Serrania de Cuenca
Serranía de Cuenca is a large nature park in Cuenca province featuring extensive forests, deep valleys, and unusual rock formations shaped by water and wind. The terrain is composed mainly of limestone and dolomite with numerous caves, pine forests covering large areas, and dramatic gorges carved by rivers.
The area was officially designated as a nature park in 2007 and is managed by the regional government of Castilla-La Mancha. Human use of the land stretches back through the centuries, with traditional activities like logging and hunting forming the basis of local livelihoods for generations.
The name comes from the mountainous terrain with its distinctive rock formations that resemble natural stone cities. The small towns scattered throughout offer a glimpse of rural life and traditional building styles that have existed for generations.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water when exploring the trails that wind through the park. Three visitor centers located in the towns of Tragacete, Uña, and Valdemeca offer information about the landscape, though their hours vary, so it is best to check ahead before visiting.
The park shelters rare forest types such as linden, holly, and yew groves that reach their southernmost point in Europe. These botanical peculiarities make it a significant location for conservation research and demonstrate the extraordinary biological diversity found in this region.
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