Extremadura

What to see in the Monfragüe National Park

In the north of Extremadura, located between Trujillo and Plasencia, is the Monfragüe National Park, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Spanish nature.

It has an area of ​​almost 18,000 hectares and is crossed by the Tagus and Tiétar rivers, resulting in a unique example of Mediterranean forest. Without a doubt, it is a perfect place to spend the day surrounded by nature and tranquility. And to enjoy the landscapes.

If you stay in Cáceres we recommend this excursion to Monfragüe, which also includes a visit to Plasencia and the Yuste Monastery.

Flora and fauna in Monfrague

MonfragueIt can be said that in the Monfragüe Park there are two different parts.

One of them is the part of its mountains (not too high) with abundant Mediterranean scrub and the other is the meadows that surround them where cork oaks and holm oaks predominate.

This causes that there is a great variety of Mediterranean fauna, being one of the most important reserves of birds and with a great variety of mammals.

Among the birds we can find vultures, eagles, Egyptian vultures, storks and owls, being very numerous, among mammals, deer, roe deer and wild boar. It is very common for these animals to cross the road that crosses the park, so you have to drive with caution.

What to see in Monfragüe Park

Monfrague - Gypsy FallsOne of the most beautiful places in the park is located on the same road that connects Plasencia with Trujillo.

Right in the area that runs along the Tagus River. There is a viewpoint there, with parking, from where you can see the so-called “Salto del Gitano”.

This is the name given to the area where two rocky mountains separated by the Tagus meet and where the largest colony of black vultures in the world is found. Without a doubt, a point of reference for bird lovers.

Legend has it that a gypsy bandit took refuge in these mountains who frightened the neighbors. One day, fleeing from the Civil Guard, he reached this point and was able to escape by jumping from one side to the other. That’s where his name comes from.

Monfague - CastleVery close to Salto del Gitano is another of Monfragüe’s points of interest, the Castle.

Although it is quite destroyed, the walls and two towers are still preserved.

The climb to the castle, witness to battles between Muslims and Christians, is a must due to the beautiful views that can be seen from above.

In addition, this climb, which part you will have to do on foot, will possibly be accompanied by the deer that inhabit the park.

In addition, there are also other viewpoints to see birds and some monuments such as the Puente del Cardenal, built in 1446 and which is usually found under the waters of the reservoir, so it is only visible in years of rain.

Routes through the Monfragüe Park

Monfrague - Cardenal BridgeHow could it be otherwise, there are different signposted routes to follow through the Monfragüe Park, either on foot or by car.

These routes are marked with different colors and depending on which it is, it will have greater or lesser difficulty or distance.

On these routes you can pass through different viewpoints and points of interest, all perfectly signposted.

There are also companies that organize routes but we recommend doing them on your own in order to fully enjoy what they offer you. Before starting a route, it is advisable to find out about it at one of the information points that exist or on the official website of the Monfragüe Park.

It must be said that for some of the routes you have to ask for a special permit but in general they are free and free.

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