Corno do Bico Protected Landscape

Corno do Bico Protected Landscape (Portuguese: Paisagem Protegida Regional do Corno do Bico) is a protected landscape in northern Portugal, located entirely within the municipality of Paredes de Coura. It is one of the 30 areas officially under protection in the country, and a good choice if you want oak woods, hill summits and quiet trails in the Minho region.

Where is Corno do Bico and how do you get there?

The area rises in the hills above the Coura valley, near the villages of Bico and Cristelo. It covers about 2,175 hectares spread across five parishes: Bico, Castanheira, Cristelo, Parada and Vascões. The main access road is the EN301. Most visitors drive from the town of Paredes de Coura and continue on foot along the marked paths.

How did the protected landscape come about?

It was created as a regional protected area by Decreto Regulamentar 21/99 in 1999, which defined its boundaries. In 2003 the government started the process of drafting a management plan, entrusting the national nature conservation institute with preparing it. A three-member commission runs the area: two members are appointed by the Paredes de Coura municipal council and one is nominated by the conservation institute. The territory is also part of the Natura 2000 network.

What nature will you find?

Oak woodland (carvalhal) is the defining feature of the landscape. Along the watercourses grow riverside groves of alder, willow and ash. Wildlife includes wolf, otter and the protected water shrew. The highest points are Corno do Bico (833 m) and Alto do Cabeço (831 m), which offer wide views over the surrounding countryside in clear weather.

Which trails should you choose?

Seven walking routes are marked in the area, among them the Trilho do Corno de Bico and the Varanda do Coura, a "balcony" over the valley. Tourist materials often spell the name "Corno de Bico", so look for both forms. An Environmental Education and Interpretation Centre is a useful first stop. The terrain varies, so wear sturdy footwear and carry enough water.

What is changing in recent years?

In 2025 the municipality announced an investment package of roughly 1.24 million euros, of which one million comes from the Norte 2030 regional programme. The money is earmarked for restoring paths to reduce erosion, managing habitats, and a restoration plan for the Lameiro das Cebolas peatland.

Frequently asked questions

Is Corno do Bico a national park? No. It is a regional protected landscape, one of 30 officially protected areas in Portugal.

How large is it? About 2,175 hectares.

What is the highest peak? Corno do Bico, at 833 m.

How many hiking routes are there? Seven marked routes.

What animals live here? Wolf, otter and water shrew occur here, though spotting them is not easy.