The Birds, Wines & History of Extremadura

This carefully balanced holiday is designed for those who enjoy birdwatching but also appreciate the diversity of a well-rounded travel experience. Based in the historic Parador in Trujillo — the birthplace of conquistador Francisco Pizarro, whose statue presides over the elegant Plaza Mayor — the tour combines fine birding with the cultural and culinary richness of one of Spain's most rewarding regions. With direct flights to Madrid and a carefully curated itinerary, the journey offers a deeply engaging introduction to Extremadura's birds, wines and heritage.

Central Spain is known worldwide for its fabulous birdwatching, with Extremadura arguably the jewel in the crown. The region is dominated by rolling grasslands, rocky hillsides, endless dehesa woodlands and overflying raptors. It is intersected by two great rivers, the Tagus and the Guadiana, whose valleys create vital wildlife corridors. Although Extremadura experiences long, hot summers, it stores nearly one third of Spain's freshwater in reservoirs such as Embalses de Valdecañas and Sierra Brava, supporting a rich diversity of habitats and species.

The varied landscape of this region forms a mosaic of steppe plains, rugged sierras, dehesa pasturelands and fertile river valleys. The steppe habitats, in particular, are home to spectacular birds: Great and Little Bustards perform their remarkable spring displays in March and April, while Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Calandra and Short-toed Larks, Stone-curlews and Rock Sparrows add further interest. Other notable species include Crested Larks, Dartford Warblers and the elusive Little Owl, while Corn Buntings and Hoopoes contribute to the pastoral soundtrack. Above, Montagu's Harriers, Booted and Short-toed Eagles and Griffon and Black Vultures soar the thermals, and the vibrant hues of Bee-eaters and Rollers brighten the edges of woodland and field. Monfragüe National Park offers one of Europe's finest raptor-watching spectacles. From cliff-top viewpoints such as the castle mound, Spanish Imperial Eagles, Cinereous Vultures, Black Storks and Red Kites can often be seen against a backdrop of rugged gorges carved by rivers through quartzite ridges. The park also supports Eagle Owls and Peregrine Falcons, adding to the thrilling raptor diversity. Lesser Spotted Eagles and Eurasian Griffon Vultures may also make an appearance, while the calls of Crag Martins and the occasional Black Woodpecker echo through the woodlands. Our cultural experience will be enriched by a visit to Trujillo, a jewel of Renaissance architecture and history. Its streets tell stories of conquistadors and nobility, while a thriving colony of Lesser Kestrels wheels above the old bullring and bell towers. The region's broader history, shaped by the Celts, Romans and Moors, is evident in its architecture, traditions and cuisine, and is further explored on an excursion to Guadalupe. Here, the monastery of Santa María de Guadalupe nestles amid wooded hills, offering centuries-old art and spiritual heritage.

Extremadura is famed for its produce: acorn-fed Jamón de Bellota, creamy Torta del Casar cheese, pimentón-spiced stews and fine olive oils are savoured in local taverns and on shaded picnic tables. Regional wines, especially from Ribera del Guadiana and Vino de la Tierra, accompanying these dishes. Visits to wineries such as Habla or Ruiz Torres provide insight into winemaking and the opportunity to taste superb vintages! Visits to such wetlands and reservoirs as Alcollarín, Arrocampo and Saucedilla's Special Protection Area should reveal White-headed and Marbled Ducks, Red-crested Pochards, Purple Swamphens, Eurasian Spoonbills, Collared Pratincoles and an array of terns including Caspian, Gull-billed, Whiskered and Little. Reedbeds shelter Great Reed and Isabelline Warblers, and occasional Squacco or Purple Herons may grace these waters. Kingfishers dart along water edges, while in the reeds, elusive Marsh and Savi's Warblers add to the bird chorus. The surrounding dehesa — iconic oak-dotted pasturelands — offers habitat for Iberian Magpies, Hoopoes, Great Spotted Cuckoos, Orphean Warblers and Short-toed Treecreepers. This landscape embodies a tradition of sustainable land use where agriculture and wildlife coexist in harmony.

Each day will be carefully paced with morning walks, midday drives and relaxed cultural visits. Time will be allotted to enjoy Trujillo's charm or sample local wines. Evenings are convivial occasions, often spent dining al fresco or in the Parador restaurant, with regional ingredients paired with easy-drinking wines and warm company.

Ultimately, this holiday offers a finely balanced experience of world-class birdwatching amid dramatic landscapes, immersion in Extremadura's rich and layered history and a generous taste of its culinary heritage. From the booming display of a Great Bustard to the quiet cloisters of Guadalupe, or the first sip of an oak-aged Tempranillo, this holiday promises to be a popular choice for those seeking fabulous wildlife encounters and a comprehensive connection to the captivating culture of the region.