Best natural monuments around Carrión De Calatrava are characterized by a landscape featuring volcanic lagoons, historical thermal springs, and the Guadiana River. The region, part of the Campo de Calatrava, offers a natural environment suitable for hiking and outdoor activities, showcasing diverse flora and fauna. This area is known for its unique geological formations, including pseudokarstic lagoons and thermal springs with mineral-medicinal waters. The surroundings provide opportunities to explore natural features integrated with historical sites.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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It is located next to the town centre of Pozuelo de Calatrava. It is popularly known as the unexpected lagoon. If you pass by, it is a unique opportunity to enjoy the flora and fauna of the saltiest lagoon in the area.
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Right at the entrance, the Tablas de Calatrava Naturalist Association, in collaboration with the Carrión de Calatrava Town Hall, completed in 2020 the project to assemble a plaster oven in the traditional way of this town. Located in the House of Juan Merino, mayor of Praos from 1910 to 1914, it has been carried out following all the steps; From the extraction of the gypsum stones from the soil to its construction, although it has not been fired, it has been left assembled for the contemplation of visitors to the Baño de los Hervideros - next to which it is located -, as a tribute to the numerous families of plasterers who worked in our town for centuries in this hard trade.
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La Hoya del Mortero is one of the maars that best preserves its structure in Campo de Calatrava. Its crater forms a depression about 30 meters deep and about 500 meters in diameter. To appreciate these dimensions, it is best to visit it and observe it from its edge. Currently there is an interpretive panel from which we have a good view of the whole and helps to understand what we are seeing. Starting point of the Ciudad Real Greenway.
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Small lagoon that is very close to the center and what's more, the path that goes around it is quiet and pleasant close to the center.
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Within the Campo de Calatrava region, this municipality attracts the visitor's attention because it is close to two salty lagoons of volcanic origin, Argamasilla and Inesperada; formerly used as medicinal waters. Like other thermal springs where the Infante Don Carlos ordered the construction of the Baños de Fuensanta. In addition to its natural assets, the religious ones are important, in the form of a church and a sanctuary that we must not miss. Its 17th century church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist was declared a B.I.C. in 1989. Its nave is covered by a barrel vault and has a polygonal apse and two doorways under porticoes, one of them with Tiara Papal. It is one of the few churches that preserves its three original altarpieces from the 18th century, the most important being that of the High Altar made of walnut wood without polychrome and with allegories of the Trinity. In the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Santos we can also admire a beautiful altarpiece in Churrigueresque forms. The sanctuary is on the outskirts of the town and was built on an old Arab fortress. It has a single nave in which we will see wall paintings and a beautiful Mudejar coffered ceiling.
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Pozuelo de Calatrava is a rustic town of medieval origin located in the historic region of Campo de Calatrava, on the edge of one of the most interesting volcanic lagoons in the territory: La Inesperada or Laguna del Prado, where you can spot various waterfowl.
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Within the Campo de Calatrava region, this municipality attracts the visitor's attention because it is close to two salty lagoons of volcanic origin, Argamasilla and Inesperada; formerly used as medicinal waters. Like other thermal springs where the Infante Don Carlos ordered the construction of the Baños de Fuensanta. In addition to its natural assets, the religious ones are important, in the form of a church and a sanctuary that we must not miss. Its 17th century church dedicated to Saint John the Baptist was declared a B.I.C. in 1989. Its nave is covered by a barrel vault and has a polygonal apse and two doorways under porticoes, one of them with Tiara Papal. It is one of the few churches that preserves its three original altarpieces from the 18th century, the most important being that of the High Altar made of walnut wood without polychrome and with allegories of the Trinity. In the Sanctuary of Nuestra Señora de los Santos we can also admire a beautiful altarpiece in Churrigueresque forms. The sanctuary is on the outskirts of the town and was built on an old Arab fortress. It has a single nave in which we will see wall paintings and a beautiful Mudejar coffered ceiling.
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The Prado Lagoon is a saline volcanic lagoon with seasonal waters, located in the municipality of Pozuelo de Calatrava. Hydrographically it belongs to the Guadiana river basin. Its origin is pseudokarstic, since it was caused by a phreatomagmatic explosion at a fracture junction located in a sedimentary basin. This has favored surface ponding like this semi-arid lagoon, with sulphated-magnesium-sodic chloride waters. Due to its salinity, the vegetation is relegated to the margins, mainly salt marshes and halonitrophilous plants. The contribution of rainwater from the town has altered that salinity, allowing the appearance of reeds, castanets and even white poplars. During periods when it is flooded, you can see black-headed gulls, black-headed gulls, avocets, stilts and plovers, as well as pink flamingos.
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The region is known for its diverse natural features, including volcanic lagoons, historical thermal springs, and riverine landscapes. You can visit Laguna del Prado, a saline volcanic lagoon with seasonal waters, or explore the area around the Guadiana River, which historically played a crucial role in the region's landscape.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. Laguna del Prado is a great option, offering opportunities to observe diverse birdlife. The settlement of Pozuelo de Calatrava, with its nearby volcanic lagoons, is also family-friendly, as is the Los Hervideros thermal baths.
For wildlife observation, head to Laguna del Prado, where you might spot black-headed gulls, avocets, stilts, plovers, and even pink flamingos during flooded periods. The Isla Viewpoint along the El Vicario reservoir also offers rich birdlife viewing opportunities.
The region boasts natural sites with significant historical context. Los Hervideros, known for its gaseous baths, has been used since at least the Middle Ages. The Emperor's Baths are Roman-era thermal pools, offering a glimpse into ancient wellness practices. The Guadiana River itself played a vital role in the defense of the ancient city of Calatrava la Vieja.
Yes, the broader surroundings of Carrión de Calatrava are ideal for outdoor activities. You can find numerous paths suitable for walking or cycling, such as the Volcanes route. For specific routes, explore the Running Trails around Carrión De Calatrava or Road Cycling Routes around Carrión De Calatrava guides.
Carrión de Calatrava is home to unique thermal springs. Los Hervideros features gaseous baths formed by the accumulation of gases mixing with spring water. The Emperor's Baths are also ancient Roman thermal pools with similar origins.
Visitors appreciate the unique geological formations, such as the pseudokarstic lagoons and thermal springs. The opportunity to observe diverse birdlife at sites like Laguna del Prado, combined with the historical context of places like Los Hervideros, makes for a rich experience. The tranquil rural landscape also offers a peaceful escape.
Yes, the Isla Viewpoint provides excellent views along the El Vicario reservoir, where you can observe the rich birdlife and the surrounding natural landscape.
Many of the natural attractions, such as the lagoons and thermal baths, can be visited relatively easily. The general natural environment around Carrión de Calatrava offers numerous paths for walking, including sections of the Volcanes route, which can be adapted for shorter, easier excursions.
The best time to visit depends on your interests. For birdwatching, periods when lagoons like Laguna del Prado are flooded (often after rains) are ideal. Spring and autumn generally offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring the natural environment. Summers can be hot, and some seasonal lagoons may dry out.
Absolutely. The region offers various routes suitable for gravel biking. You can find detailed options in the Gravel biking around Carrión De Calatrava guide, which includes routes like the 'Mines on the Arzollar trail' and 'Faculty of Medicine – Antennas of La Atalaya loop'.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Carrión De Calatrava: