Detailed review by Praskipark
Praskipark(57)
Warsaw, Poland92%
The Parque Natural de Montesinho is situated in one of the wildest areas of Europe, between Braganca in northern Portugal and Spain. The granite landscape is vast and interwoven with crystal clear rivers and lakes. Sometimes if you are lucky you can catch a glimpse of the red coated Iberian wolf roaming through the forests. Little villages and farms are scattered amongst the lower slopes of the Serra de Montesinho as are golden meadows, forests of sweet chestnuts and very old oak trees with thick, gnarled trunks.
As you travel further towards the Spanish border the slopes rise in height and the landscape turns into a wild rugged space of heather, broom, granite, wolves, falcons, owls and golden eagles. Tiny stone villages are scattered around and are delightful to look at although most of the buildings are not lived in due to the harsh and isolated environment - the citizens have left mountain life behind and moved to the cities.
My favourite time to visit is in Spring as this is the time when the park is covered in wild flowers.
I would advise anyone visiting the Park to go to the Park offices in Braganca as they have up to date advice on the paths and roads throughout the park for motorists and hikers. Maps are also available - some in Portuguese and other languages including English and German.
The address of the Park Office is Casa do Povo, Rua Dr Alvaro Leite, Braganca.
Opening times: Mon-Friday 9-12.30, 2-5.30
Parque Natural do Montesinho9
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