Exploring Nature in Northern and Central Portugal

Arrival at Faia Brava Reserve

Located in the Côa Valley, in the interior of Portugal, the Faia Brava Reserve covers about 1000ha of land in the municipalities of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo and Pinhel. In this area, the slopes of the Côa River are formed by granite outcrops, with cliffs, providing excellent conditions for several species of birds, in a territory integrated by Natura Network and IBA (Birdlife International Important Bird Area), not forgetting the Coa Valley Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In 2010, the Beech Fair Reserve was classified by the Portuguese Institute for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (ICNB) as the first private protected area in the country and is currently a pilot area of the European Rewilding Europe project, whose main objective is to create wild natural areas and stimulate the development of nature tourism in Europe.

Overnight we will visit the Côa Rupestrian Art, humanity’s oldest graphic memory. The site of Penascosa is located between a large river beach on the right bank of the Coa River and a hill over the river.

Other points of interest: traditional pigeons, Maronesian cows and Garranos horses in semi-wild state.

In terms of wildlife, the Douro International Natural Park is one of the most important areas in the national and even Iberian context. Bird fauna is the most representative group in this area, due to the great diversity and the occurrence of several threatened species, which hold here an important percentage of their nesting populations at a national and Iberian level, of the 170 species registered, 126 nest.

Other points of interest: viewpoints over the Douro valley, old stone path; traditional pigeons, rock formations.

Visit to the southern part of this natural park, where the valley of the river Águeda forms the natural border between Portugal and Spain.

This day will also be spent visiting the historical villages of Castelo Rodrigo e Almeida.

Other points of interest: the Roman temple of Torre de Almofala (1st century), Convent of Santa Maria de Aguiar (12th century); Almofala Dam.

Visit to the southern part of this natural park, where the valley of the river Águeda forms the natural border between Portugal and Spain.

This day will also be spent visiting the historical villages of Castelo Rodrigo e Almeida.

Other points of interest: the Roman temple of Torre de Almofala (1st century), Convent of Santa Maria de Aguiar (12th century); Almofala Dam.

The highest mountain range in continental Portugal, reaching almost 2000 metres in height.

This unique subalpine environment creates a habitat for many specialized species. The mountain range presents a fascinating geological activity, with clear glacial valleys and natural lakes. It is the paradise of any geologist, where you can find unique and remarkable features.

Circular circuit of about 6 km, walking and interpretation.

Esta rota circular, em torno do ponto mais alto de Portugal continental, oferece vistas magníficas do território circundante. Apesar do aparente aspecto “nu” da paisagem, ao longo deste itinerário conhecerá alguns dos habitats mais importantes e únicos, animais e plantas que caracterizam o piso superior desta montanha. Um platô com características sub-alpinas, onde a vegetação é pouco mais que arbustos e grama, formando uma paisagem com arbustos intercalados com prados de altitude, lagoas e lagoas naturais de origem glacial, com presença constante de granito.

(*) Depende das condições climáticas e da cobertura de neve.