Campiña Sur
The wide zones of dehesas and smooth mountain ranges are the perfect place for birds like the great bustard or the crane.
In this zone we can see many references to ancient civilizations: dolmens and menhirs at Cardenchosa from prehistoric ages, or the roman town of Regina, with its beautiful roman theater.
The visitor can also see many castles and defensive buildings used by Arabs and Christians in the Middle Age.
Azuaga and Llerena have a rich representation of Mudejar architecture (the mudejar people were moslem permitted to live under Christian rule).
Near Fuentes del Arco is located the mine Mina la Jayona, an old mine converted in a special, and almost magical, natural environment.
La Serena
The name of this zone comes from the Arab term Serna, translated as plain (open country). The actual translation from Spanish is 'peaceful' and reflects the perfect name for this zone.
The big reservoirs at the East of Extremadura are an real paradise for birds. There is a ZEPA (zone of special protection for birds) in La Serena, so it is perfect for birdwatching.
The dam called La Serena is one of the biggest dams of Europe.
There are many castles, defensive buildings and religious constructions related with the Alcantara Order (a Christian military Order in the Middle Age).
From Roman and pre-Roman days you can see the settlers at Cancho Roano and Hijovejo.
Vegas Altas del Guadiana
The Guadiana is one of two big rivers that flow through Extremadura lands. This zone is called Vegas of Guadiana because the lands are very fertile in the proximity of the Guadiana river in this area.
Don Benito and Villanueva de la Serena are the main cities.
Many cultures and civilizations were living in this zone because the richness of those lands and the strategic location.
The Alcantara Order and the Santiago Order have a great influence over the zone in the Middle Age. There are many militar and defensive buildings.
Medellin is a clear example of the history of this land: it has in a few meters the rests of an Roman theater, the impressive Christian castle (builded over an Arab castle), three churches of differents styles and epochs and a beautiful bridge over the Guadiana river.
Villanueva celebrates every year the Festival of Theater in the Streets, a very original and fresh event.
La Siberia
Water is the most representative element in this zone: the reservoir of La Serena in the south is the greatest reservoir in Western Europe. And the dams of Orellana, García Sola and Cíjara makes this region to has many kilometers of coast. It's like a little sea of fresh water.
The dam of Orellana and its natural environment is a paradise for all kind of plants and animals. It is a ZEC (zone of special conservation) and a ZEPA (zone of special protection for birds)
You can visit the impresive and beautiful Castle at Puebla de Alcocer. The landscapes from the top of the main tower are incredibles.
Gastronomy, Excellent wines and warmth in Tierra de Barros
The Battle of La Albuera
