Identification of tourist resources for the design of thematic routes in the natural corridor of the Armorican Arch of Cáceres (Extremadura, SW Spain)

Abstract

Abstract The Spanish region of Extremadura represents a paradigmatic case within the European Union because above 30% of its territory (41,634\xa0km2) is protected by international, national or regional figures of protection. In addition, many of these protected areas are connected between them through the so-called Armorican Arch of Caceres which crosses the region from SE to NW as if it were a natural corridor of quartzite ridges. The main goal of this study was to identify tourist resources in this natural corridor aimed at the design of tourist routes that can suppose an opportunity of touristic development in this territory characterized by a low population density. For doing that, we have followed these methodological steps: [1] geographical delimitation of the Armorican Arch of Caceres, [2] socio-economic analysis of the municipalities and [3] identification of the natural protected sites crossed by this corridor, [4] compilation of information on fauna and flora as well as geological and cultural aspects, and [5] design of tourist routes. This corridor passes by 52 municipalities, 7 counties, 3 provinces and 2 countries and connects the La Siberia Biosphere Reserve with the Naturtejo Geopark in Portugal passing by the Villuercas, Ibores, Jara Geopark, the Monfrague National Park (also Biosphere Reserve), the Canchos de Ramiro y Ladronera Special Protection Area for Birds and the International Tagus River Biosphere Reserve. We have identified 81 remarkable tourist resources: 37 natural protected sites, 30 sites of geological interest and 14 medieval castles as well as the presence of fossils and valuable species of flora and fauna (some of them are endangered). By using this information we have designed three thematic tourist routes: birdwatching, medieval castles and geological sites.