FIO 2018: Birds in Monfragüe and the historical heart of Plasencia

The 13th edition of FIO was held at the end of February, from 23 to 25 in Villareal de San Carlos, within the Monfragüe National Park. Organized by the Extremadura joint , the International Fair of Ornithological Tourism is already the second most important birding competition in Europe.And there is no wonder why.

Nattule was lucky enough to attend this great event for nature and bird lovers. An incredible place to meet specialized companies and professionals from the sector with the beautiful setting of the Monfragüe National Park stage.

After a morning of intense work in the recruitment market knowing destinations and companies, both from the community and from different places in Spain and Europe, we could enjoy while to eat and appreciate the whole fair, as well as the Interpretation of the National Park that is in Villareal de San Carlos. Stands, workshops and conferences predicted again this year's FIO success.

The natural enclave where this important fair is held is not chosen at random, since in addition to being a National Park, it is a Biosphere Reserve and Special Protection Area for Birds (ZEPA), so it is home to a whole selection of winged fauna that the lover of birding and good photography should not miss.

Therefore, the guided tour of the Park that they organized for us with Monfragüe Vivo was appreciated. An interpreted route in which we moved in 4×4 cars to explore the most characteristic corners of Monfragüe in one afternoon.

We begin the route spotting the impressive Salto del Gitano. Nesting place for almost a hundred griffon vultures and with the passage of the Tagus River beneath them acting as a natural separation between the bird and the human. Thanks to telescopes and binoculars we were able to precisely observe the beauty of this bird.

But, what a curious name this area has, right? That name can only hide a story that has become a legend with the passage of time. That of a dark-skinned bandit, the bravest and most feared in the place who hid among its rocks, until one day, fleeing from the Civil Guard, he jumped from the rock at the opposite end, crossing the Tagus River in a single jump. Such was the feat that left one of the guards completely petrified with astonishment.

Afterwards we headed to the Mirador la Malavuelta to have a clearer perspective of the Park, although the big surprise came from three deer that were not scared of us, so the photo session was inevitable.

We enjoy the views and head to a pasture, within the Park's Biosphere Reserve space, where horses, bulls, goats and Iberian pigs graze. As the sun sets, we soon fall in love with the characteristic reddish color of the Mediterranean cork oaks after they have been uncorked.

We parked near the two cork oaks that are more than 400 years old to listen to an explanation about the corkage procedure and the curious differences between the corks that we can find in wines, by which we can also differentiate which is a good wine and which one not so much.

Of course, in addition to these incredible places, we couldn't help but stop from time to time to spot the black vulture or the golden eagle thanks to the fact that our guides knew where they usually roam. In short, enjoying this magnificent Park was the perfect experience to close a day full of pure Extremaduran nature.

The next day and with our batteries recharged, a route awaited us in the morning getting to know the historical and cultural heart of Plasencia at the hands of Guide you Plasencia. The first stop was in front of the City Hall, in the Municipal Palace in the Plaza Mayor, with Abuelo Mayorga in the bell tower, an automaton that tells the hours to the population.

We took a walk through the historic center of the city, finding stately houses from the medieval period that are very well preserved and still in use today, until we arrived at the Bezorrana Gate to observe the Plasencia Wall that surrounds this entire historic center. A wonder that has remained to this day and that takes us back to the time of Alfonso VIII and his fight against the conquest of the Muslims.

As we arrived at our next stop, we couldn't help but fall in love with some corners that the streets of this historic center offered us.

Then we arrived at one of the most anticipated stops, the Palace of the Marquisate of Mirabel. From the square you can see an impressive 15th century fortified building.

Although the interior is what really left us amazed. From the Renaissance patio that welcomes us as soon as we enter, to the views from its tower, the Carlos V room, the Gondomar room, the small oratory, the beautiful Pensil created as an Italian garden, its curious kitchen and, of course, last, the hunting trophy room. Spaces full of history that could not be missed on this visit.

At the end of the visit to the Palace of the Marquis of Mirabel, we continue our route to the giant of the city, the Cathedral of Plasencia. In reality, this cathedral is made up of two overlapping cathedrals, known as the new cathedral (15th century) and the old cathedral (13th century). The fact is that the old one would have been torn down once the new one was completed, but since it was never finished, both ended up remaining.

Unfortunately, once inside they told us that we could only take photos of the cloister, so you will only be able to see several areas if you dare to take a trip through Plasencia. Areas such as the exhibition of the reliquaries, the interior of the old cathedral, the spectacular interior of the new cathedral with its 26-meter-high vaults, its impressive altarpiece and its curious ashlars with reliefs.

After touring its rooms and appreciating all the pictorial and architectural art that surrounds the entire cathedral, one last stop awaited us to regain strength before eating and leaving for our places of origin; a tasting of craft beers in the Blomberg Space.

In addition to giving us an excellent talk with each of the 5 craft beers, we were able to enjoy the exhibition and sale of art that decorates the space

Later, after a delicious meal, the goodbyes came. With the desire to meet again at the next fair, we each left for our homes with our minds still reviewing the color of the plumage of the birds of Monfragüe and the role of Plasencia in the history of Spain.

As they say, good things, if brief, are twice as good. After two days of intense work, culture and lots and lots of nature, we said goodbye thinking about next year, looking forward to discovering what surprises the next edition of FIO has in store for us.