Serra de Leiranco – mountains in the Boticas municipality

Serra de Leiranco (also written Serra do Leiranco) is a mountain range in northern Portugal, in the Vila Real district. It stretches from the boundary of Montalegre municipality across almost all of Boticas municipality. Its highest point reaches roughly 1,134 m above sea level, making it a distinctive feature of the Barroso landscape.

Where is Serra de Leiranco?

The range lies in the north of the country, in Vila Real district, between the municipalities of Boticas and Montalegre. The surroundings are rural, with small villages such as Sapiãos, home to a local association named after the mountains. A car is the most practical way to get here, as public transport in this part of Portugal is limited.

Where does the name come from?

Local accounts say the name comes from the many "leirões", or large rats, once found in these hills. It is an oral tradition, so it is best read as a curiosity rather than an established fact.

What wildlife and plants can you find?

The summit is a mountain habitat holding rare protected plants and a few Iberian endemics, including the grass Festuca elegans and the shrub Echinospartum ibericum, known locally as caldoneira. Resident animals include the wild rabbit and the rock bunting. In summer the northern wheatear and the rock thrush arrive, so the area appeals to birdwatchers.

The wind farm on the ridge

The Parque Eólico da Serra do Leiranco operates here. The first phase has 12 Enercon E92 turbines rated at 2,350 kW each, 28.2 MW in total. A second phase added 2 turbines with a combined 4.7 MW. The farm spans Boticas and Montalegre and is a visible feature on the skyline, worth remembering when you plan photos of the range.

Local life

In Sapiãos, the Associação Cultural Recreativa e Desportiva da Serra do Leiranco is active. It organises events and keeps local traditions, dances and regional songs alive. The Boticas town council publishes news about these events, so check its calendar before you visit.

Frequently asked questions

How high is Serra de Leiranco? Its highest point is about 1,134 m above sea level.

Which region is it in? Northern Portugal, in Vila Real district, within the municipalities of Boticas and Montalegre.

Are there rare plants? Yes, the summit hosts protected species, including Iberian endemics such as Festuca elegans and Echinospartum ibericum.

Which birds can I see? Rock bunting year-round, and northern wheatear and rock thrush in summer.

Is there a wind farm? Yes, the Parque Eólico da Serra do Leiranco, with Enercon turbines totalling over 32 MW across two phases.

Why is it called Leiranco? Local accounts link it to the many "leirões", large rats, said to live there.