Las Quilamas

Las Quilamas is a protected natural area stretching north of the Sierra de Francia, in the southeastern part of the province of Salamanca, in the region of Castile and León. The territory forms part of the Sierras de Béjar y Francia Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO in 2006, and spans ten municipalities across roughly 11,100 hectares. The town of San Miguel de Valero sits right at the meeting point of two landscapes — the Sierra de las Quilamas on one side and the Sierra de Francia range on the other — making it a natural gateway for exploring the wider region.

What kind of landscape does Quilamas offer?

The terrain is classic medium-mountain country, shaped over millennia by the erosive action of the Alagón and Quilamas rivers along with the Palla stream. That slow carving created a succession of deep valleys and rugged, jagged ridgelines. The highest point in the area is Pico Cervero, rising to 1,465 meters above sea level. The underlying geology is distinctly siliceous, dominated by slates and quartzites typical of the whole Sierra de Francia and Quilamas range, giving the local rock outcrops their characteristic dark tone.

Why is this area so ecologically valuable?

The excellent conservation state of Quilamas' ecosystems has been one of the pillars supporting the prestige of the entire Sierras de Béjar-Francia Biosphere Reserve. Biodiversity here has been catalogued in remarkable detail: around 2,000 plant species have been recorded, of which 93 are endemic, and 8 of those exist nowhere else on Earth outside this reserve. Endemic species include the fish Cobitis vettonica and the lizard Iberolacerta martinezricae. Environmentally sensitive species such as otters also live here, a sign of how clean the local watercourses remain.

What birds can be spotted here?

The presence of black vultures, black storks, and golden eagles was decisive in the area being designated a Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA). Alongside its plant diversity, this rich birdlife was one of the key arguments for protecting the territory — birdwatchers visit the area hoping to catch sight of these large raptors and rare species circling above the valleys.

What else is worth seeing around San Miguel de Valero?

Thanks to its location, San Miguel de Valero also borders other areas of major touristic interest, including the Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Area and the Las Batuecas Regional Game Reserve. This makes the surrounding region popular with visitors planning longer hiking routes that link several protected areas into a single trip.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Las Quilamas located? In the southeastern part of the province of Salamanca, in the region of Castile and León, north of the Sierra de Francia, spanning ten municipalities including San Miguel de Valero.

How large is this protected area? Approximately 11,100 hectares.

What is the highest peak in the range? Pico Cervero, at 1,465 meters above sea level.

Why was the area given UNESCO recognition? Because of the excellent conservation state of its ecosystems, high biodiversity (close to 2,000 plant species, including endemic ones), and the presence of rare birds of prey, which led to its inclusion in the Sierras de Béjar y Francia Biosphere Reserve in 2006.

Which rivers flow through this area? The Alagón and Quilamas rivers, along with the Palla stream.