Montesinho Natural Park

Montesinho Natural Park (Parque Natural de Montesinho) is a protected area in northeastern Portugal, right on the Spanish border. It lies within the municipalities of Bragança and Vinhais and includes the southern slopes of the Serra da Coroa. It is one of the country's wildest corners, valued for its small mountain villages, woodland and a real chance of meeting wildlife.

Where is the park and how big is it?

The park covers about 742 km² in the Trás-os-Montes region. Its highest point, Montesinho peak, reaches 1,486 m, while the lowest parts sit around 438 m. That range of altitude creates a patchwork of landscapes, from river valleys to cool, open plateaus. The park was established on 30 August 1979 and is managed by the national agency ICNF.

What is there to see in Montesinho?

The traditional villages are the main draw. Around 9,000 people live inside the park, spread across 92 settlements. Many keep their stone architecture and a pastoral way of life that has changed little. The village of Montesinho itself stands at roughly 1,030 m and is considered one of the highest in Portugal. It lies just north of the city of Bragança, the natural base for exploring.

What wildlife lives here?

The park is best known for the Iberian wolf. It is believed to hold the greatest concentration of the species on Portuguese territory. Roe deer and wild boar also live here, and more than 120 bird species breed in the park, including the golden eagle and black stork. The vegetation is a mix of oak, chestnut and pine, over slate bedrock with granite at higher elevations.

The region also gave its name to the Cão de Gado Transmontano, a livestock guardian dog used to protect flocks from wolves.

Planning your visit

• Base: stay in Bragança and drive in; villages are scattered and public transport is limited.
• Activities: hiking, birdwatching, landscape photography and strolls through stone villages.
• Information: Bragança has an interpretation centre for the park where you can ask about trails.
• Weather: the high ground can be cool even when the valleys are warm, so pack an extra layer.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Montesinho Natural Park? In northeastern Portugal, in the municipalities of Bragança and Vinhais, next to the Spanish border.

How large is the park? About 742 km², with elevations from roughly 438 m to 1,486 m.

Are there wolves in the park? Yes, it is one of the most important Iberian wolf habitats in Portugal, though seeing one in the wild is very rare.

How many villages are inside the park? 92, home to around 9,000 people.

When was the park established? On 30 August 1979.