Text and images: Mats van Kasteren
About this blog
Mats van Kasteren is a young Dutch naturalist who fell in love with the rugged, bird-rich landscapes of Extremadura. Starting out as a user of Crossbill Guides, he later contributed observations and helped edit the fifth edition of the Crossbill Guide Extremadura. In 2025, Mats published the book Europe’s Last Vultures about the Black Vulture in Extremadura.
At the request of Crossbill author Dirk Hilbers, Mats shares his favourite birdwatching site in this outstanding wildlife region of Spain.
The question: Which birding location in Extremadura should every nature tourist visit—and why?
His answer: Portilla del Tiétar.
Portilla del Tiétar – Monfragüe’s back door
Portilla del Tiétar, located in Monfragüe National Park, can be described as the quieter counterpart to the famous Salto del Gitano—often called the “Eiffel Tower of Extremadura”. While Salto del Gitano attracts large numbers of visitors, Portilla del Tiétar offers a more tranquil and intimate birding experience at the northern edge of the park. From the viewpoint of Portilla del Tiétar, you overlook a dramatic quartzite cliff carved out by the Tiétar River, which flows down from the Sierra de Gredos. These rugged rock formations, shaped by tectonic forces, the river, and extreme temperatures, provide ideal nesting habitat for many cliff-dwelling birds.
Although the cliffs themselves are inaccessible, a quiet country road offers excellent, unobstructed views of the birdlife—making this one of the best accessible birdwatching sites in Monfragüe. While most of Spain’s cliff breeding species can be found on the cliffs, the surrounding Cork Oak forests (known as dehesas) are home to all the tree breeding raptors of the region.
All the raptors of Monfragüe
Portilla del Tiétar is one of the best places in Spain to observe birds of prey. The most conspicuous species is the Griffon Vulture, with a colony of around 20 breeding pairs. In spring and summer, they are joined by Egyptian Vultures, often seen perched on the rock face. Their nest is located slightly further along the cliff, just above the river. The impressive Black (Cinereous) Vulture—Europe’s largest raptor—also frequents the area. Although it breeds in nearby cork oak forest, individuals regularly soar over the cliffs or perch nearby. One of the highlights of Portilla del Tiétar is the presence of the Eurasian Eagle Owl. Although its nesting site has shifted in recent years, it is still regularly seen or heard at dusk, often perched on top of the cliffs.
Other regularly observed species include Black andRed Kite, Short-toed andBooted Eagle, Black Stork, Blue Rock Thrush, Red-rumped Swallow and Orphean Warbler. On the hillside opposite, you may encounter Red Deer and flocks of Red-legged Partridge, easily detected by their characteristic “chuk-chuk-chukar” call. At dusk, wildlife activity increases: Wild Boar come down to drink, and with luck you might even spot an Otter in the river.
The best place to see Spanish Imperial Eagle in Extremadura
Perhaps the main reason to visit Portilla del Tiétar is because it is the most reliable site in Extremadura to see the Spanish Imperial Eagle. This rare and endangered species is one of Europe’s most iconic birds of prey and a flagship species of Extremadura. Several pairs breed in and around Monfragüe National Park. For nearly two decades one pair had its eyrie in the direct vicinity of the Portilla del Tiétar. In the last 2 years however, it seems to have moved a little further west. This is where I have seen them descending and circling back up this spring (2026).
During the breeding season, the eagles often pass the viewpoint at fairly regular intervals (roughly every hour). Outside the breeding season, sightings are less predictable, but who minds waiting when there are so many other things to keep you entertained?
Why visit Portilla del Tiétar for birdwatching?
For birdwatchers visiting Extremadura, Portilla del Tiétar offers:
- Spectacular views of Monfragüe’s cliffs and landscapes
- One of the best raptor-watching sites in Spain
- The highest chance of seeing Spanish Imperial Eagle
- Excellent opportunities for wildlife photography
- A quieter alternative to more crowded viewpoints
Practical information for visiting Portilla del Tiétar
- Located in Monfragüe National Park
- Distance: 27 km from Torrejón el Rubio, 26 km from Malpartida de Plasencia
- Best for: birdwatching, wildlife photography, nature travel
- Best time: spring, but good year-round
Bird and wildlife watching in Extremadura with Crossbill Guide Extremadura.
