Parque Nacional de Monfragüe Travel Guide

Arching like a broad, green brushstroke on the map north of Cáceres and Trujillo, the Parque Nacional de Monfragüe (pronounced mon-frag-way, meaning “broken mountain”) became a national park in 1979 following efforts by local conservationists. It covers 68 square miles (17,600 hectares) of untouched Mediterranean woodland, rocky gorges, and majestic water where the Tagus and Tiétar rivers converge.

A must-visit destination for serious birdwatchers, it is home to many of Spain’s protected bird species, including the Spanish imperial eagle, black stork, azure-winged magpie, and Europe’s largest colony of black vultures (you’ll see scores of them without even trying). Red deer, wildcats, and genets roam the forests and riverbanks.

While good accommodation is available, the tourism infrastructure remains basic and public transport is almost non-existent. The best times to visit are in spring and autumn, as it gets punishingly hot in summer.