Arribes del Duero

Where the Duero turns south to form the border with Portugal it cuts through granite and slate in a canyon up to four hundred metres deep, running for about a hundred kilometres, and the Spanish side is protected as the Arribes del Duero natural park with a Portuguese park facing it across the water. The cliffs hold one of the densest concentrations of cliff-nesting raptors in Europe: griffon vultures in large numbers, Egyptian vultures, golden eagles, Bonelli's eagles, black storks and the largest European population of the rare Spanish imperial eagle nearby. Boat trips run through the gorge from Miranda do Douro and from Vega de Terron. The steep slopes are terraced for almonds, olives and vines in a mild microclimate.

What you actually see

• The granite gorge - a canyon up to four hundred metres deep.
• The vulture colonies - dense griffon and Egyptian vulture populations.
• The boat trips - cruises through the gorge from either bank.
• The terraced slopes - almonds, olives and vines on the canyon sides.

When to go

April to June for raptors at the nest, almond blossom in February and March, and September to October for autumn and boat trips; summer is very hot on the exposed slopes. Boat schedules are seasonal and reduced in winter.

Honest expectations

Boat trips run to a limited timetable and depart from a handful of points, several on the Portuguese side. Roads along the canyon are slow and viewpoints scattered. Facilities in the villages are minimal.

Nearby

Zamora lies northeast; Miranda do Douro is across the river in Portugal.