Serra do Xistral, Mountain chain and nature reserve in Lugo Province, Spain.
Serra do Xistral is a mountain chain and nature reserve in Lugo Province that stretches across a rugged landscape with varied terrain. The slopes support different types of vegetation, from grasslands to shrub-covered areas, creating distinct zones as you move upward.
The mountain chain has influenced how people settled and lived in this area since ancient times, acting as a natural divide between different Galician territories. Over centuries, human use of the land, mainly through animal herding, became deeply woven into the region's identity.
Shepherds graze livestock in the mountain pastures following methods passed down through generations. The flocks you see on the slopes belong to traditional breeds that have adapted to this region over centuries.
You can explore the area using hiking trails that link different sections of the reserve, with varying difficulty levels to choose from. Be prepared for weather changes at higher elevations and wear appropriate footwear for the terrain.
The area is part of the Terras do Miño Biosphere Reserve, a cross-border protected zone that spans both Galicia and Portugal. This designation recognizes the shared ecological value of the landscape for communities on both sides.
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