Los Barruecos Natural Monument
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Los Barruecos Natural Monument

4.8
·2k reviews·Malpartida de Cáceres, Spain

A surreal natural monument in Extremadura, Spain, featuring ancient granite formations, abundant birdlife, and a touch of Hollywood fame.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon/Evening

Golden hour light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Los Barruecos Natural Monument

Los Barruecos Natural Monument

Best Time

Late afternoon/Evening

Golden hour light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A surreal natural monument in Extremadura, Spain, featuring ancient granite formations, abundant birdlife, and a touch of Hollywood fame.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"Photos can't capture the beauty of this quiet place; make sure to visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Trails can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the granite formations and surrounding nature.

🤫 Respect the Wildlife

Keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing nesting birds like storks and herons.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sculpted Granite Formations

Sculpted Granite Formations

Throughout the monument

Towering, wind-eroded granite rocks create a surreal, otherworldly landscape. A must-see for nature lovers and photographers.

Stork and Heron Habitats

Stork and Heron Habitats

Near water bodies

Home to nesting white storks and grey herons, offering fantastic birdwatching opportunities.

Game of Thrones Filming Location

Game of Thrones Filming Location

Specific rock formations

Recognize the dramatic landscape used for a pivotal battle scene in Game of Thrones.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Granite Giants

Los Barruecos is famed for its unique granite formations, sculpted by time. Prepare for a landscape that's as geologically fascinating as it is visually stunning. Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the trails and soaking in the natural beauty.

Timing is Key for Tranquility

While beautiful year-round, visiting during quieter times, especially evenings, enhances the peaceful atmosphere. Avoid peak hours to fully appreciate the natural sounds and avoid disruptions, as some visitors have noted.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon/Evening
Why
Golden hour light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Spring mornings
Why
Bird activity, pleasant temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Un privilegio recibir la Patatera de Honor de Malpartida de Cáceres. Un lugar que bien merece un viaje #malpartida #caceres #extremadura #gastronomia #naturaleza #pueblodecigueñas
@delascosasdelcomer
8.5K likes • 225.9K views

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Trails can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the granite formations and surrounding nature. Reddit

🤫 Respect the Wildlife

Keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing nesting birds like storks and herons. Reddit

Pareja de cigüeñas en el Monumento Natural de los Barruecos, Cáceres. Sony a6500. . . . #caceres #españa #spain #cigüeña #cigueñas #barruecos #barruecosdecáceres #birds #birdphotography #fauna #wild #wildlifephotography #photo #sony #sonyalpha #sony200600 #photography #wildplanet #wildphotography #wildphoto #animales #pajaros #ornitologia #ornithology #extremadura #naturaleza #monfragüe #national...
jorgeleonphotofauna
126 likes • 0 views
Últimas fotos de Los Barruecos, en Cáceres.. #total_caceres #turismo_provincia_caceres #extremadura_foto #extremadura_mola #extremaduracuriosa #extremaduraturismo #fever_extremadura #focus_extremadura #extremadura_all_pics #extremadura_en_fotos #extremaduraentudedo #extremadura_turismo #vive_extremadura #addicted_to_extremadura #spain #spain_all_pics #spain_nature_all_pics #spainexplo...
miguelmn78
117 likes • 0 views

🚗 Easy Access by Car

You can drive close to the main attractions, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The unique landscape is a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours. Instagram+1

Ayer martes 13 de mayo, nuestros chicos de habilitación funcional pudieron disfrutar de sus terapias al aire libre en los Barruecos gracias a @caixabank 🌲🪵🪻🪨 ¡Lo pasaron genial!
down.caceres
69 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended

Trails can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the granite formations and surrounding nature. Reddit

🤫 Respect the Wildlife

Keep noise levels down to avoid disturbing nesting birds like storks and herons. Reddit

🚗 Easy Access by Car

You can drive close to the main attractions, making it accessible for most visitors. Reddit

📸 Capture the Scenery

The unique landscape is a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours. Instagram+1

🚫 Motorbike Noise Alert

Be aware that loud motorbikes can sometimes disrupt the peaceful atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the stunning, unique granite formations and the peaceful atmosphere of Los Barruecos, often finding photos don't do it justice. The opportunity to see nesting storks and its connection to Game of Thrones are also highlights. However, some visitors are disappointed by the presence of loud motorbikes, which detract from the tranquility.

"This place is gorgeous! Photo’s can’t capture the beauty of this (quiet) place, so make sure to visit is. We had doubts since it was a little far off our route, but where very happy to made this stop. Easy (offroad) drive and great scenery directly from the road/car!"

Kai W.

"You should visit Natural Monument Los Barruecos if you really enjoy nature observation and geology, mainly granite,
In general.
Those, were formed from plutonic extrusion millions of years ago and with the exposition to erosive agents, they’ve been breaking modeling, gaining spectacular shapes."

Jơana dơѕ Sanтơѕ

"Beautiful landscape and very nice walking trails, deserves a 5 star. I give it 4 stars because of the loud motorbikes we found everywhere. It's strange that it's written everywhere that one should speak softly to not disturb the birds. But then loud motorbikes are allowed. The park officials should not allow this, very bad for the breeding birds and also for walking tourists. Spoils the atmosphere"

Akanksha Singh

What People Like

Spectacular granite landscapes
Abundant birdlife
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Loud motorbikes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Los Barruecos is located near Malpartida de Cáceres in Extremadura, Spain. The easiest way to reach it is by car, with good road access. You can drive directly to the trailhead, making it quite accessible. Reddit

Public transport options are limited. It's highly recommended to have a car for the most convenient access. Check local bus schedules for Malpartida de Cáceres, but direct transport to the monument itself is rare. TikTok

Yes, you can drive quite close to the main granite formations and the famous concrete car, which is a short stroll from the parking area. Reddit

The road leading to the monument is generally good, with some sections of off-road driving possible if you want to explore further. Reddit

Absolutely! Los Barruecos is an excellent day trip from Cáceres, located just a short drive away. It's a perfect escape into nature. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Los Barruecos Natural Monument is generally free. It's a protected natural area open for visitors to explore. Instagram

As a natural monument, Los Barruecos is accessible year-round. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery. Instagram

There is no entrance fee to visit Los Barruecos Natural Monument. You can enjoy its natural beauty and geological wonders without any cost. Reddit

While generally open, it's important to respect the natural environment. Avoid disturbing wildlife and stick to marked trails where available. Reddit

Visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and the potential to disturb nocturnal wildlife. Daylight hours are best for exploration. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

There are various walking trails catering to different fitness levels. The path to the iconic granite formations and the concrete car is a short, easy stroll. Longer routes explore more of the natural landscape. Reddit

Yes, Los Barruecos is a haven for birds, particularly white storks and grey herons nesting on the rock formations. It's a prime spot for nature observation. Instagram+1

The concrete car is an art installation that has become an iconic landmark within Los Barruecos, often featured in photos. It's easily accessible. Reddit

Basic facilities might be available, but it's advisable to check locally. It's a natural monument, so amenities can be limited compared to a developed park. Instagram

Picnicking is generally allowed in designated areas. Remember to take all your trash with you to help preserve the natural beauty. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic granite formations, the nesting storks, and the unique concrete car are prime photo opportunities. The landscape offers stunning vistas throughout. Instagram+2

Late afternoon and early evening offer the best light for photography, with the golden hour casting a warm glow on the granite. Reddit

Drone usage in natural protected areas can be restricted. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes, while a telephoto lens is useful for bird photography. Instagram

Yes, you can photograph the areas where Game of Thrones was filmed. The dramatic rock formations themselves are the main draw. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Los Barruecos is a fantastic destination for families looking for an outdoor adventure. The relatively easy access to the main granite formations means even younger children can explore without extensive hiking. The unique rock shapes spark imagination, and the chance to spot nesting storks and herons is always a hit with kids. Instagram

Pack snacks and water, as amenities can be limited. Encourage children to observe the wildlife quietly and respect the natural environment. The 'Game of Thrones' connection might also be a fun talking point for older kids. Remember comfortable shoes for everyone, and consider visiting in the cooler parts of the day to ensure a pleasant experience for the whole family. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Nature Lovers

For photographers and nature enthusiasts, Los Barruecos is a paradise. The granite formations offer endless compositional possibilities, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The wildlife, particularly the storks and herons, provides excellent opportunities for bird photography. Instagram+1

Bring a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes and a telephoto lens for wildlife shots. Be prepared for varied terrain and consider visiting during the week or in the early morning/late evening to avoid crowds and capture the most serene shots. The monument's unique geology and rich biodiversity make it a truly rewarding location for capturing stunning images. Reddit

🚶 Hikers & Outdoor Enthusiasts

While not a strenuous hiking destination, Los Barruecos offers pleasant walking opportunities. The main paths are well-maintained and lead to the most iconic geological features. For those seeking more exploration, there are longer trails that wind through the natural park, offering a deeper immersion into the landscape. Reddit

Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the terrain can be uneven. The best times to visit for hiking are spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Be mindful of the sun, especially in summer, and carry plenty of water. The peaceful atmosphere, punctuated by the sounds of nature, makes for a refreshing outdoor experience. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Geology and Natural Beauty

Los Barruecos Natural Monument is a geological marvel, characterized by its striking granite formations. These massive rocks, known as 'bochones', have been sculpted over millions of years by erosive agents like wind and rain, resulting in unique, rounded shapes that create an almost alien landscape. The contrast between the rugged granite and the surrounding Mediterranean scrubland is visually captivating. This natural beauty is a significant draw for visitors seeking to connect with the raw power of nature. InstagramReddit

The monument is also a vital habitat for various bird species. It's particularly famous for its colonies of white storks and grey herons that nest on the highest points of the granite formations. The presence of these birds adds a dynamic element to the landscape, and their calls often break the otherwise profound silence of the area. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will find Los Barruecos a rewarding destination. Instagram+1

Beyond the granite and wildlife, the area also holds archaeological significance, with evidence of ancient human settlements. This blend of natural wonder, wildlife, and historical remnants makes Los Barruecos a multifaceted destination that appeals to a wide range of interests. TikTok

Filming Location Fame

The dramatic and otherworldly landscape of Los Barruecos has not gone unnoticed by Hollywood. The monument served as a filming location for a memorable scene in the globally popular HBO series, Game of Thrones. Specifically, the rugged terrain and imposing granite formations were used to depict a pivotal battle scene, adding a layer of cinematic allure to the natural beauty. Reddit

Fans of the show often visit Los Barruecos to stand in the very spots where iconic moments were filmed, imagining the epic battles that took place. This connection to popular culture has undoubtedly increased the monument's visibility and appeal, drawing in visitors who might not have otherwise discovered this Extremaduran gem. Reddit

While the 'Game of Thrones' connection is a significant draw for some, it's important to remember that the true magic of Los Barruecos lies in its inherent natural and geological splendor. The filming location aspect is an added bonus to an already spectacular natural monument. Reddit

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