Spain's Las Hurdes forest and Tablas de Daimiel wetlands draw nature tourists

The Las Hurdes region in the province of Cáceres, Extremadura, is promoted as the "Spanish Black Forest." It comprises about 43 small slate villages surrounded by dense oak and chestnut woods, steep gorges and a series of waterfalls such as the Meandro del Melero and the Chorrituero de Ovejuela. Visitors can hike scenic trails, explore traditional architecture and enjoy local cuisine, with April to June identified as the optimal period for strong waterfalls and lush vegetation.

Approximately two hours south of Madrid, the Tablas de Daimiel National Park in Ciudad Real is a rare wetland that recently filled after heavy February rains. Boardwalks wind through the water‑logged tables, providing bird‑watching opportunities and a glimpse of the biosphere reserve’s fragile ecosystem. Guides recommend routes like the Isla del Pan and the Laguna Permanente, but officials warn that the wetlands could dry out later in the spring if water extraction continues, making an early‑season visit essential.