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About this place
Serra de São Mamede Natural Park is a protected mountain range in Portugal's Alentejo region, in the Portalegre District. It covers roughly 56,000 hectares close to the Spanish border and is one of 30 officially protected areas in the country. For visitors it offers something unusual in the dry lowlands of southern Portugal: forested hills, rocky ridges and medieval hilltop villages.
Where is the park and what does it cover?
The park spans four municipalities: Portalegre, Castelo de Vide, Marvão and Arronches. Marvão, the town listed for this location, is the most popular base for exploring. The park's approximate coordinates are 39.3° N, 7.33° W.
What is the highest point?
The highest elevation is Pico de São Mamede at 1,025 m above sea level, in the Portalegre District. By Portuguese standards that is a significant height, and viewpoints around the range look out over the wide plains of the Alentejo and toward the Spanish frontier.
What is there to see in Marvão?
Marvão Castle stands on a rocky crag at about 843 m above sea level. For centuries it served as a natural defensive position overlooking the border with Spain. The walls and towers are well preserved, and walking the ramparts is one of the highlights of the region. Sources give slightly different heights for viewpoints within the town, so treat such figures as approximate. The keep (Torre de Menagem) is the highest spot on the castle hill.
What wildlife can you see?
The park's emblem is Bonelli's eagle, with fewer than 140 pairs left in Portugal. You may also see griffon vultures, black vultures, eagle owls and short-toed eagles; about 150 bird species have been recorded. Mammals include wild boar, genets, European wildcats and otters. The park is also known for bats: an old lead mine at Cova da Moura shelters a colony of around 20,000 Schreiber's bats. The mine is closed to visitors.
Frequently asked questions
Is the park good for birdwatching? Yes. The rocky cliffs near Marvão attract birds of prey, and birdwatchers visit specifically for them.
Where is the best place to stay? Marvão, Castelo de Vide and Portalegre are the most convenient bases, inside or right next to the park.
Can I visit the bat colony? No. The Cova da Moura mine is closed to visitors.
How long should I plan? Half a day is enough for Marvão alone; to get to know the park, allow at least two days.
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