International Ornithological Tourism Fair (FIO) – Spain 2026

Background & History

• Origins: Launched in 2006 as the first international ornithological tourism fair in Spain, FIO was created by the Extremadura Regional Government to promote the region’s rich biodiversity, particularly in Monfragüe National Park, positioning Extremadura as Europe’s birdwatching capital.
• Cultural Significance: As Spain’s leading event for bird tourism and nature conservation, it connects birdwatchers, photographers, and professionals, highlighting Extremadura’s 300+ bird species and UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, fostering environmental awareness and sustainable tourism.
• Evolution: From its debut with 50 exhibitors, it grew to 100+ by 2010; the 2026 edition (21st) marks 20 years, expanding with digital streaming, increased B2B meetings, and eco-tours, following 2025’s record 19,000 visitors.
• Global Impact: Attracts 20,000+ visitors from 30+ countries, 200+ exhibitors, and 600+ B2B meetings; generates €2–3 million for Extremadura’s economy, boosting rural tourism in Cáceres and Badajoz provinces.
• Milestones: 2015 introduced Fotofio photography contest with 1,000+ entries; 2020 online pivot during COVID; 2025’s 20th edition set records with 8,028 contest photos and 615 B2B meetings; 2026 celebrates with a “Birds of Extremadura” theme.
• Community Role: Organized by Turismo de Extremadura and FEVAL, it supports 50+ local NGOs, engages 5,000+ schoolchildren in workshops, and promotes reforestation via ADENEX’s Plantabosques project.
• Sustainability Commitment: Since 2018, offsets carbon footprint through Madrid Compensa tree planting; 2026 aims for zero-plastic with reusable water stations and electric shuttles.
• Recent Developments: 2025 featured African swifts poster by Ian Lewington and jury including Mario Suárez Porras; 2026 adds VR birdwatching tours and expanded children’s trails.

Event Highlights

• Exhibitor Booths: 200+ stands from optics brands (Zeiss, Swarovski), tour operators, and conservation groups, open February 27–March 1, 2026 (10:00 AM–7:00 PM Friday/Saturday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Sunday).
• Conferences and Colloquia: 20+ talks on ornithology, conservation, and tourism (Carpa Escenario, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM), with 2026 speakers like David Lindo and experts on climate impacts on migration.
• Fotofio Conferences: Specialized photography sessions (Carpa Fotofio, 11:00 AM–6:00 PM), covering techniques and ethics, judged by 6 renowned photographers like Adriana Sanz.
• Workshops and Presentations: 15+ sessions on bird drawing, sound recording, and trail identification (10:00 AM–5:00 PM), including “Plantabosques” reforestation for kids.
• Children’s and Family Activities: Trails, storytelling, and observatories (Saturday/Sunday, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM), with €2–€3 fees supporting ADENEX; 2025 drew 1,000+ families.
• B2B Meetings: 700+ scheduled encounters (February 27, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM) for professionals, up from 615 in 2025, facilitated by FEVAL.
• Special Traditions: Opening parade with bird-themed floats; closing awards for Wild Birds contest (€7,300 prizes, 8,000+ entries in 2025).
• Unique Attractions: Live bird ringing demos; VR Monfragüe tours; eco-market with sustainable optics; 2026 “Birds in Flight” aerial photography exhibit.
• Streaming and Media: YouTube live streams of all conferences and Fotofio (February 27–March 1), reaching 10,000+ online viewers in 2025.

Date & Duration

• Dates: February 27 – March 1, 2026 (21st edition, confirmed via 2025’s February 21–23 pattern, late February weekend).
• Duration: 3 days, with exhibitors (10:00 AM–7:00 PM Friday/Saturday, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM Sunday); activities from 9:00 AM–8:00 PM.
• Key Schedule: Opening February 27 with parade; conferences/workshops February 28; contests/awards March 1.

Venue / Location

• City: Villarreal de San Carlos, Serradilla (Cáceres), Extremadura, Spain, a hamlet in Monfragüe National Park, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with 300+ bird species.
• Main Venue: Monfragüe National Park Visitor Center, hosting carpas (tents) for exhibitors, conferences, and Fotofio.
• Secondary Venues: Park trails for guided tours (walking, minibus, 4×4); nearby Salto del Gitano viewpoint for birdwatching.
• Notable Areas: Templo de la Salud for panoramas; Portilla del Tietar for raptors; park’s 100,000 hectares for eco-treks.
• Google Maps Address: Centro de Visitantes, Villarreal de San Carlos, 10693 Serradilla, Spain (39.8375° N, -6.0725° W) – festival core.

Ticket Information

• Ticket Sales: Free entry; online registration for tours/workshops via birdinginextremadura.com (from January 2026); on-site at Visitor Center.
• Admission: Exhibitors free; guided tours $2–$3 USD (€2–€3); photography contest entry $11 USD (€10, until February 1, 2026).
• Pricing: Minimum $0 (fair entry); maximum $33 USD (€30, full tour package); contest prizes €7,300 total.
• Packages: Weekend pass $16 USD (€15) for multiple tours; family bundle $11 USD (€10) for 4; student free with ID.
• VIP Options: Professional pass $55 USD (€50) for B2B and exclusive talks; limited to 100.
• Note: No animals allowed in tents (Ley 7/2023); early registration for contests (8,000+ entries in 2025); refunds post-February 1.

Contact Information

• Email: turismoextremadura@juntaex.es (general); pvelarde@feval.com (exhibitors); concha.hierro@juntaex.es (press).
• Phone: +34 924 33 24 61 (Spanish/English, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM); Pedro Velarde +34 609 906 669 (FEVAL).
• Website: https://birdinginextremadura.com (programme, registrations, streaming).
• Social Media: @FIO_Extremadura (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X, Flickr) for live streams and contest entries.
• Key Staff: Concha Hierro (Press Chief); Manuela Peralta/Nuria Aparicio (FEVAL exhibitors).
• Press/Volunteers: Press via concha.hierro@juntaex.es; volunteers open January 2026 via website.
• Response Time: 24–48 hours for email; social media within 12 hours.
• Language Support: Spanish, English; French/German for international.

Cultural Experience

• Birdwatching Immersion: Monfragüe’s 300+ species, including Iberian lynx, inspire conferences on conservation; 2026’s “Birds in Flight” theme features aerial photography and migration talks.
• Professional Networking: 700+ B2B meetings connect tour operators and photographers; 2025’s 615 meetings led to 200+ new birding packages.
• Family and Educational Focus: Children’s trails and workshops (1,000+ kids in 2025) teach bird ID and ecology; ADENEX’s Plantabosques reforestation ties activities to conservation.
• Photographic Passion: Fotofio contest (8,000+ entries, 31 countries in 2025) showcases global images, with jury including Mario Suárez Porras; 2026 increases prizes to €7,500.
• Eco-Tourism Promotion: Routes highlight Extremadura’s 10 protected areas; 2026 adds electric minibus tours and VR Monfragüe experiences.
• Community Ties: Local crafts and gastronomy (deer jamón, Torta del Casar cheese) at stands; 2025’s 19,000 visitors boosted rural hotels by 30%.

Food & Drinks

• Torta del Casar: Creamy cheese with bread at carpas ($5–$8 USD).
• Jamón Ibérico de Extremadura: Sliced ham tastings ($6–$10 USD).
• Pitarra Wine: Local red from Cáceres, paired with talks ($4–$7 USD/glass).
• Migas Extremeñas: Fried breadcrumbs with chorizo ($7–$11 USD).
• Pitarra Sweet: Almond pastries, contest prize treat ($2–$4 USD).
• Non-Alcoholic Options: Lemon granita and herbal teas ($2–$3 USD).
• Eco Features: Local, organic sourcing; reusable cups; zero-plastic stands.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Badajoz (BJZ, 150 km) or Seville (SVQ, 200 km), with buses to Cáceres ($20 USD, 2 hours) then taxi to Villarreal ($30 USD, 1 hour).
• Public Transport: Trains from Madrid to Cáceres ($25 USD, 3 hours), then bus to Serradilla ($10 USD, 45 minutes).
• Car: A66 from Madrid (3 hours); free buses from Cáceres/Plasencia (February 27–March 1, every 30 minutes).
• Taxis/Rideshare: Taxis from Cáceres ($40–$50 USD); Uber limited, use local services.
• Parking: Park lots at Villarreal ($5 USD/day, 500 spaces); carpool encouraged.
• Walking/Biking: Trails from Visitor Center; bike rentals $5 USD/day.
• Accessibility: Free PSH shuttles; ramps at carpas; contact +34 924 33 24 61.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Parador de Plasencia ($150–$250 USD/night).
• Mid-Range: Hotel Exe Plasencia ($80–$120 USD/night).
• Budget: Hostal Casablanca ($40–$70 USD/night).
• Boutique: Hotel Rural Molino de la Ladera ($90–$140 USD/night).
• Hostels: Albergue Rural Monfragüe ($30–$50 USD/night).
• Rural Stays: Casas Rurales in Serradilla ($50–$80 USD/night).