Castilla-La Mancha, a region of wide plains, olive groves, and historic windmills, also shelters some of Spain’s most quietly beautiful and ecologically rich landscapes. Its two national parks — Cabañeros and Tablas de Daimiel — offer a powerful contrast: one a vast Mediterranean forest filled with large mammals, the other a wetland oasis supporting thousands of birds.

Whether you’re seeking wildlife encounters, peaceful nature walks, or a glimpse of Spain’s untamed interior, these national parks promise authentic, off-the-beaten-path adventures. Here’s everything you need to know.

Cabañeros National Park – The “Spanish Serengeti”

Location: Provinces of Ciudad Real and Toledo
Nearest Cities: Ciudad Real, Toledo, Talavera de la Reina

What to Expect

Often referred to as the “Spanish Serengeti”, Cabañeros is a vast and diverse park that covers over 400 square kilometres of gently rolling plains, oak forests, and rugged mountain ranges. This protected area is one of the best places in Spain to see large mammals in the wild, including red deer, wild boar, and even the elusive Iberian lynx. It’s also home to over 200 species of birds, making it a major destination for ornithologists and nature lovers alike.

Cabañeros has retained a sense of timelessness — ancient pastures, untouched Mediterranean woodlands, and traditional shepherd trails run throughout the park. In autumn, the spectacle of deer rutting season (the berrea) draws visitors for one of Spain’s most unique wildlife experiences.

Things to Do

• Join a 4×4 guided safari through the raña grasslands to spot deer and birds of prey
• Walk self-guided trails like the Boquerón del Estena, a scenic gorge with fossils and lush vegetation
• Visit Torre de Abraham Reservoir for birdwatching
• Learn about local ecology at Casa Palillos and Horcajo de los Montes visitor centres

Getting There

• From Ciudad Real:
  • By car: 1 to 1.5 hours to park entrances such as Horcajo de los Montes or Navas de Estena
  • Guided tours with transport may be arranged through local ecotourism agencies
• From Toledo:
  • Around 1.5 hours by car to the northern edge of the park
  • Public transport is limited; consider staying in nearby villages or booking a tour
• From Madrid:
  • About 2.5 hours by car; some rural accommodation offers pick-up services from nearby towns

Tablas de Daimiel National Park – A Wetland Wonder

Location: Province of Ciudad Real
Nearest Cities: Daimiel, Ciudad Real

What to Expect

Tablas de Daimiel is a unique inland wetland — a rare ecosystem formed by the overflow of the Guadiana and Gigüela rivers. It’s one of the last remaining examples of a floodplain wetland in Europe and has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Though relatively small, the park is immensely important for birdlife, especially during migration seasons. Visitors may spot purple herons, marsh harriers, egrets, and even rare species like the bittern. The park is also an example of successful wetland restoration, as efforts continue to protect its fragile water balance.

Wooden walkways and observation towers allow you to walk directly above reedbeds and open lagoons, offering peaceful views and close contact with nature — perfect for photographers and birdwatchers.

Things to Do

• Follow the park’s scenic footbridges and trails, including Isla del Pan and La Laguna Permanente
• Watch for birds from strategically placed hides and observation towers
• Visit the Visitor Centre to learn about wetland ecology and conservation
• Take a guided interpretive walk for expert insights into seasonal birdlife

Getting There

• From Daimiel:
  • Just 10 km from the park; taxis and cycling routes are available
  • Local accommodations often offer shuttle services
• From Ciudad Real:
  • 30 minutes by car
  • Buses and trains run regularly to Daimiel from Ciudad Real and Madrid
• From Madrid:
  • High-speed train (AVE) or regional train to Ciudad Real (about 1 hour), then transfer to Daimiel

Practical Tips for Visiting

• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for birdwatching; autumn in Cabañeros for the deer rut
• Visitor centres: Open year-round and provide maps, trail info, and guided activities
• Accommodation: Rural guesthouses and eco-lodges are available near both parks — particularly in Horcajo de los Montes, Navas de Estena, and Daimiel

Castilla-La Mancha’s national parks may be less known than others in Spain, but that’s part of their magic. They offer space, silence, and wild beauty — and they invite you to slow down, watch, and reconnect with nature. Whether you’re crossing open plains in search of stags or quietly waiting for a glimpse of a heron in golden light, Cabañeros and Tablas de Daimiel offer moments you won’t forget.