Villarreal de San Carlos Visitor Centre

Villarreal de San Carlos is the only village inside Monfragüe National Park, and its visitor centre is the gateway to the park. Here they give you the trail map, explain what can be seen each month and take bookings for the free guided outings the park organises. The Central de Reservas de los Parques Nacionales names it as the point in charge of information, authorisations and bookings, and recommends calling in before beginning your visit. Next to it are the Nature Interpretation Centre and the Naturalised Animals one.

Opening hours and contact

In winter it opens Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 18:00, and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 to 18:00; in summer it closes at 19:00. The telephone is 927 199 134 and the email, [email protected]. The Central de Reservas also gives 927 274 974.

What they sort out for you

From Villarreal on foot leave the red trail to the castle, 16 km, the green trail to Cerro Gimio, 7.9 km, and the yellow trail to La Tajadilla, 8.9 km, which need no permit. The three long trails that cross the reserve zone, and which do require one, also start from here: at the centre they explain how to get the online permit. If you are driving, the two itineraries with stops at viewpoints leave from Villarreal: one towards the castle, with Salto del Gitano on the way, and another towards the Portilla del Tiétar.

The park's guided activities, free and led by environmental educators, run from March to June and in October; they are booked at the Central or by calling this centre, and each month's places open on the last Friday of the previous month. In the village there is also a birding centre, which advises on birdwatching.

Getting there

Villarreal is on the EX-208, 17 km from the EX-A1 motorway exit signposted as Monfragüe National Park, about 30 km from Plasencia and 15 km from Torrejón el Rubio. It has parking, picnic areas, accommodation and restaurants. If you arrive from the north, you first pass the North Visitor Centre, next to the campsite. Every year the village hosts the Feria Internacional de Turismo Ornitológico (FIO, the international birdwatching tourism fair): if it coincides with your visit, book accommodation in good time.

Rules and advice

Monfragüe has very hot summers and cold winters: bring water, a cap and sun cream in summer, and warm clothing in winter. Inside the park you may not camp, or leave caravans or motorhomes parked for more than two hours at a stretch between 22:00 and 6:00; nor swim, boat, light fires or feed the animals. Dogs may go on a lead. Mobile coverage is sometimes limited: tell someone your route and, in an emergency, call 112.

For a meal, the Restaurante Monfragüe is opposite the centre, and for sleeping inside the park, the Casa Rural Monfragüe or El Cabrerín.