Spain: discovering Extremadura, a birdwatcher’s paradise

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THE JOURNEY – November 7, 2026 & March 25, 2027 · 8 Days

 

One of Europe's Premier Destinations for Birdwatching and Wildlife Photography



Extremadura is certainly not Spain's best-known destination, nor is it a region frequented by mass tourism. In fact, many travelers would struggle to locate it on a map. Yet this remarkable corner of Spain has earned a reputation as one of Europe's leading destinations for birdwatching and wildlife photography, attracting enthusiasts from across the continent, particularly from Northern Europe. This is precisely why we have chosen Extremadura for this small-group journey. Still largely undiscovered by Italian travelers, the region offers exceptional opportunities for nature tourism thanks to its high concentration of protected areas and its extraordinary wildlife, especially birdlife. The low population density and the predominance of traditional agricultural and pastoral activities have helped preserve a landscape of outstanding ecological value. Extremadura is also a land rich in history. Once part of Roman Lusitania and later under Moorish rule, it was the birthplace of many of the conquistadors who sailed to the Americas during the 16th century. Upon their return, they left a lasting mark on the region's towns and cities, whose impressive architecture can still be admired today. The region's unique appeal lies in the fact that it has remained predominantly rural, preserving habitats and ecosystems that have disappeared from much of Europe. As a result, Extremadura supports thriving populations of species that are now rare in many other countries, making it a true paradise for nature lovers and wildlife observers. But this journey is not only about nature. It also offers the opportunity to discover some of the region's most important historical and cultural treasures, ranging from Roman sites such as Mérida to the monumental historic centres of Trujillo and Cáceres, shaped by the Age of Exploration. Along the way, we will also encounter traces of Moorish heritage and even prehistoric sites dating back to the Neolithic period, around 4000 BC.

Useful Information

  • Accompagnatore parlante italiano
  • Breathtaking landscapes
  • Nature tour
  • Group tour

Description

DAY 1 – Arrival in Madrid

Meeting with the tour leader at Madrid Airport in the morning.

Transfer by minibus to Extremadura and accommodation near Monfragüe National Park.

Dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 2 – Monfragüe National Park

Full day devoted to nature excursions within Monfragüe National Park. Crossed by the Tagus and Tiétar rivers, the park offers spectacular scenery and one of the richest wildlife populations in Mediterranean Europe.

Before entering the park, we stop at the famous Salto del Gitano viewpoint, home to an impressive colony of Griffon Vultures, easily observed and photographed from close range.

A visit to the Visitor Centre provides an introduction to the area’s natural heritage before exploring one of the park’s many trails. Thanks to its remarkable environmental diversity, excellent conservation status, and low human impact, Monfragüe supports threatened species such as the Spanish Imperial Eagle, Black Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Black Stork, Iberian Lynx, and many others.

Return to the accommodation for dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 3 – Sierra de las Villuercas – Trujillo

After breakfast, departure for the Sierra de las Villuercas. Today includes short walks and visits to sites of historical, geological, and cultural interest. The first stop is at the Roman remains of Augustobriga, followed by a visit to the Interpretation Centre of the Castañar Cave, offering a virtual introduction to one of the Geopark’s hidden treasures. Continuing to Berzocana, we follow a trail leading to prehistoric rock art sites dating from the Chalcolithic and Bronze Ages (4000-1000 BC). The paintings, created using iron and manganese oxides, depict hunting scenes, dances, human figures, geometric symbols, and other motifs whose meanings remain partly mysterious.

Arrival near Trujillo, accommodation in a rural guesthouse, dinner and overnight stay.

DAY 4 – Llanos de Trujillo – Cáceres

Breakfast. Morning dedicated to birdwatching across the plains of Trujillo with a local ornithological guide. Exploring grasslands, farmland, cork oak forests, and river valleys, we search for species that are extremely rare or absent in Italy, including Great Bustards, Little Bustards, Pin-tailed Sandgrouse, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, European Rollers, Lesser Kestrels, and the Spanish Imperial Eagle.

After lunch in Trujillo, often considered Extremadura’s most beautiful town, we explore its perfectly preserved Renaissance architecture. Birthplace of Francisco Pizarro and several other conquistadors, the town retains much of its 16th-century character.

We then continue to Cáceres, a UNESCO World Heritage city enclosed by Moorish walls and filled with medieval towers, palaces, and historic buildings.

Accommodation, dinner at leisure, and overnight stay.

DAY 5 – Alcántara – Sierra de San Pedro – Cáceres

After breakfast, departure for Alcántara, famous for its magnificent Roman bridge spanning the Tagus River. From the bridge, we follow part of a hiking trail along the riverbank, exploring geological, botanical, and ornithological features of the region.

Later, we drive to the Sierra de San Pedro, an area dominated by cork oak and holm oak forests, home to deer, wild boar, birds of prey, otters, and wood pigeons.

Return to Cáceres.

Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.

DAY 6 – Los Canchales Reservoir – Mérida

Breakfast.

Transfer to Los Canchales Reservoir, an important wetland where numerous waterbirds breed. The area also offers excellent opportunities to observe raptors, including Black-winged Kites, Bonelli’s Eagles, and Booted Eagles. After the visit, continue to Mérida, the ancient Roman city of Emerita Augusta. The city boasts some of the finest Roman remains in Spain and lies on the banks of the Guadiana River, where herons, cormorants, and Purple Swamphens can often be observed at dusk.

Free visit of the city.

Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.

DAY 7 – Toledo

Breakfast.

Transfer to Toledo and guided visit of its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptionally well-preserved medieval urban layout.

After the visit, continue towards the hotel near Madrid Barajas Airport.

Dinner at leisure and overnight stay.

DAY 8 – Departure

Breakfast and preparation of luggage.

Transfer to Madrid Airport according to individual flight schedules.

 

Please note: The itinerary may be modified due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond the control of the tour leader.

Tour Operator: Natura da Vivere by A.R.D.E.A. s.c.r.l. – Nature Travel Specialists.

 

Download the Tour PDF

What is included

Notes

Accommodation: Hotel or rural guesthouse, double room accommodation.

Minimum Number of Participants: 5

Maximum Number of Participants: 8

Registration Deadline: 10 days before departure.

Participation Fee: From €1,540.00 per person.

Single Room Supplement: €260.00, subject to availability.

Meeting Point: Madrid Airport

Before leaving

  • A valid ID card or passport is required
  • Comfortable outdoor clothing and hiking shoes
  • Binoculars

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