O International Douro Natural Park is a protected area of Portugal, which extends from Miranda do Douro the Barca d'Alva. The park has beautiful views of this park, with its steep banks and riverside vineyards, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In February and March, with the almond trees in bloom, the park is more beautiful than ever, receiving many tourists.
Understand
History
It is one of the most recent natural parks in Portugal, created in 1998. The human presence in the park is ancient (the Côa Archaeological Park, with its Paleolithic engravings classified by UNESCO as World Heritage, is located in the continuity, to the south, of this area protected).
Climate
The region's climate is Mediterranean-subcontinental, with marked thermal amplitudes, with cold winters but very hot and dry summers.
The existence of the plateaus of Miranda do Douro and Figueira de Castelo Afonso at altitudes of 700 to 800 meters, cold and windy, contrasts with the narrowly excavated valleys of the Douro River and its tributaries, which are more thermal and sheltered.
Landscape
The park has 85,150 hectares, from the cliffs of the Douro and its tributary Águeda (which marks the border between Barca d'Alva and Castelo Afonso) to the Mirandese plateau, from the closed forests of Mogadouro, to the Alto Douro Vinhateiro.
Flora and fauna
The diversity and variability of the ecological conditions of the territory integrated in the park, enabled the development and stabilization of an extremely rich and diversified vegetation cover.
To arrive
By airplane
There are 2 flights a day on weekdays from Lisbon and since Real Village to the aerodrome of Bragança (tel: 273381323; [email protected]), carried out by the company Aerocondor [1]. From Bragança it is 80 km to Miranda do Douro and 85 km to Mogadouro.
By car
- Since Lisbon to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo - Follow the A1, the A23, A25 or IP5, EN 324, EN 340, EN 332 and EN 221.
- From the Harbor - Follow the A4, then the IP4, until Mirandela.
- For Miranda do Douro - Follow the IP4, EN 317, and EN 218.
- To Mogadouro - Follow the IP4 to Macedo de Cavaleiros, then take the EN 216.
- For Sword Ash to the Strap - Follow EN 213, EN 215, IP2 or EN102, EN 325, EN 220 and EN 221.
- To Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo - Follow the EN 213, EN 215, IP2 or EN102, EN 222 and EN 332.
By train/train
Several lines pass through the park. The most famous is the Linha do Tua, but there is more. For more information, see the Trains of Portugal website [2].
- From Mirandela, following the Tua Line, it is 75 km to Mogadouro and 115 km to Miranda do Douro.
- Following the Douro Line, from Pocinho, it is 77 km to Mogadouro, 60 km to Sword Ash on the Strap, 41 km to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.
- Since Guard, along the Beira Alta Line, it is 54 km to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.
- Along the Beira Alta Line, from Vilar Formoso, it is 34 km to Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.
By bus/bus
- saints (tel: 279 652188) [3] - Buses from Gare do Oriente (Av. João II, Lisbon; tel.: 218956890) and from Campo 24 de Agosto (Harbor; tel.: 225104915) until Miranda do Douro (tel.: 273432667), Mogadouro (tel.: 279342537) and Sword Ash on the Strap. There are also buses from Bragança (tel.: 273326552), Mirandela (tel.: 278265471), Celorico da Beira (271741241) and Pocinho to these locations.
- North Road[4] - There are trips from Porto (Travessa Passos Manuel) to Miranda do Douro and Mogadouro, passing through Mirandela.
- Express Network[5] - Travel from Lisbon (Sete Rios) to Mogadouro and Miranda do Douro with passage in Celorico da Beira and Pocinho.
- lopes (tel: 271312112) - There are daily trips between Pocinho and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.
Fees and Permissions
It's free to enter the park.
circle
- Several roads run through the park, making it easy to get around by car.
On foot
The park is also crossed by several overland routes, which are a beautiful way to visit the park. [6]:
- Fia d'Água Alta waterfall[7] - About 800 meters of walk. With this waterfall as its main point of interest, it allows you to enjoy the unique landscape of the Douro.
- Cushion - Sto. André das Arribas[8] - About 8 km long, it highlights the region's historical heritage and the steep valley of the Agueda River.
- Ribeira do Mosteiro - Calçada de Alpajares[9] - Allows a different perspective of the park's cliffs, as well as its archaeological heritage, its fauna and flora. It is about 8 km.
- Miranda do Douro - S. João das Arribas[10] - From the beautiful city of Miranda do Douro, to the cliffs of the Douro, showing the life of local people. About 19 km.
By bus/bus
- The company saints (tel: 279 652188; [11]) carries out daily circuits between the villages of Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro and Freixo de Espada à Cinta.
- The company lopes (tel.: 271312112) carries out daily circuits between the various villages of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo.
Of boat
It is one of the most beautiful ways to see the park, and several companies offer cruises in the Douro:
Look
The Alto Douro Wine Region.
- Alto Douro Wine Region - It is the oldest demarcated region in the world, very close to the park, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most beautiful sections of the park, where one of the most famous wines in the world, port wine, is produced on terraces by the river. The various wine farms (see below) and viewpoints (see below), open to tourism, are worth a visit.
- House of Selors - The Casa de Selores was built in the 17th and 18th centuries in a classic style, following the influence of the Baroque. The House consists of three distinct bodies. The first body has a simple granite façade, with a Renaissance-style balcony, where the columns are already twisted. The second shows an emblazoned door and six front windows, all with aprons. The 18th century chapel with a mannerist portal bearing the coat of arms of the bishop of Porto, D. Gonçalo de Morais, who ordered the construction of this funerary chapel for his parents and brother.
- Castle of Penas Róias - A beautiful Templar castle in the village of Penas Róias, near Mogadouro. Inside the castle you can see the Church of Azinhoso and Mogadouro in the distance.
- Castelo Rodrigo - A beautiful village, with a beautiful heritage. Among its attractions are the Igreja Matriz de Castelo Rodrigo, the Convent of Santa Maria de Aguiar and the walls of its castle.
- Sword Ash to the Strap - This Portuguese village has some of the most impressive monuments transmontanos, such as the Igreja Matriz and the Torre do Galo.
- Miranda do Douro - Land famous for its pauliteiros for its fantastic views over the Douro river and its parish church.
- Mogadouro - This region should be visited between February and March, when the almond trees are in bloom covering the fields with a white mantle, and you can admire beautiful views from the Serra da Castanheira or the nearby castle of Penas Róias.
- Tower of Moncorvo - Located at the confluence of the rivers Sabor and Douro, near the border with Spain. Don't miss the 16th century Mother Church and the Iron Museum.
Viewpoints
- Viewpoint of Penedo-Durão - Offers one of the best panoramas of the Douro.
- Viewpoint of Ribeira do Mosteiro (Poiares) - It has a magnificent view. From here, you can see the Calçada do Diabo or de Alpajares, a pavement of Roman origin with around 800 meters in length.
- Viewpoint of São Leonardo da Galafura, Largo do Jogo - Fonte Nova, Galafura. It offers an excellent view over the Alto Douro Wine Region (World Heritage), with its farms and terraces.
- Viewpoint of Senhora do Castelo - From here, you can see the Douro and the Serra de Reboredo. The Sanctuary is a place of pilgrimage.
Port wine farms
- Vargellas farm - It is located in one of the most beautiful stretches of the Douro, between the villages of Vale-de-Figueira and Ôlas.
- Vesuvius Farm, Travessa Barão de Forrester Apartado 26 - Vila Nova de Gaia. It is one of the most famous and most spectacular farms in the Douro, with more than 325 hectares and an impressive estate house.
Knife
cruises
One of the most beautiful and popular ways to see the river is via cruises. Some of these are via the traditional Rabelo boats, which traditionally carried port wine across the river:
- Barca D'Ouro Cruises, [16].
- Douro Blue Cruises, [17].
- Via D'Ouro Cruises, [18].
- New Steps, [19]. Cruises.
land routes
The park is crossed by several land routes, which show the park from a different perspective. [20]:
- Fia d'Água Alta waterfall[21] - About 800 meters of walk. With this waterfall as its main point of interest, it allows you to enjoy the unique landscape of the Douro.
- Cushion - Sto. André das Arribas[22] - About 8 km long, it highlights the region's historical heritage and the steep valley of the Agueda River.
- Ribeira do Mosteiro - Calçada de Alpajares[23] - Allows a different perspective of the park's cliffs, as well as its archaeological heritage, its fauna and flora. It is about 8 km.
- Miranda do Douro - S. João das Arribas[24] - From the beautiful city of Miranda do Douro, to the cliffs of the Douro, showing the life of local people. About 19 km.
Buy
Stores in Miranda do Douro.
In the park, the main cities where you can go shopping are:
- Miranda do Douro - The city does not contain any commercial center, not even in the rest of the park, so the last alternative is the traditional commerce in the historic center.
- Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo - Among the famous products of the region are the biscuits from Escalhão, the "mortoiros" and "forgotten" from Mata de Lobos. Here, too, the only option is traditional trade.
- Sword Ash to the Strap - The most famous local craft products are silk works. The Craft Center (Largo do Outeiro, 6) is a great place to buy crafts such as quilts, pillows, bedroom sets and cloths, all made of silk.
- Mogadouro - Visit the city center.
With the
Most restaurants are located in Miranda do Douro and Castelo Rodrigo-- See the articles from these communities for more options.
- the artur, Rebentão - Carviçais, tel. 279 098 000. The specialty of the house is the steak. Closed Monday at dinner.
- Estoril, Rua da República, 61 - Mogadouro, tel. 279 342 793. Located in the historic center of the city of Mogadouro, its dishes include borracho malandro rice, oven-roasted kid, among others. Open all days.
- the mill, Rua do Hospital Velho, 16 - Torre de Moncorvo. It is located next to the church, in an old oil press. Highlight for the Douro wine and almond desserts. Closed Sunday at dinner.
- The fireplace, Avenida de Nossa Senhora do Caminho, 58 - Mogadouro, tel. 279 342 363. Known for its skewers à Mogadouro and its game dishes. Closed on Mondays.
sleep
accommodation
See articles from Miranda do Douro and Castelo Rodrigo for more options.
Bemposta (Mogadouro)
- Pension / António José Fernandes - tel. 279579364 Bemposta Mogadouro
- Residential Gomes - tel. 279579106 Bemposta Mogadouro
- Residential Cruise / Barreiros - tel. 279579126 Bemposta Mogadouro
- Residential Sun and Sea / Largo do Santo Cristo - tel. 279 579 134 Bemposta Mogadouro
camping
- Santa Luzia Municipal Camping Park (Rua do Parque de Campismo, Miranda do Douro; tel.: 273 431 273) - Located in the city center, with access to the main monuments of Miranda do DouroAttractions: the Cathedral, the Castle, the Ruins of the Episcopal Palace, and others.
In the field
- Solar dos Marcos Rural Tourism (Rua de Santa Cruz, Mogadouro; tel.: 279 570 010; [email protected]) [25] - It is located in a 18th century manor house. XVIII, which will have belonged to D. Manuel Martins Manso, bishop of Guard.
- Casa da Cisterna - Rural Tourism (Rua da Cadeia, 7, Castelo Rodrigo; tel.: 273 313 515) [26] - Located in the beautiful fortified village of Castelo Rodrigo, situated in a traditional house. All rooms are named after birds (pisco, titmouse, etc.). It has a swimming pool and an indoor garden. The hotel also organizes hiking, cycling and donkey routes through historic villages.
- International Douro Houses (Congida River Beach, near Freixo de Espada à Cinta; tel.: 279 653 018) - Ten bungalows on a hillside with a beautiful view of the Fluvial Beach of Congida, in the heart of the park. The bungalows have a kitchen, TV and air conditioning. Also available are the swimming pool, bars, the river pier (for boat trips) and, of course, the river beach.
- Farmhouse - Rural Tourism (Quinta das Quebradas; tel.: 279 599 435) [27] - Located in a typical house of Behind-the-hills, has a swimming pool and offers bicycles.
- Casa de Santa Cruz - Housing Tourism (Rua Cimo do Lugar, 1, Felgar; tel.: 279 928 060) [28] - Located in the center of the village, in an old house, adapted for rural tourism. It has a swimming pool and serves regional food.
Leave
- Vila Nova de Foz Côa - is a Portuguese village, where the engravings of Foz Côa are located, the best known site of rock art in Portugal, and one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country, with 16 different sites. In addition to the engravings, the site of Penascosa, among others, is known for its wonderful views of the Côa river.
- Tower of Moncorvo - Here is the largest church in Trás-os-Montes, even bigger than the Cathedrals of Miranda do Douro and Bragança, symbol of Tower of Moncorvo. It is also famous for its castle, built in the 13th century.
- Vila Flor - One of the most beautiful villages in Portugal. Its tourist attractions include the Igreja Matriz, the Berta Cabral Museum, the Roman fountain, the Arch of D. Dinis. In its surroundings is the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Assunção, one of the most beautiful places in Portugal.
- Algoso - A village near Miranda do Douro, with several points of interest, such as the pillory, the chapel of S. João, the parish church, and, better known, the Castelo de Algoso, which rises in Cabeço da Penenciada (681 meters) with a beautiful view.
- Arribes do Douro Natural Park - A Spanish protected area that corresponds with Douro Internacional. Known for the great beauty of the Douro cliffs, it is also important for its fauna and flora.
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