Montesinho Nature Park

Montesinho Nature Park is a protected area in northeastern Portugal that covers hilly terrain with forests, meadows, and streams spread across several municipalities.The park includes many small villages where traditional ways of life and nature exist side by side.

The Portuguese government created this protected area in 1979 to conserve the natural landscape and the traditional rural way of life.The decision came from a desire to safeguard the villages and countryside for future generations.

Residents in the stone villages practice traditional crafts and cook with recipes passed down through generations.You can see how people maintain these daily habits while living closely connected to their land.

The area is open year-round and features hiking trails through forests and fields with various accommodation options available.Visitors should prepare for changing weather and uneven terrain, especially in the higher elevations.

A brown bear was spotted in 2019, marking the first confirmed sighting of this species in the region after more than a century.The discovery surprised wildlife experts and showed that the forests were attracting large predators once again.

Location: Vila Real

Operator: Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas

Opening Hours: 24/7

Website: http://icnf.pt/portal/ap/p-nat/pnm

GPS coordinates: 41.86240,-6.76424

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03