Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe
Villarreal de San Carlos, Spain
A quartzite cliff above the Tagus where griffon vultures nest and black storks and imperial eagles are often seen. The viewpoint is right by the EX-208 through Monfragüe National Park, so bring binoculars.
The Salto del Gitano is the best-known viewpoint in Monfragüe National Park in the province of Cáceres (Extremadura), which has been a national park since 2007. Here the Tagus has cut through a mountain ridge, and griffon vultures and other birds of prey nest on the steep rock faces of the Peña Falcón. The name comes from a legend: a bandit fleeing the Guardia Civil is said to have leapt across the river from this rock.
Besides griffon vultures you may see black storks, Egyptian vultures, and golden and Spanish imperial eagles; binoculars are worth bringing. The early morning is best for black storks, and the landscape is especially lovely in spring. The viewpoint is free to visit and well signposted from the visitor centre in Villarreal de San Carlos; one to two hours is enough for a stop. For more, make the short but steep climb to the Castillo de Monfragüe, a castle of Islamic origin with far-reaching views over the park.
- Nearest town
- Villarreal de San Carlos, Spain
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 39.8324, -6.0590
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Spain: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Many former toll motorways are now free; some AP roads still charge. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Camping MonfragüeCampsite13 km from Salto del Gitano, MonfragüeTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Motorhome stopover · MonfragüeMotorhome stopover19 km from Salto del Gitano, MonfragüeMotorhomes
- Motorhome stopover · MonfragüeMotorhome stopover22 km from Salto del Gitano, MonfragüeMotorhomesDrinking waterWaste disposal
- Las CatalinasCampsite22 km from Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe
- La ChoperaCampsite24 km from Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe
All campsites in Spain · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe?
Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe is in Villarreal de San Carlos, Spain, at GPS 39.8324, -6.0590. It is about 4 km from Monfragüe.
Can you camp near Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Camping Monfragüe, about 13 km away; within 25 km there are 5 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe?
Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Extremadura: vultures, conquistadors and Roman Mérida.
What is there to see near Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe?
Places worth a stop nearby: Cáceres Old Town (48 km), Garganta de los Infiernos (48 km), Granadilla (49 km) and Meandro del Melero (62 km).
When is the best time to visit Salto del Gitano, Monfragüe?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)