civil War.

Rob Kivit / CC-BY-SA

Mirador La Higuerilla

A viewpoint within Monfragüe National Park overlooking a bend in the Tiétar River, used for spotting imperial eagles and vultures nesting in the cliffs.