Guide · Spain · All year
A rock face hundreds of metres high above the Tagus, with dozens of griffon vultures coming and going, and high above them the large dark silhouettes of cinereous vultures: Monfragüe National Park in Extremadura is one of the best bird sites in Europe. Best of all, the main viewpoints are right by the road.
Short answer: go to the Salto del Gitano (Peña Falcón) in Monfragüe National Park, between Cáceres and Plasencia. About 80 pairs of griffon vultures nest right opposite the viewpoint. Come in the morning or late afternoon, ideally from March to June. Entry is free.
What you see in Monfragüe
| Species | In Monfragüe |
|---|---|
| Griffon vulture | Nearly 500 breeding pairs, all year |
| Cinereous vulture | One of the largest colonies in the world; nests in the trees of the dehesa |
| Egyptian vulture | Summer visitor, from spring to the end of summer |
| Spanish imperial eagle | An important breeding site for this rare eagle |
| Black stork | Nests in the cliffs along the river |
| Eagle owl | Breeds in the park; mostly heard at dusk |
Monfragüe covers about 18,400 hectares. Besides birds, red deer, foxes and otters live here, and in autumn you can hear the red deer roar.
The best viewpoints
| Viewpoint | What you see | Best time |
|---|---|---|
| Salto del Gitano (Peña Falcón) | The park’s largest griffon colony, about 80 pairs, right opposite you; cinereous vultures high in the sky | Morning or late afternoon; short railed path and car park |
| Portilla del Tiétar | Griffon and cinereous vultures over the river gorge; Egyptian vultures in spring and summer | Afternoon until sunset, especially March to June and September |
| Castillo de Monfragüe | Wide views over the whole park from the tower, after 134 steps | Morning |
| Puerto de la Serrana | Vultures gaining height before crossing the valleys | Early morning |
| La Báscula, near Torrejón el Rubio | Cinereous vultures flying to and from their roosts in the dehesa | Morning |
| La Tajadilla | Griffon vultures, quieter than the Salto del Gitano | Morning or afternoon |
Start at the information centre in Villarreal de San Carlos, in the middle of the park. There you can find out which trails are open and what has been seen recently.
When to go
| Period | What you see |
|---|---|
| March – June | The best time: breeding in full swing, the Egyptian vultures are back and spring turns the dehesa green |
| July – August | Hot; go early in the morning or late in the day |
| September – October | Beautiful light, quieter, and roaring red deer |
| November – February | Griffon and cinereous vultures stay all year; common cranes also winter in the dehesas of Extremadura |
Go on a sunny day with a light breeze: that’s when the vultures fly most. In strong winds they often stay away from the cliffs. At weekends the viewpoints can fill up, so arrive early.
How to watch without disturbing
- Stay on waymarked trails and keep your distance from nests and roosts.
- Don’t use sounds to attract birds, and don’t fly a drone without permission.
- Watch out for trails that are temporarily closed during the breeding season.
What to bring
Binoculars are enough for the griffons at the Salto del Gitano. To identify a cinereous vulture, imperial eagle or black stork, a telescope helps. Keep the sun behind you, and in summer bring water and a sun hat.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about Monfragüe
Where do you see the most vultures in Monfragüe?
At the Salto del Gitano (Peña Falcón), where about 80 pairs of griffon vultures nest, and at the Portilla del Tiétar.
When is the best time for Monfragüe?
From March to June, when the birds are breeding and the Egyptian vultures are back. You can see vultures there all year.
Is there an entry fee for Monfragüe?
No, the national park and its viewpoints are free to visit.
Which vultures can you see in Monfragüe?
Griffon and cinereous vultures all year, and Egyptian vultures in spring and summer too.
Where is Monfragüe?
In the province of Cáceres in Extremadura, western Spain, between Cáceres and Plasencia, on the Tagus and Tiétar rivers.
Want to see vultures in France too? Read our guide to vulture watching in the Gorges de la Jonte.
