Parque Reserva Natural Las Quinientas

The Quinientas Nature Reserve and Park is a peri-urban area dedicated to education and recreation, located in the municipality of Berlanga, in the southern part of the province of Badajoz, in the southern plains of Extremadura. Geographically, it is located along National Highway 432 (Badajoz-Granada), on the historic corridor linking Mérida and Córdoba—an ancient Roman road and royal cattle trail that crosses the natural passage from the Meseta to the Bética region. The site occupies a public estate of approximately 218 hectares (500 fanegas), bordered to the west by the Culebras Stream and to the south by the national highway. Its main appeal lies not in its geology, but in its landscape and educational value: it serves as an outdoor classroom in the heart of nature, a recreational area, and a space for engaging with the rural environment, with a clear focus on conserving the dehesa landscape and promoting reforestation. The park is divided into three distinct zones: a reforested pine forest in the north, an area of artificial and natural lakes in the center, and a service area in the southeast where a large eucalyptus grove is located. The vegetation includes native species such as daffodils, orchids, chrysanthemums, fennel, gorse, and thyme, in addition to the reforested conifers and eucalyptus trees. The primary goal is to introduce younger generations to this environment in a fun and constructive setting, teaching them to care for and respect nature. From the visitor center, visitors can observe the park’s extensive natural areas, which are ideal for teaching and learning activities, recreation, and social interaction, all while showing respect and care for the animals and plants. The park features more than twenty enclosed enclosures where visitors can see native species such as ponies, peacocks, quails, and pheasants, along with species native to various continents, such as llamas from Peru, emus from Australia, Watusi cattle, and ostriches from Africa. It also offers facilities for environmental education and tourism, including mini-golf, cabins, a youth hostel, and other services. Designated a Peri-urban Conservation and Recreation Park in 2016, its protected status is closely tied to public use in Extremadura. The best time to visit is in the spring and fall, when walking through the park is most pleasant and the vegetation offers greater contrast; at sunset, the light is usually softer, making it ideal for photography.