Site of Community Importance Alvão/Marão

Category: Nature > Reserva natural

District: Vila Real > Vila Real > Arnal

Location

Situated in the heart of the imposing Alvão and Marão mountain ranges, in the district of Vila Real, this site encompasses a vast area of remarkable natural beauty. Its elevated position offers grand views over deep valleys and rugged slopes, providing complete immersion in a mountainous and wild environment. It is a place where human presence is subtly integrated into the landscape, revealing an ancient harmony between man and nature.

Natural Richness

The Alvão/Marão Site of Community Importance is a true sanctuary of biodiversity, characterized by the diversity of its ecosystems. Here, one finds forests of Pyrenean oak and Portuguese oak, heathlands of heather and broom, and a wide range of botanical species that have adapted to the rigors of the mountain climate. The fauna is equally rich, with various species of birds of prey soaring in the skies, as well as emblematic mammals of Portuguese fauna that inhabit the wildest corners of this territory. The purity of the watercourses that wind through the valleys contributes to the vitality of important aquatic habitats.

Landscape and Geology

The landscape of this site is dominated by a rugged topography, shaped by millions of years of geological processes. Granite and schist formations predominate, creating a dramatic scene of nested valleys and imposing peaks. Rock formations emerge in sculptural forms, defining the wild character and visual uniqueness of the place. Panoramic views extend over vast expanses, revealing a mosaic of colors that varies with the seasons, from the lush green of spring to the golden and reddish hues of autumn.

The Legacy of Water

Water plays a fundamental role in the configuration and vitality of the Alvão/Marão Site of Community Importance. Numerous streams and rivers, with clear and cold waters, flow down the slopes, forming waterfalls and natural pools that contribute to the scenic beauty and the sustainability of the ecosystems. These watercourses are essential for the maintenance of aquatic flora and fauna, representing one of the most dynamic and pure elements of the landscape, inviting contemplation and contact with the most untouched nature.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt