What to do · Monfragüe National Park
Red Trail from Villarreal to Monfragüe Castle
Information
- Price
- Free
- Duration
- 5 h
- Distance
- 16 km
- Season
- October – May; in summer, only first thing
- Who it's for
- Used to walking
- With a dog
- On a lead and under control; bring water for it, there are no safe fountains in summer
The red trail is the longest of the self-guided trails that leave from Villarreal de San Carlos and the one that links the places that appear in every photo of Monfragüe: the Puente del Cardenal, the Fuente del Francés, Salto del Gitano and the castle. The National Park gives it 16 km and moderate difficulty, and describes it as three circular sections linked together. It needs no permit or guide, and it is free.
Three linked sections from Villarreal
You set off from Villarreal de San Carlos, next to the visitor centre, and go down towards the Tagus. The first landmark is the Puente del Cardenal, a 15th-century bridge that can only be seen when the reservoir water is not covering it; depending on the level of the Tagus it may appear whole or not be seen at all. You continue to the Fuente del Francés and from there climb to Salto del Gitano, the viewpoint facing Peña Falcón. The last part, the one that bites most, is the slope from Salto del Gitano up to Monfragüe Castle, high on the Sierra de las Corchuelas. The return to Villarreal closes the circular sections.
Five hours and a serious climb
With stops to watch birds, allow about five hours. The hardest stretch is the climb to the castle, steep and with slippery stone. It is a route for people who walk often. With small children or little time, the park has gentler options: the yellow trail to La Tajadilla, 8.9 km and easy, or the green trail to Cerro Gimio, 7.9 km.
Doing just a part
You do not have to do all of it. Villarreal to the Fuente del Francés is the flattest stretch. Salto del Gitano to the castle, there and back, is the shortest and the steepest: you park at the viewpoint and climb. With two cars, you can leave one at the castle car park and start from Villarreal to do it one way only.
Water, map and the Villarreal centre
On the trail there are no bars, shops or fountains you can rely on: set out with the day's water and food. The last place to eat or buy something is the Restaurante Monfragüe, on Villarreal's street. At the village visitor centre, from 9:30 to 18:00 on weekdays and from 9:00 to 18:00 at weekends in winter, they give you the map and tell you whether any section is closed; the National Park also offers the route for Google Earth on its website.
Keep your dog on a lead, as everywhere in the National Park, and bring water for it too. From March to June and in October, the park runs free guided walks to the same viewpoints, with advance booking, if you prefer to go with an educator the first time.
Tips
- Set out early In summer the sierra goes from 35 °C at midday. In autumn and winter it gets dark early: plan your return before you start.
- Start with the climb if the day is tight From Salto del Gitano you go up to the castle with fresh legs and leave the flat stretches for the end.
- Ask about the Puente del Cardenal at the visitor centre Ask whether the reservoir is low: if the water covers it, the detour is not worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit?
No. The red is an open self-guided trail. Only the brown, purple and black ones, which cross the reserve zone, require prior permission.
Is it suitable for children?
All of it, only for children used to walking. With little ones, the green trail or the flat stretch from Villarreal to the Fuente del Francés is better.
Can I take a dog?
Yes, on a lead and under control, as everywhere in the National Park.
Where do I leave the car?
In Villarreal de San Carlos, next to the visitor centre. To do only the climb to the castle, in the Salto del Gitano car park.
With teenagersWith a dog
