Volcanes del Campo de Calatrava

The area of Volcanes del Campo de Calatrava, in the municipality of Almagro (Ciudad Real), is part of the great volcanic province of Campo de Calatrava, one of the most important areas of recent volcanism in the Iberian Peninsula. In this sector there are volcanic structures, craters and reliefs associated with eruptive episodes developed on a La Mancha plain of great geological and landscape value; regional studies place in the whole region more than 240 volcanic edifices and a volcanic extension of several thousand square kilometers. The Hoya de Cervera, a crater of phreatomagmatic origin, that is, generated by explosions of magma in contact with subway water, stands out especially in the surroundings of Almagro. These forms allow us to clearly recognize how volcanic activity shaped the territory, with circular depressions, eruptive materials and contrasts between the volcanic reliefs and the surrounding agricultural landscape. Due to its scientific and geomorphological interest, the area is considered an authentic natural laboratory to observe the interior volcanism of Castilla-La Mancha. Its interest for visitors lies in the fact that it allows them to interpret, in an area relatively close to the town of Almagro, a unique landscape that is unusual in La Mancha: volcanoes, craters and forms of erosion linked to ancient eruptions. The area is included within the protected area of the Calatrava Volcanic Massif and the territorial recognition linked to the Calatrava Volcanoes Geopark. In addition, Hoya de Cervera was declared a Natural Monument with an area of 284 hectares, which underlines its environmental and geological relevance.