Montesinho Nature Park

Montesinho Natural Park spans 742 square kilometers across the municipalities of Vinhais and Bragança, reaching elevations up to 1,486 meters.

The Portuguese government established this protected area in 1979 to preserve the natural heritage and traditional way of life in 92 rural villages.

Local residents maintain centuries-old traditions in stone villages, where communal farming practices and regional gastronomy remain central to daily life.

The park offers year-round access with various accommodation options, including camping sites, traditional houses, and organized nature activities.

In 2019, observers documented the first Cantabrian brown bear sighting in Portugal in over 100 years within the park boundaries.

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: March 8, 2025 16:56