Green Trail from the Malvecino Stream to Cerro Gimio

The green trail is the most varied in vegetation of Monfragüe's short trails and the best for getting to know the Mediterranean woodland from the inside. It is a circuit that leaves Villarreal de San Carlos, follows the Malvecino stream and climbs to Cerro Gimio, a viewpoint above the Tiétar. It needs no permit.

The route

The Ministry for the Ecological Transition describes it as a circular route that covers a significant sample of Monfragüe's typical vegetation, at 7.9 km and low difficulty. The woodland it crosses is the classic one of the park: holm oaks, cork oaks, Portuguese oaks, strawberry trees and rockrose. The first part runs alongside the Malvecino stream, with shaded stretches, which makes it cooler than the yellow trail. Then it climbs to Cerro Gimio, from where the view opens over the river. Allow about two and a half hours without hurrying.

Watch the fork

The first kilometres share a path with the brown trail, which goes to Serradilla through the reserve zone and requires an online permit. According to the Ministry, the two run together for about 3 km. Always follow the green waymarks so as not to stray onto the brown one without authorisation.

Who it is for

For families with children who can already walk and want something more than a viewpoint, and for anyone who wants to see the woodland and not just the cliffs. Dogs may go, on a lead and under control. It is not comfortable with a pushchair: it is a hill path.

When to do it

All year, except the hot hours of summer: from June to September set out early. In spring the hills are green and flowering and there are more birds; in autumn it is the season of the deer rut in the park. The Malvecino stream is also one of Monfragüe's astrotourism viewpoints, so if you finish at dusk, stay to watch the stars.

Where to park and what to bring

Park in Villarreal de San Carlos, next to the visitor centre, where they give you the map, or in the Malvecino car park, a few metres north of the village. Bring water, a cap and country footwear.

What to combine it with

If you like it, the other easy trail from the village is the yellow one to La Tajadilla, more open and with vultures at the end. For something longer, the red trail to the castle adds 16 km of moderate difficulty. On your return, the Restaurante Monfragüe is in the same village.