Presentation
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Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve (16.348 ha) is based on a succession of rounded hills of shale which extend into Spain through Gata ridge, grooved by small waterlines hiding from sight. In the north there are traces of oak groves, once dominated by cork oak, notable the presence of the holm and a large surface covered by production woods. Interesting riparian woods throughout Rivers Bezágueda, Côa and Meimoa creek.
Extensive areas of Mediterranean brushwoods home to a varied fauna from which we highlight the Iberian Lynx, one of the most threatened mammals in the European continent and the subject of a reintroduction program in this Protected Area aimed at establishing the wild rabbit, its main food source, and improving its habitat. Presence of numerous reptiles and amphibians, extensive selection of passerines and several birds of prey namely the Griffon Vulture, the Black Vulture and the Black Stork.
Malcata is almost a human desert as the population exists essentially in the periphery.
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Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P. (ICNF, I.P.)
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Mountain
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Center
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Penamacor
Sabugal
Identification and Access
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Access coming from:
- Penamacor, head to Sabugal by the N233, then exiting right on the N332, when you see the indication for "Campo de Tiro" and "Reserva". When the paved road ends, at the top of the mountain, turn back or continue, through a dirt road, until you reach the wall of Barragem da Meimoa;
- Sabugal, follow towards Penamacor through the N233, exiting at the indications for "Malcata" and "Reserve". In the Malcata village, follow the road to Quadrazais.
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Yes
Tip
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This is one more of the "lost places" in Portugal and offers an atmosphere favourable to those who wish to get away from the urban stress. The smuggling routes tell ancient stories, the lynx, instead, awaits the reconstruction of its habitat so it can be counted among them. We recommend that you start your visit in the Interpretation Centre (Penamacor), where you can find all the available information about the area.
To observe the fauna leave early in the morning or a bit before dusk. Bring binoculars and a camera, if you have them. Always pay attention to the weather forecast and avoid performing activities in days of rain, thunderstorm or fog. Avoid going out by yourself, but, if you do, inform an acquaintance or a local entity of your departure and return. Use simple and comfortable clothes. Make outerwear, food, water, sunscreen and/or a raincoat available. You may also want to take a cellphone and flashlight (do not start a fire and don't dispose of cigarette butts incorrectly). Take special precautions when walking in the trails, to avoid falling and do not act in a way that might endanger yourself or others. In case of an accident contact the emergency service 112.
Supports in place
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The Reserve has directional and informative signs throughout all of its area.
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No
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No
Statutes of Conservation
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PTCON0004 Malcata
PTZPE0007 Serra da Malcata (Malcata Mountain)
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Biogenetic Reserve.
near you
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Almeida's village, located inside the walls (National Monument) of a fortress in the form of a 12-pointed star, is one of the most remarkable examples of stronghold defensive systems of the seventeenth century. Almeida is one of the Portuguese Historic Villages Learn more - site only in Portuguese.
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About 40 km from Sabugal, already at the Almeida municipality, lies the village of Castelo Mendo, medieval characteristics and is part of Historic Villages of Portugal Historic Villages of Portugal.
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A little more than 10 km of Sabugal is located Sortelha, on top of a granitic rock. It is a village surrounded by a circle of walls, associated with a thirteenth century castle. The village is part of the network of Historic Villages of Portugal.
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Penha Garcia (in Idanha-a-Nova county) is part of the network of Historic Villages of Portugal. With winding and steep streets, has a pillory dating from the reign of King Sebastian and a castle with a privileged view over Ponsul valley.
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Monsanto, located in a large steep elevation, the 'Cabeço de Monsanto', has attested human presence since the Palaeolithic. Winner, in the twentieth century, of the competition "The most Portuguese village in Portugal", is part of the network of Portuguese Historic Villages.
similar
Weather Conditions
What you can do
1. Walk without haste, enjoying this colorful season, when vegetation is covered with intense colors like yellow, pink, white, purple...
1. This is the hotter and driest season, especially on the southern slope, so it is worth taking advantage of existing river beaches on the outskirts of the Reserve, as the Meimoa, the dam of Meimoa river, Sabugal, Quadrazais and Foios.
1. Enjoy the mountain that gains new colors shades ranging from deep red to gold.
1. In Malcata highest points, enjoy the landscape after a snowfall or simply its green outlines a contrast to the white background of Serra da Estrela.
Best Season: All year long
Reserva Natural da Serra da Malcata (Headquarters)
Rua Dr. António Ribeiro Sanches, 60
6090-587 PENAMACOR
Telephone: (00351) 277 394 467
E-mail: rnsm@icnf.pt
