PROTECTED AREAS
Visit these unique sights
Almost infinite landscapes
Geoparks are territories with defined boundaries that present a remarkable geological heritage, internationally recognized, which is properly preserved and used as an engine for local development. Since November 2015, geoparks are, moreover, covered by UNESCO included within the Earth Sciences and Geoparks program.
A Geopark should emphasize the role of geology as the base substrate on which society develops, determining its characteristics and evolution. To this end, it should investigatethe links between geology, natural and cultural heritage, giving the visitor the opportunity to get to know them through an enriching experience, which promotes quality tourism.
Alto Tajo Natural Park
It is an extensive natural area structured by the Tagus River and its headwater tributaries, in the heart of the Iberian System. Its exceptional environmental values and excellent state of conservation led to its declaration as a Natural Park in 2000, over a territory of 105,721 hectares, covering 35 municipalities in the province of Guadalajara and 2 in the province of Cuenca.
In addition to this area, there are 70,000 hectares of the Peripheral Protection Zone, making it one of the largest protected natural areas in the Iberian Peninsula. Sickles and crags, river courses, forests and moorlands are the most representative ecosystems of the Natural Park, standing out the great value of its geological elements, flora with abundant pine forests, juniper, holm oak, gall oak and oak groves.
Also noteworthy are singular trees and groves such as elms and sequoias. As for the fauna, it is worth mentioning the golden eagle and the griffon vulture, as well as the deer, roe deer, wild cat, wild boar and mountain goat. The exceptional and varied landscapes due to the great geodiversity of this territory make an almost infinite list in a perfect state of conservation.
This destination is home to important ethnographic elements such as Celtiberian forts, rock art, castles and fortresses, hermitages and churches, industrial heritage such as salt mines, mills and huts.
Red Natura 2000
The protected areas of the Natura 2000 Network are the best preserved places in Europe and since 2023 we are adhered to the System for the recognition of the sustainability of nature tourism in the Natura 2000 Network. 9 companies have decided to train and offer ecotourism experiences.
Within the boundaries of the Geopark there are four other Natura 2000 Network areas such as ZEC and ZEPA Alto Tajo; ZEC and ZEPA Parameras de Maranchón, Hoz del Mesa and Aragoncillo; ZEC and ZEPA Lagunas y Parameras del Señorío de Molina and ZEC Sierra de Caldereros.
The Geopark includes a Natural Park and several areas included in the Natura 2000 Network, but there are also three protected natural areas of significant importance. These are the Microreserve of Prados Húmedos de Torremocha del Pinar, the Natural Monument of Sierra de Caldereros and the Natural Monument of the Fuentelsaz Stratotype.