Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuentes
Vast steppe landscapes in Extremadura, a vital sanctuary for unique birdlife, including the Great Bustard.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Prime bird courtship displays
Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuentes
Best Time
Prime bird courtship displays

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast steppe landscapes in Extremadura, a vital sanctuary for unique birdlife, including the Great Bustard.
"One of the most important areas for birders in Extremadura, with unique steppe birds and vast landscapes."
🚗 Sturdy Vehicle Recommended
Dirt roads can be rough; a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is best for exploring.
🔭 Bring Your Binoculars
Essential for spotting the diverse birdlife across the vast plains.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Great Bustard
Open plains
Witness the world's heaviest flying bird during its spectacular spring courtship rituals.

Steppe Birdlife
Grasslands and cereal fields
Spot diverse species like Little Bustard, Montagu's Harrier, and Lesser Kestrel in their natural habitat.
Expansive Landscapes
Throughout the reserve
Experience vast, treeless plains with endless horizons, perfect for photography and quiet contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Time for Birdwatching
Road Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Sturdy Vehicle Recommended
Dirt roads can be rough; a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is best for exploring.
🔭 Bring Your Binoculars
Essential for spotting the diverse birdlife across the vast plains.
☀️ Pack for Dry Weather
Especially in summer, it gets very dry and hot. Bring water and sun protection.
📸 Capture the Horizons
The endless landscapes are perfect for photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Sturdy Vehicle Recommended
Dirt roads can be rough; a 4x4 or high-clearance vehicle is best for exploring.
🔭 Bring Your Binoculars
Essential for spotting the diverse birdlife across the vast plains.
☀️ Pack for Dry Weather
Especially in summer, it gets very dry and hot. Bring water and sun protection.
📸 Capture the Horizons
The endless landscapes are perfect for photography.
🐦 Focus on Steppe Birds
This area is a haven for unique steppe bird species.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuentes as a highly significant area for birdwatchers, offering unique steppe bird species and expansive, beautiful landscapes. However, some note the challenging condition of the dirt roads and the extreme dryness and barrenness of the area during peak summer months.
"Lovely area, would never have been found again had the car packed up. Was looking for great Bustards, dipped again"
steve penn
"One of the most important area for birders in Extremadura (great bustard, little bustard, montagu's harrier, lesser kestrel... And much more"
Marce Cardalliaguet
"Very dry and barren in July."
John
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The reserve is accessible by car from Cáceres. Major roads lead to the area, but internal tracks are often unpaved. A GPS or map is recommended for navigation.
Public transport is very limited within the reserve itself. It's best to have your own vehicle, or consider hiring a local guide who can provide transport.
Given the numerous dirt roads, a vehicle with good ground clearance or a 4x4 is highly recommended to navigate the terrain comfortably and safely.
The Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuentes is a large protected area, and access is generally open across its vast expanse. There aren't typically formal 'entry points' like a national park, but rather numerous tracks leading into the plains.
The Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuentes is located just to the east of Cáceres, making it a convenient destination for a day trip or a longer stay. Travel time by car is typically under an hour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the natural reserve itself is generally free. It's a protected natural area, and you can explore its landscapes and observe wildlife without admission fees.
As an open natural landscape, there are no set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though birdwatching is often best during dawn and dusk.
There is no specific entrance fee for birdwatching in the Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuentes. The primary cost would be associated with your transportation and any guided tours you might opt for.
Yes, the area is accessible year-round. However, the experience can vary significantly with the seasons. Spring is ideal for bird breeding, while summers can be very hot and dry.
While there isn't a central visitor center within the core plains, local nature organizations or birdwatching groups might offer information or guided tours. It's advisable to research local resources before your visit.
🎫 🐦 Birdwatching & Wildlife
This area is renowned for its steppe birds, including the Great Bustard, Little Bustard, Dupont's Lark, Calandra Lark, and various raptors like Montagu's Harrier and Lesser Kestrel.
The spring months, particularly March to May, are the prime time to witness the Great Bustard's impressive courtship displays.
Yes, local guides and birdwatching tour operators often offer excursions into the Llanos de Cáceres y Sierra de Fuentes, providing expert knowledge and access to prime viewing spots.
Besides birds, you might encounter various mammals typical of Iberian steppes, though they are often more elusive. Keep an eye out for foxes, rabbits, and other small mammals.
It is generally safe, but always maintain a respectful distance from wildlife. Avoid disturbing nesting birds or approaching larger animals. Use binoculars or a telephoto lens for close-up views.
📸 📸 Photography
The vast, treeless landscapes with dramatic horizons are ideal for landscape photography. Bird photography is also a major draw, especially during the spring breeding season.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for landscape photography, creating a golden glow across the plains. These times are also excellent for wildlife activity.
A telephoto lens (300mm or longer) is highly recommended for capturing detailed shots of birds and other wildlife from a distance without disturbing them.
While the entire area offers stunning vistas, look for elevated spots or areas with interesting foreground elements to add depth to your landscape shots. The open plains themselves are the main subject.
The flat, open terrain can sometimes lack foreground interest for landscapes. Dust from the dirt roads can also be an issue, so protect your gear.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, it's important to manage expectations. The terrain can be rough, so ensure your vehicle is suitable for dirt roads. Summers are extremely hot and dry, so plan visits for spring or autumn and always carry plenty of water, snacks, and sun protection. The focus on birdwatching might not hold every child's attention for long periods, so consider incorporating other activities like short walks or simply enjoying the expansive views.
📸 Photographers
Key recommendations include bringing a telephoto lens for wildlife, a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes, and a sturdy tripod. Be prepared for dusty conditions and consider bringing lens cleaning supplies. The best light is during the early morning and late afternoon, so plan your excursions accordingly. The challenging dirt roads mean a reliable vehicle is essential for accessing the best vantage points.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Avifauna of the Llanos
The conservation of this area is a delicate balance between protecting biodiversity and maintaining traditional agricultural practices. The presence of extensive cereal cultivation, while altering the landscape, also provides foraging opportunities for many bird species. However, changes in farming methods and habitat fragmentation pose ongoing challenges to the long-term survival of these specialized birds.
For birdwatchers, visiting during the spring months (March to May) offers the best chance to observe breeding behaviors, including the elaborate courtship dances of the Great Bustard. Early mornings and late afternoons are generally the most productive times for spotting a wide array of avian life as they forage and move across the plains.
Navigating the Terrain
It is highly recommended to use a vehicle with good ground clearance, such as an SUV or a 4x4, especially after periods of rain or if you plan to venture onto less-maintained tracks. Attempting to navigate these roads in a standard car can lead to damage or getting stuck. Always check local weather conditions and road status before setting out, and consider carrying a spare tire and basic repair tools.
Beyond the roads, the landscape is largely flat and open, with vast expanses of grassland and cereal fields. While this offers incredible views and a sense of freedom, it also means that distances can be deceiving. Plan your routes, carry plenty of water and supplies, and inform someone of your travel plans, as mobile phone signal can be intermittent in more remote areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit