BETWEEN THE TAJO AND MONFRAGÜE
STAGE 03

Between the Tagus and Monfragüe: two nature reserves to get your endorphins flowing


El paisaje cambia poco a poco: sierras, castillos, gargantas y carreteras que invitan a bajar el ritmo. Hasta que aparece Monfragüe, con sus roquedos, dehesas y fauna alada.

  • Start / End: Alcántara – Malpartida de Plasencia
  • Areas: Tajo Internacional and Monfragüe Biosphere Reserves
  • 9 local authorities and over 50 notable attractions

Don’t put your boots away just yet! If you thought the previous stage was intense, the third stage between Alcántara and Malpartida de Plasencia is, quite literally, mind-blowing. Why? Well, because in a single stage you’ll have two biosphere reserves and a national park, as well as scenic roads, remarkable trees, megalithic sites, places of cultural interest and routes for walking, cycling or having a nap. 

But let’s take it one step at a time. We’ll start with Alcántara, a historic site where the Roman bridge It has been teaching us unparalleled lessons in engineering for two millennia. But bear in mind that even before the Romans, there were already «masters of their craft»: the early settlers They left us slate dolmens and the the Cabezo menhir, a twelve-metric-tonne granite phallus that lay on its side until 2015, when it was erected once more so that you can take the best selfie ever.

Here is the megalithism It’s non-stop with dolmens and rock art everywhere. Along the route, you’ll pass through villages steeped in history; in Zarza la Mayor, you’ll come across the castle of Peñafiel (or Racha Rachel, if you prefer), which seems to float above the Erjas, whilst the one in Marmionda, in Portezuelo, tells you tragic legends from its balcony in Armorican quartzite.

Fancy knowing the best-kept secret? Head to Serradilla and hop on the tourist boat. No gondolas here: you glide in electric silence between towering cliffs so as not to disturb the black stork. You are entering the sanctuary: the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve and National Park, where Peña Falcón and the The Gypsy’s Leap They offer you the most exclusive birding experience on the planet. Just as I’m telling you, Rodrigo!

And to top it all off? Pop round to Mirabel to see their castle and their remarkable trees which look like giant plants, give astro-tourism a go Starlight Skies or burn some rubber whilst hiking, mountain biking or cycle touring through the Vía de la Estrella or a Nature Trail infinity.

Still want more? You lot are unstoppable. Well, tOca culture: in August, classical theatre in Alcántara; cinema in Outskirts; music on Naturarte and the Reservations Month to round off the autumn. A real show of strength, that!