Anyone who approaches the National Park Monfragüe, Cáceres, Villarreal will go through San Carlos. This small hamlet is the only town that exists in the interior and the point of departure for most tours. But the village, located in an area that was ancient feud Highwaymen, is much more than just a place of passage.
This small enclave was founded in the mid eighteenth century by Charles III. ¿El reason? Monfragüe environment was infested with bandits and unscrupulous robberies were the order of the day. Traders and travelers suffered constant assaults for which there was not much choice, especially in specific locations such as the Puente del Cardenal. Given the hunting potential of the environment, and its importance as a transit, "El Politico" decided to create a small fixed garrison to provide security to the area. With that fact not only explains the origin of Villarreal de San Carlos, but also of many of its buildings. Are few individual level there is none that is especially salient, but the sum of them is a lovely set. Perhaps the main reference is the sober Church of Our Lady Help, on top. But, also be emphasized, thanks to the historical presence of nomadic pomegranate in the environment, a number of huts for the shepherds in the bottom of the village.
Monfragüe environment was infested with bandits and unscrupulous robberies were the order of the day.
As is evident, time over Villarreal de San Carlos lost the function for which had been founded. After a long period in which Gray is perhaps the best adjective, in the course of the twentieth century the area is important because of the environmental trend that was gradually taking environmental protection. The declaration of National Park 2007 came from the hand of a parallel process in which all people's activities were geared towards tourism: Lodging, restaurants, small businesses…
Route information
Today, as stated, Villarreal de San Carlos lives by and for tourism National Park. That makes for a great cultural offerings in the area, structured around the main road that splits the town in two and always focused, naturally, to Monfragüe. The first thing to note is a Visitors Center in which not only give us maps and advice to plan our route, but also last-minute information: if any section is impracticable because of the rains, if not should go somewhere because it can nightfall, concrete events…
On the other hand, the Monfragüe Interpretation Centre, Admission free, allows travelers to know in depth everything related to the park: flora, fauna, changes stations… This has been reproduced in different ecosystems of the National Park, and for children has created a small maze in which you play with different objects Monfragüe. Very near it is the Water Interpretation Centre, although it is less complete is also worth. His exhibition is divided into two sections: one that will tell the different uses of the fluid element along the History in the environment and one that includes a large model of the entire park. Needless to say, which is also free.
A jewel of nature
And though the protagonist of this article is Villarreal de San Carlos, having fixed the focus here is impossible not to make a brief reference to National Park Monfragüe. To date is the last natural area of ??Spain that has received the highest rating in terms of protection concerns, and a simple walk through it serves to illustrate the need to preserve this environment. The route can be made in comfortable or adventurous plan. For the first option used car, going from one waypoint to another. Regarding the second possibility, it comes to trekking across the park. There are different routes, but one that offers a good overview never drop four or five hours walking.
As for the main attractions is necessary to emphasize the Cardinal Bridge (that at certain times of the year is completely submerged), the Castle Monfragüe (from where the views are spectacular) and Salto del Gitano (a rock formation that focuses on the most rapacious of Natural Park). It could fill paragraphs and paragraphs talking about the wonders of a visit to this jewel of the Iberian Peninsula, but above all we want to convey is that Villarreal de San Carlos, the place is probably the starting point of the excursion, not be overlooked. It is a small core, yes, but that exudes history from all sides and offers too many attractions to not be taken into account.
The trip
The road
Monfragüe National Park is situated in the northern Cáceres Province, in the center of a sort of triangle Cáceres, Trujillo and Plasencia. To get there are different options: for a general approach should be take the A-66 (if coming from north or south) or the A-5 (if you desde el center). The area will take some secondary roads, This is not a problem: are in good condition and the signs are more than adequate.
A nap
Although near the National Park there are various accommodation options our recommendation is to go to one of the nearby cities, where supply is greater. For nature lovers the Camping Ciudad de Cáceres (www.campingcaceres.com), in the capital of the province, be an option to consider.
A table set
And Plasencia, a half hour drive from San Carlos Villarreal, you can taste the best dishes Extremadura, processed products with designation of origin, in Parador Restaurant (Plaza de San Vicente).
Highly Recommended
A visit to Villarreal de San Carlos and a tour of the National Park Monfragüe can lead the entire morning. A perfect complement can be spend the evening enjoying the little old town of Plasencia, discovering a world heritage city as Cáceres or being struck by the great Trujillo monumental.
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