Let’s say you’re a bird lover, or that you’d like to take up birdwatching to observe these magnificent creatures. ‘All UNESCO Territories’ offers unrivalled opportunities to do so, but this getaway we’re suggesting brings together the very best of the more than 250 species found there: large eagles, falcons, vultures, black storks and countless smaller birds await you amidst stunning rocky and wooded landscapes.
Grab your binoculars – we’re off to Monfragüe.
Cancho del Lobo
We’ll start by taking a look at the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve – just like that, without further ado. Because from this stunning viewpoint in the Sierra de la Cueva, which can be reached by car or on foot (1.5 km) from Serradilla, you can see a large part of it. The nearby gateway to the Fraile Gorge guarantees sightings of griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and other large birds of prey, and the views of the dehesa are absolutely stunning.
Let’s set sail
Yes, yes, let’s go for a boat trip. From the Serradilla jetty (4.3 km) on the Tagus, a tourist boat offers the chance to explore the great river, observing from the water the birds that inhabit its banks; from March to August it sails westwards and for the rest of the year eastwards, as far as the vicinity of Peña Falcón, within Monfragüe National Park. A boat trip and birdwatching – what more could you ask for?
Birdcentre
A must-visit is this visitor centre in Torrejón el Rubio (17.6 km), where they explain, step by step, everything you need to know about the birds of the Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve and National Park. The building itself is shaped like a bird, just like the silhouettes we used to draw as children, and there are other highly recommended interpretation centres in the immediate vicinity.
EAT, DRINK, LOVE
A great time to recharge your batteries; whilst you’re in Torrejón el Rubio, take a breather to sample the local cuisine, which has plenty to offer: fine meats, with anything bearing the ‘Iberian’ name at the top of the list, such as ham, but also lamb and beef; mushrooms; cheeses; gazpacho, migas… Enjoy.
The Gypsy’s Leap
It’s not just a gimmick, no – it’s the very heart of the rock-dwelling birds, that is, those that live on the rocks. Just 10 km from Torrejón, with the colossal mass of Peña Falcón looming ahead, there are few places in the world where you’ll find a griffon vulture colony like this one, with over a hundred pairs recorded. But there are also black storks, Egyptian vultures, peregrine falcons, eagle owls… a veritable feast of birds, really.
La Tajadilla
After passing through Villarreal de San Carlos (5 km), where you can also visit several visitor centres, you’ll reach this spot (6.3 km), which has a picnic area and an observation point, situated right beside the road. As well as the cliff-dwelling birds on the headland, the surrounding copse offers sightings of other birds such as the lesser spotted woodpecker and the common chaffinch, whilst foxes and deer are often seen in the area.
La Portilla del Tiétar
Crossing the Torrejón Waterfalls Dam and after passing the Malavuelta, La Báscula and La Higuerilla viewpoints, you’ll find yourself at La Portilla (5.4 km). It is one of the best spots in the nature reserve and the national park for spotting the magnificent Iberian imperial eagle, and you may also witness the frenzied activity of the otters in the river. A unique place.
And off we go for the marsh flowers
If you’ve still got time, we highly recommend this spot, especially at sunset. The Arrocampo Bird Park (43 km) in Saucedilla is the perfect way to round off the day: five observation points for spotting wetland birds such as the black-winged stilt, little bittern, bearded reedling, squacco heron, water rail… and even marsh harriers and ospreys in winter. Brilliant.
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