Montesinho Natural Park

Bragança - Natural heritage

As a result of the variety of microclimates and orographies, the largest Transfrontier Biosphere Reserve in Europe can be enriched by the enormous wealth of its biodiversity, both in terms of fauna and flora, in some protected areas several species are at risk of extinction. , countless endemic species and precious botanical treasures.

Several herds of wolves (the highest density on the European continent), run through the mountains of La Culebra, as well as wild boars and wild boars, in a territory that extends through the forests of Montesinho. In this Natural Park, 80 percent of existing mammals survive in Portugal, highlighting the wild cat, the Iberian desmán, and the topera (water) rat.

The deep gorges, some over 200 meters high, flank the Duero River and the Agueda River, home to significant communities of rupicolous birds. Endangered species such as the black cigüeña, the Bonelli's eagle, the real eagle, food and peregrine falcon are found on the cliffs of the natural parks of the Arribes and Douro Internacional, together with the red rains and a large number of lioned vultures. On the shores, the presence of the rare Galapagos stands out.

History and traditions

Zoomorphic figures and cave paintings from protohistory, Celtiberian hillforts, Roman bridges and sidewalks, agricultural materials betrayed by the Arabs - throughout the Biosphere Reserve you can find traces of the settlements that inhabited the region.

Small hermitages, beautiful churches and large monasteries adorn the towns and cities, while some fortresses such as the Castillo de Algoso in Vimioso, perch high on the hills. Other magnificent medieval castles can be visited in Puebla de Sanabria, Bragança, Miranda do Douro and Mogadouro. Other cities worth mentioning are Fermoselle, in Duero, and Mirandela located on the banks of the Tua River.

From the Christian legacy there were small hermitages at the top of the hills, the churches that elevated Zamora as the "Romantic capital", and the religious monuments of the historic center of Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition to Puebla de Sanabria, Fermoselle and Bragança, other towns such as Mirandela also deserve to be highlighted.

Parc de Monthesinho is a superb place for long long walks in nature.
Chances are, if you're there in December, that you will never meet another human.
Lots of beautiful birds and apiary's.
Very nice small towns.
Information could be a little more in English, not all the visitors speak/read Portugese.

Excellent, I didn't take a pic 🤦🏿‍♂😔.

Brief stop on a journey past

Absolutely stunning area to live

Nice national park, with amazing views and fmgood roads for motorcycles. Not much traffic and tourist. In the smal villages among the road there are nice small cafe's with very tasty coffee. And so friendly staff and people. Even if they don't speak English.

Outstanding park! This region is nearly deserted in the spring and the weather is incredible. In three days and 40km of trail hiking in the mountains we only met one other group.
The hills are covered in flowering bush and host to all kinds of wildlife.

Stunning scenery - The most beautiful countryside I have seen anywhere in Portugal, even more lovely than the Douro Valley. Absolutely loved driving through these flower covered hills and dales of chestnut and cherry plantations and historic villages.

Montesinho is a protected natural park with great views. You can see some wild animals as well. Beautiful in autumn and spring.

A very pleasant walk, in an isolated setting in the mountains and full of interesting information about the local fauna and flora.

Perfect place. Great view, nice people. All out of civilisation

Very good hiking ground with lots of things to see and to do, must visit

A very beautiful place to explore.

Underrated park, diverse wildlife (we saw two fawn!), interest nearby areas (see Dine's cave)

Natural, rugged landscape. Dotted with these lovely mostly round trees/ bushes.

Wonderful natural park, great for exploring and go for a walk!

Lots of things to do there, and the people are very nice

Great service, tasty food, good for vegeterians!

Incredible. Check out Pata da Moura.

Nature at its best.... Beautiful and natural landscape