Tajo International Nature Park

The Tajo Internacional covers about 250 square kilometres along the Spanish side of the Tagus where it forms the border with Portugal, matched by a Portuguese park across the water; together they protect a landscape of granite and slate gorges, dehesa, and reservoirs, and hold one of the most important raptor populations in Europe: black vultures, griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures, Spanish imperial eagles, Bonelli's eagles and black storks all breed here. It was designated a biosphere reserve in 2016. Boat cruises run from Cedillo and Herrera de Alcantara along the reservoir, passing cliffs with nests and old border crossings. Walking routes run from the villages, and the area is among the least populated in Spain.

What you actually see

• The border gorges - granite and slate cliffs along the Tagus.
• The raptor colonies - black and griffon vultures, eagles and black storks.
• The boat cruises - trips along the reservoir past nesting cliffs.
• The dehesa - oak grazing country between the river and the villages.

When to go

March to June for breeding raptors and green country, September to October for autumn and comfortable walking; summer is extremely hot. Boat trips are seasonal and depend on water levels and bookings.

Honest expectations

Boat cruises run to limited schedules from a small number of points and must be booked. The area is remote with very few services and long drives. Birds are at distance and binoculars are essential.

Nearby

Alcantara and its Roman bridge lie east; the Portuguese border and Castelo Branco are across the river.