International Tagus

At the western edge of the province of Cáceres, in Extremadura, along the border with Portugal and around the course of the Tagus River, lies a landscape where Mediterranean nature, history, and border culture are all part of a single identity. We are in Tajo Internacional, a land of dehesas, riverbanks, mountain ranges, and small villages that preserve the essence of a way of life closely tied to the landscape.

The Tajo-Tejo Internacional Transboundary Biosphere Reserve, designated by UNESCO in 2016, encompasses 14 municipalities in Cáceres and 259,643 hectares on the Spanish side, within a cross-border area of 428,176 hectares that shares a valuable natural and cultural heritage with Portugal.

Here, the border is much more than a line on a map: it is a shared history, a distinct culture, and a meeting place.

NATURE TO ENJOY AT A LEISURLY PACE

Tajo Internacional invites you to connect with nature and enjoy it at a leisurely pace. Its vast pastures of holm oaks and cork oaks, Mediterranean forests and scrublands, mountain ranges, and the deep riverbanks of the Tagus make up a diverse landscape where open spaces coexist with pockets of lush vegetation and scenes of great beauty.

This variety of habitats supports a unique array of wildlife. The black stork, black vulture, Iberian imperial eagle, and Egyptian vulture find a privileged refuge here, along with numerous species of birds, mammals, and other animals native to the Mediterranean ecosystem.

Hiking its trails, birdwatching, watching birds of prey in flight, boating on the river, or simply stopping to enjoy the views are just some of the ways to experience this environment.

A destination for those seeking tranquility, well-preserved landscapes, and outdoor experiences in close contact with nature.

A LAND WITH A HISTORY

The landscapes of Tajo Internacional bear the traces of those who have inhabited these lands for thousands of years. Dolmens and other megalithic remains, fortifications, churches, convents, bridges, and traditional buildings bear witness to the various cultures that have passed through the area and to the strategic importance this border region held for centuries.

This historical legacy can be found in its villages, its monuments, and the ancient roads that connected communities on both sides of La Raya. From the monumental heritage of Alcántara to the historic districts and traditional architecture of the various towns, each place offers an opportunity to connect with the past and understand the evolution of life in these lands.

But history also lives on in the customs, folk celebrations, cuisine, and the way the people speak and interact. The culture of the border region is one of the defining characteristics of Tajo Internacional: a shared legacy that reflects centuries of coexistence and exchange and remains present in the daily lives of its inhabitants.

MUCH MORE THAN JUST A LANDSCAPE

Tajo Internacional offers much more than just landscapes and monuments. It is a place to understand the relationship between people and nature, learn about traditional ways of using the countryside, and discover a culture that has managed to adapt to its environment without losing its roots.

To delve deeper into this identity, it’s worth visiting the region’s network of tourist offices, visitor centers, and interpretive spaces, which offer insights into its natural values, heritage, and the history and traditions of La Raya. These are the places where you can plan your visit, discover new routes, and explore the features that make this region unique.

Interacting with local residents, producers, and tourism professionals allows you to round out this experience from a more intimate perspective. Listening to their stories, learning about their trades, and appreciating the knowledge passed down from generation to generation is also a way to understand the region and appreciate what makes it authentic.

LIVING ON THE INTERNATIONAL TAJO

Tajo Internacional offers numerous ways to enjoy the destination: hiking its trails, driving along its scenic roads, birdwatching, boating on the Tagus River, exploring its megalithic heritage, or strolling through the streets of its villages. It’s also an opportunity to savor the local cuisine, discover regional products, and experience the traditions that give this region its unique character.