National Parc Monfrague
Best time of year: all year round
Half-day guided tour (times by arrangement)
Price: €130 for two people
Includes: coffee/tea break
It is no coincidence that the reputation of this park extends far beyond Europe. Nowhere else can such a high density of birds of prey be found as in Monfragüe. The park covers approximately 10 × 30 km, and the area surrounding the National Park has been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
The Tagus River winds its way through the National Park, and the surrounding dehesas, forests and rocky cliffs are teeming with birds of prey. The griffon vulture is the star of the show, closely followed by the black vulture. During the summer months, the Egyptian vulture is also present.
In addition, five species of eagle breed in Monfragüe National Park: golden eagle, booted eagle, short-toed eagle, Bonelli’s eagle and the very rare Spanish imperial eagle. The main highlight is the famous Peña Falcon, where almost all of these birds of prey can be seen. Other notable species include black stork, peregrine falcon, blue rock thrush and corn bunting.
During the tour, we visit the Monfragüe Castle, which offers truly phenomenal views over the dehesa landscapes of Extremadura. With a bit of luck, vultures will glide past at eye level.
Depending on the time of year and the length of the tour, we may also take a short walk, allowing more time to focus on the area’s rich natural surroundings.
During the tour, we follow the provincial road that runs through the park, passing several additional bird cliffs. Where the Tiétar River — flowing down from the nearby Gredos Mountains — enters the park, you’ll find Portilla del Tiétar, another well-known rocky outcrop. This is without doubt the best place to get the Spanish imperial eagle in your sights.
