12 Days Spain Birdwatching Programme
A 12-day small-group Spain circuit joining Extremadura’s plains and raptor cliffs with Doñana wetlands, Odiel Marshes and migration watching near Tarifa.
About this tour
This 12-day route begins and ends in Madrid and connects three of southern Spain’s strongest birding regions. Extremadura comes first, with Trujillo, Monfragüe National Park, the Cáceres plains, Arrocampo Reservoir, Alcollarín and Campo Lugar. Open steppe, rocky cliffs, dehesa and reservoirs support bustards, sandgrouse, vultures, eagles and a wide range of land birds.
The middle stage moves through Mérida and Alange to western Doñana. Lagoons, reedbeds, Stone Pine woodland, rice fields and marshes around El Rocío, La Rocina, El Acebuche, Dehesa de Abajo and Caño Guadiamar are complemented by the salt pans and marshes of Odiel. The final days follow the eastern Doñana sector to Tarifa, Gibraltar and Alcornocales Natural Park.
Wetland possibilities include flamingos, spoonbills, ibis, herons, ducks and waders; Extremadura and the migration corridor may add Black Stork, vultures, large eagles, harriers, storks and other soaring birds. Seawatching is also included near Tarifa. The programme is limited to seven participants, and species or migration activity cannot be guaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Spain.
Birds you can spot
Ciconia nigra
target
Aquila fasciata
target
Glareola pratincola
target
Platalea leucorodia
target
Merops apiaster
target
Otis tarda
target
Cyanopica cooki
target
Tetrax tetrax
target
Aquila adalberti
target
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Madrid to Trujillo
Transfer from Madrid to Extremadura and begin around Trujillo, including its urban birds and the plains near Monroy. Overnight close to Monfragüe National Park.
Day 2
Monfragüe National Park
Visit Monfragüe viewpoints at Salto del Gitano, the castle, Cardenal Bridge and Tajadilla. Cliffs, woodland and river country provide the setting for vultures and other raptors.
Day 3
Cáceres plains
Explore the open Llanos of Cáceres, Magasca and Trujillo. The day concentrates on steppe birds and raptors across grassland and agricultural country.
Day 4
Monfragüe and Arrocampo
Return to Monfragüe via Báscula, Higuerilla and Portilla del Tiétar, then continue to Arrocampo Reservoir. The habitat mix shifts from cliffs and dehesa to reed-fringed water.
Day 5
Alcollarín and Campo Lugar
Bird the Campo Lugar plains and then work the margins of Alcollarín Reservoir. Wetland edges and surrounding open country offer a combined aquatic and steppe search.
Day 6
Mérida and Alange to Andalucía
Travel south through Mérida, including birding near the Roman Bridge, and Alange Reservoir for rock-loving species. Continue to Villamanrique de la Condesa near Doñana.
Day 7
Western Doñana and Odiel
Explore western Doñana around El Rocío, La Rocina and El Acebuche, covering freshwater lagoons, reedbeds and Stone Pine woodland. The day also includes the marshes and salt pans of Odiel near Huelva.
Day 8
Doñana marshes and rice fields
Visit Isla Mayor rice fields, Villamanrique lagoons and woods, Dehesa de Abajo, Caño Guadiamar and the José Antonio Valverde Centre. Water levels and season shape the day’s bird concentrations.
Day 9
Eastern Doñana to Tarifa
Travel toward Tarifa through the eastern Doñana sector at Trebujena, Bonanza and Algaida salt pans, and Tarelo Lagoon. Overnight near Tarifa.
Day 10
Tarifa and Gibraltar
Spend the day around Tarifa and Gibraltar. Coastal viewpoints and the strait are used for migration watching and local birding according to wind and season.
Day 11
Tarifa, Gibraltar and Alcornocales
Continue migration and coastal birding, adding Alcornocales Natural Park and its woodland habitats. The programme also allows time for seawatching.
Day 12
Final strait visit and Madrid
Make a final morning visit in the Tarifa or Gibraltar area, then travel back to Madrid. The programme ends after the Madrid overnight.
Locations & map
- Extremadura - Extremadura Spain (Trujillo and Cáceres plains, Monfragüe cliffs and regional reservoirs.)
- Donana - Andalusia Spain (Lagoons, reedbeds, rice fields, marshes, salt pans and Stone Pine woodland.)
- Gibraltar - Gibraltar Gibraltar (Tarifa Strait migration viewpoints, coastline and nearby Alcornocales woodland.)
3 stops. Select a marker for its name.
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round or scheduled by arrangement; exact dates and best season will be confirmed after enquiry.
Price: Price on request
Included
- Professional birding guide - Professional guiding throughout the itinerary.
- Field guidance and bird list support - A bird list, field guides and complimentary use of binoculars and telescopes are included.
- Ground transport, accommodation and meals - Airport or hotel transfers, air-conditioned ground transport, accommodation with breakfast, meals, bottled water and listed entrance fees are included.
Not included
- International flights - International flights are not included.
- Personal expenses - Personal expenses are not included; participant accident insurance is included.
- Single supplement and optional extras - A single-room supplement and any optional pre-tour or post-tour arrangements cost extra.
Transport & stays
- Air-conditioned vehicle circuit Ground transport and the listed airport or hotel transfers are included throughout the published route. | Meet: Madrid Airport or a Madrid hotel | Pickup: Airport or hotel transfer included at the programme start.
Policies & FAQ
How is availability confirmed?
Departure dates and remaining places vary. Send an inquiry with your preferred dates for current availability.
Can the daily field plan change?
The published route is the programme basis, but individual field stops may shift with tides, weather, access and recent bird activity.
Are specific birds or photographs guaranteed?
No. Species, viewing conditions and photographic opportunities depend on season, weather and wildlife behavior.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.