Walking Las Batuecas - Sierra de Francia Natural Park

There are feelings that the visitors may not easily express when discovering this hidden valley, protected by steep mountains and where lies a beautiful forest of Mediterranean character. Here, some interesting species of the Iberian fauna has found the right habitat and a shelter for life.

Walkers can discover neolithic cave paintings along the walking path, which add to the cultural value and the astonishing legends about Las Batuecas Natural Park. The Carmelite convent of San José is nestled deep in the valley. The convent entrance is the starting point of another trail on foot which takes us to the Cascada del Chorro (waterfall) and also enables us to enjoy the scenic beauty of Las Batuecas. Our walking tour goes to one of the waterfalls and provides first hand view over breathtaking landscapes of Las Batuecas.

Ornithological interest: The park is also a Special Bird Protection Area (SPA). 

Walking Las Arribes del Duero Natural Park

In the west of Zamora and Salamanca, where the Duero river makes border with Portugal and is boxed almost forming the deepest and extensive tubes - a hundred of kilometers of all Iberian Peninsula, is the region of "Los Arribes".

The Natural Park of Parque Natural de Arribes is characterized by the deep granite canyons created by the rivers Douro, Tormes, Huebra and Agatha, the peneplain surrounded by Mediterranean vegetation formations. It is a stronghold for many bird species that nest in the cliffs together with those nesting in the Mediterranean forest. 

The Duero river goes westward and is embedded in peculiar geologic formations, which constitute a unique landscape formed by the deepest and most extensive granite canyons in the Iberian Peninsula.

Ornithological interest: a rich avifauna with many birds of prey: golden eagle, booted eagle, peregrine falcon, eagle owl. There are also many white storks and black storks.

Vegetation: true botanical garden in which all species are represented in the Mediterranean world.

Walking the Lagunas de Villafáfila Natural Reserve

Northeast of the province of Zamora and in the middle of Tierra de Campos, we can find the reservoirs of Villafáfila, which represent one of the most important wetlands across the northern peninsula and certainly the most significant stronghold for water birds, steppe and migratory birds of Old Castille region.

There are 3 major lakes, Salina Grande, Barilla and Salinas, and a series of smaller wetlands is located on clay soils around the basin semiendorréica Salado River. Around the flooded areas are located an area dominated by farmland and on which sits one of the most characteristic birds: the Great Bustard. Their population is estimated at about 2000. Also, visitors can observe a large colony of wintering common geese.

Las Lagunas de Villafáfila

Starting point: from Salamanca or Zamora
Duration: 1 day tour
Price: 45 € pax for group of 7 max.
When to visit: November to February
Tour Type: Guided Tour
Ornithological interest: The area harbours a long list of water birds, migratory birds such
as the common geese.
The lakesides also harbour the
little bustard and the Montagu's harrier.