How to go up to Monfragüe Castle to spot birds of prey

On your visit to Monfragüe National Park, riding a Estremadura, sighting of birds of prey It is the main activity you can enjoy.

In fact, every year thousands of visitors come to Monfragüe from northern European countries to see the great diversity of raptor species that stop in this natural area.

In order to enjoy your getaway, it is important to know What is the best place in Monfragüe to spot birds of prey? y where is it.

What is the best viewpoint in Monfragüe to spot birds of prey?

Without a doubt, the best place is tower of tribute of the Monfragüe Castle, a place known for the existence of the remains of an ancient walled enclosure of Arab origin located at the top of a hill.

Where is Monfragüe Castle

You find this beautiful enclave west of the national park, on the road that leads from the Cáceres town of Torrejón del Rubio but also Plasencia.

The original Monfragüe Castle It was built at the beginning of the 9th century, although it was later rebuilt in the 12th and 15th centuries.

El Monfragüe Castle It once had five towers, but currently only the aforementioned one remains of the old fortress. tower of tribute, with a pentagonal plan and completely restored, as well as the remains of a cylindrical tower.

From the top of said tower is where you can perfectly see the flight of birds of prey, which will pass very close to you.

Next to the tower of tribute is the Hermitage of Monfragüe, which houses the Virgin of Monfragüe, a Byzantine carving from the 12th century, and where a pilgrimage is held annually.

Likewise, in the surroundings of Monfragüe Castle There is also a cave with paintings, which currently cannot be visited.

How to climb Monfragüe Castle in the national park

For go up to Monfragüe Castle, on the south side of the hill, from the EX-208 there is a road on the right that takes you almost to the foot of the fortification.

However, at the top there is barely enough room for less than a dozen cars to park.

Therefore, in the high holiday seasons, such as the eastern, access to this access road is cut off and you must leave the car in a parking enabled next to the aforementioned EX-208.

From there it will take you half an hour to walk up to the tower of tribute.

But visits the Castle of Monfragüe In a hot season, it is advisable to leave your car in the parking lot on the north side of the hill, just before crossing the bridge over the tagus river, in the area known as The French.

From there it will take about 45 minutes to reach the tower, but you will do the entire ascent in a shaded area, which you will undoubtedly appreciate…

Excursion to Monfragüe for bird watching

Finally, if instead of going on your own you prefer to take an excursion with the advice of a expert guide in ornithology, you have the option to sign up for this Excursion to Monfragüe from Plasencia.

This tour, which is carried out in Spanish, will allow you for five hours to discover the secrets of the great diversity of birds of prey that can be found in this national park known throughout Europe for its wealth.

This way you can see see black storks, Egyptian vultures, black vultures, peregrine falcons o imperial eagles with the optical material that they will provide you.

Map: how to get to Monfragüe Castle in Cáceres

Here is the map where you can see where is Monfragüe Castle, west of the Extremaduran national park and on a hill next to the Tajo Reservoir, In the Cáceres province en Estremadura.