What do you want to do in the Reserve?

Tips to travel
in the Reserve

General tips

The Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve is a very extensive area which offers an extremely wide range of activities. If you want to make best use of your time, organise your trip in advance and plan the activities, the routes, and the visits you want to make.

Information

Visit the Interpretation Centres and Tourist Offices you find on your trip. They will help you by giving you useful information on what to visit or what to do, and will tell you about aspects of life on the reserve that you will find very interesting.

Roads

Most of the roads running through the Reserve are local roads and some of them have winding sections. Don't drive too fast and enjoy the countryside.

Money

There are cash dispensers in most villages. Many small stores and local businesses may not have dataphones, so always have something in your wallet.

Restaurants

Depending on the season it is best to book ahead, especially if you are travelling in a group. It may be difficult to find restaurants suitable for vegetarians and vegans, so it's best to ask beforehand.

Provisioning

Although on your trip through the Reserve you will be able to find everything you need, it is recommendable to take something to drink and some food in case you take too long contemplating the sunset or stop at a viewpoint and lose track of time.

Clothes

The most important thing is to wear comfortable footwear so that you can explore trails, villages, and paths while you enjoy your trip to the full.

Equipment

Don't forget your binoculars and a stick if you're going to go on routes.

With children

  • The Interpretation Centres have a multitude of workshops and information areas which will give kids a lot of fun and at the same time teach them about the fauna and flora of the Reserve and nature conservation.
  • Book activities for them: many of the companies of the territory have activities and workshops for children which can be a good idea to stop them getting bored.

By caravan

  • Look for parking areas in advance and make sure they are suitable for caravans; some of them are small and manoeuvring is difficult.
  • Enjoy the picturesque routes which run through the Reserve. Drive slowly and you won't miss anything.
  • There are three overnight stay areas in the Reserve: one is the Monfragüe campsite in Malpartida de Plasencia on the EX-208 towards Trujillo. There are two other areas (one in Deleitosa and another in Almaraz) where you can fill your tanks, dispose of your waste, and get ready to continue your journey.

With your pet

The Monfragüe Biosphere Reserve is a rural area where nature plays the leading role, which means that you can enjoy it with your pet without any problem.

Many of the accommodation establishments that you will find in the Reserve welcome pets, but most restaurants and bars do not; they can stay outside but not inside.

Some of the many activities which can be carried out in the Reserve are suitable for taking your pet, so ask in advance if you can share the adventure you want to have.

In the National Park dogs must be kept on a lead. In addition you must clean up after them so as not to contaminate the environment or annoy other hikers.

In other areas of the Biosphere Reserve there may be livestock.

In spring and summer it is a good idea to take plenty of water as it may be very hot and you won't always find a stream or a fountain where your pet can have a drink.

In autumn and winter as it often rains it is a good idea to carry a coat, a cagoule, and a towel to dry your pet after a walk through nature.

seasonal tips

Winter

  • You can’t miss the International Birdwatching Fair (Feria Internacional de Turismo Ornitológico, FIO) which is held in Villarreal de San Carlos in February.
  • The days are very short which means that it is important to make good use of the middle hours of the day for outdoor activities.
  • The Interpretation Centres are a good option for enjoying the Reserve if it is raining or the weather is cold.
  • In winter you can watch cranes on the dehesas and the wetland areas of the Reserve. You just need some binoculars to enjoy these beautiful birds.

Autumn

  • It starts with the rut, an event which attracts hundreds of people each year.
  • Remember to respect the animals, not to feed them, and not to come too close.
  • This is the time to enjoy the dehesas and contemplate the pastureland (montanera) of the Iberian pig.
  • It is the mushroom season. Get information from Tourist Offices and Interpretation Centres on the areas where you can find mushrooms and the species which exist in the Reserve. You can also taste them at many restaurants in the areas.
  • Biosphere Reserve Month is held with tens of nature, gastronomic, and cultural activities which are free for everyone.

Spring (high season)

  • There is no doubt that this is the best time to explore the Reserve as the days are getting longer, the temperatures are pleasant, and the countryside is magnificent with a wide range of green hues and flowers of all colours to liven up the landscape.
  • To visit the Reserve at this time, in particular if it coincides with Easter or long weekends, it is best to book a restaurant table in advance so as to avoid queues and unnecessary waiting.

Summer

  • This is the hottest season and the least advisable for aquatic activities such as kayaking.
  • If you intend to follow hiking or biking routes, do so at dawn when it is still not too hot and the animals come down to the river to drink.
  • Don’t forget to take cold water and a hat or cap for the sun.
  • Look for routes in shady areas.
  • At night is the best time; enjoy it by contemplating the stars with an open-air supper at any of the picnic areas.
  • Enjoy the rut which begins at the end of the summer.