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 Primorska Trepetljka, Juričica, Poljska Ševa, Strnadica Cikavica, Sivi Popić and Alpski popić. 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 Modrokos, Kamenjar, Hridna lastavica, Suri orao, Sivi Sokol, Crvenokljuna galica, Gavran, and Patuljasti orao. The pine forests, located at lower altitudes, are also home to some interesting species, of which stand out Zlatoglavi Kraljić and Krstokljun, as they are rare species in the region. In this lower altitude forests you can also find common species like Kratkokljuni puzavac, Jelova sjenica and Vatroglavi Kraljić. 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 Crvenoka grmuša and Crnoglava Grmuša.
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!!!
