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About this place
Côrno do Bico is a protected landscape (Portuguese: Paisagem Protegida do Corno do Bico) in northern Portugal, set in the southwest of the municipality of Paredes de Coura. It was created by a regulatory decree in 1999 as a regional protected area and is one of the officially protected areas in the country. It is also part of the Natura 2000 network.
Where is Côrno do Bico?
The area covers roughly 2,175 hectares spread over five parishes: Bico, Castanheira, Cristelo, Parada and Vascões. It lies on the edge of Paredes de Coura, right next to the municipalities of Arcos de Valdevez and Ponte de Lima, in the Minho region. The centre of the area sits at about 41.907 N, 8.532 W.
What is there to see?
This is above all a wooded, hilly landscape. The highest points are the Corno do Bico summit (833 m) and Alto do Cabeço (831 m). Oak woodland is the area's main natural feature. Wildlife recorded here includes the wolf, the otter and the genet, a small carnivore related to mongooses.
It suits visitors who enjoy quiet walks and nature watching rather than developed tourist facilities. Before you go, check the current state of the trails with the Paredes de Coura municipality, since path restoration work is under way.
Who manages it?
A 2003 resolution of the Council of Ministers started the preparation of a management plan and assigned the drafting to the Nature Conservation Institute of the time. A 2014 order describes the governing body as a three-member board, with the president and one member appointed by the municipality.
Investment and reforestation
The municipality secured about 1.24 million euros in total for the landscape. Around one million of that comes from the Norte 2030 regional programme and pays for path restoration, erosion control and a restoration plan for the Lameiro das Cebolas peatland. Over the past few years, more than 20 hectares of native trees were also planted on the common lands of Castanheira and Bico, together with conservation groups, to help recover areas hit by wildfires.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Côrno do Bico?
In northwest Portugal, in the municipality of Paredes de Coura, next to Arcos de Valdevez and Ponte de Lima.
How large is the protected area?
About 2,175 hectares across five parishes.
What is the highest point?
The Corno do Bico summit reaches 833 m, and Alto do Cabeço 831 m.
Which animals live here?
The wolf, the otter and the genet are among the species named for the area.
Is it part of Natura 2000?
Yes, it belongs to the Natura 2000 network.
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