Description
Serra do Marão, located in the transition region between Trás-os-Montes (District of Vila Real) and Douro Litoral (District of Porto) regions, is the sixth highest elevation from mainland Portugal, rising up to 1416 meters. At the highest point is the Marão geodesic vertex and the Marão Astronomical Observatory, where you can find Markpiber, Tornirisk, Sanglærke, Klippeværling, Jernspurv and Alpe-jernspurv. The rocky areas, with large escarpments facing east, are a refuge and shelter for some of the most special species of the mountain range, such as Blådrossel, Stendrossel, Klippesvale, Kongeørn, Vandrefalk, Alpekrage, Ravn, and Dværgørn. The pine forests, located at lower altitudes, are also home to some interesting species, of which stand out Fuglekonge and Lille Korsnæb, as they are rare species in the region. In this lower altitude forests you can also find common species like Træløber, Sortmejse and Rødtoppet Fuglekonge. Despite the presence of these pine forests, most of the mountain area is bare of trees and is dominated by rocks and mountain bushes. In this habitat you can find species such as Provence-sanger and Sorthovedet Sanger.
Details
Access
The best way to visit this place is by car/motorcycle. You can start the trail at the base of Serra do Marão and go up to the geodesid vertex, stopping at the forest and shrubby patches (see the map bellow). If you go by motorcycle and you want to take a circular route, you can go down through the village of Mafómedes, Baião. Beware the dirt road!!!
