Griffon vulture colony — Hoces del Duratón

About this spectacle

The limestone gorges of Hoces del Duraton in Castilla y León host one of Spain's largest griffon vulture colonies, a breathtaking spectacle of soaring raptors riding thermal currents above sheer canyon walls. Visitors stand at the clifftop viewpoints watching dozens — sometimes hundreds — of these enormous birds circle overhead, their nearly three-metre wingspans casting sweeping shadows. The rush of air through stiff primary feathers is audible as vultures pass close by. Nesting ledges dot the golden rock faces, and the air carries the sounds of calling birds defending territories. The deep river canyon frames every vista, lending a raw, elemental quality to watching the colony at work. Spring breeding season brings the most intense activity, with pairs dueling for position and juveniles making tentative first flights from the rock faces.

When to go

Jan — Dec, peak Mar — Jun

Getting there

Nearest airport: MAD. Nearest city: Segovia.

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