Birdwatching

Monfortinho lies at the gateway to the Tejo Internacional Natural Park, one of the best birdwatching areas in Portugal. Cliffs above the Tagus and Erges rivers, open plains, oak woodland (montado) and reservoirs, all within a few kilometres of the hotel. This is home to some of Europe's rarest birds, such as the cinereous vulture, the Spanish imperial eagle and the black stork.

The Hotel Boavista Bird Guide

We have created a beginner's guide to 26 species found in the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova: original illustrations, maps, seasons, conservation status and the best walking trails. It is offered free to all guests, in Portuguese and English.

From the hotel: Termas de Monfortinho Circuit

6.3 km · loop · about 2h30 · moderate. It starts at the spa building (Balneário das Termas), a few minutes' walk from the hotel, follows the Erges river and climbs the Serra do Cancho, with views over both sides of the border. Along the way you may see griffon vultures soaring, red-rumped swallows near the bridge, bee-eaters and hoopoes.

Trails in the municipality

PR3 Fossil Trail (Penha Garcia) · PR5 Barrocais Trail (Monsanto) · PR2 Egitânea Trail (Idanha-a-Velha) · PR1 Vulture Trail (Salvaterra do Extremo) · Mines Trail (Segura) · Deer Trail (Rosmaninhal). All waymarked on the ground.

When to visit

Spring, from March to June, is the best season: black storks, Egyptian vultures and bee-eaters arrive and the countryside comes alive. Griffon and cinereous vultures can be seen all year round. In winter, the reservoirs host great cormorants.

Tips

Set out early in the morning, bring binoculars, water and a hat, and always keep your distance from nests.