Parques de Portugal

Presentation

  • Litoral Norte Nature Park (with 8,887 ha from which 7653 are of marine area) sprawls through 16 km of the coast from the Neiva Estuary to the Apúlia area where the windmills, one of the ex-libris of this area, are an evident visual reference. This Protected Area contains a cordon of sea and river beaches and primary and secondary dunes, reefs - throughout the coast, before the Ofir beach lay the Fão horses associated to the legend of King Solomon - and marine habitats. The Cávado and Neiva river estuaries, spots of pine woods, agricultural fields, some small leafy woods and reed beds contribute to the floral diversity (with 240 listed species of plants). Intense agricultural activity namely on the kneaders, also known as troughs, cultivated fields dug in the sands near the dunes and very close to the water table. This coast was used for a long time to catch kelp - the sands of the Minho littoral were fertilized using sea algae and "pilado" (a small crustacean).

  • Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas, I.P. (ICNF, I.P.)

  • Cliffs and beaches

  • North

  • Esposende

  • Access coming from:

    - Braga, headed to Esposende, through N103, A11/IC14, and through A28/IC1 headed to Viana do Castela, exiting to Esposende on the Intersection 19.

    - Viana do Castelo, headed to Porto, through N13, A28/IC1, exiting to Foz do Neiva, in the Antas Intersection (Intersection 20); Coming from Porto via the A28/IC1 headed to Viana do Castelo, exiting to N13 in the Intersection 18 -Fão/Apúlia.

  • Yes

  • Restoration work of degraded sand dune systems, with planting Marram grass in degraded areas due to step on and marine overtopping.
     
    Breeding success monitoring Kentish Plover, including counting nests and preservation and enhancement of habitats.
     
    Control of invasive exotic plant species such as Hottentot fig and acacia.
     
    Collect debilitated animals (birds, mammals and reptiles), the most severe cases are sent to the recovery center at Gaia Biological Park.
     
    Volunteer work with citizens, organized groups, associations, schools and businesses, and organizing international volunteer camps for eradication of invasive alien plants, maintenance of infrastructure and waste removal.
     
    Awareness-raising on the PNLN, which includes guided tours and environmental education themes and support for school projects.

  • Wander between the Cávado river and the Atlantic observing the river's estuary, the sand banks and the Ofir beach, the Fão Horses, Bonança Chapel and the medieval necropolis of Barreiras.

     

    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. Use simple and comfortable clothes. If you wish to take long walks make outerwear, food, water, sunscreen and/or a raincoat available. If you want to enjoy the beaches do not forget your bathing suit. Take special precautions when walking in moist and rocky areas, 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.

  • The Park has directional and informative signage throughout all of its area.

  • No

  • Yes

    Activities and field trips only by previous booking.

  • PTCON0017 Litoral Norte (North Coast)

  • <div> Visit the &#39;castro&#39; of Saint Lawrence (&#39;S. Louren&ccedil;o&#39;), located in a high point at about 200 m altitude. Besides its archaeological interest, you can still get extensive views of Esposende coastline.</div>
    Visit the 'castro' of Saint Lawrence ('S. Lourenço'), located in a high point at about 200 m altitude. Besides its archaeological interest, you can still get extensive views of Esposende coastline.

Weather Conditions

Weather Conditions em Litoral Norte Nature Park :

What you can do

1. Do one of the walking routes and enjoy the landscape, the flora, fauna and the heritage.

2. Take advantage of the several activities the area offers (boating, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, kite surfing, paddlesurf, bodyboarding, snorkeling, horseback riding, golf, mountain biking, birdwatching, among others).

1. Do one of the walking routes and enjoy the landscape, the flora, fauna and the heritage.

2. Set out to explore one of the beautiful beaches of this Nature Park.

3. Know the Banho santo (holy bath) in São Bartolomeu do Mar (August 24st) and participate in the festivities.

4. Bring your canoe and know the river Cávado.

5. Take advantage of the several activities the area offers (boating, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, kite surfing, paddlesurf, bodyboarding, snorkeling, horseback riding, golf, mountain biking, birdwatching, among others).

1. Do one of the walking routes and enjoy the landscape, the flora, fauna and the heritage.

2. Take advantage of the several activities the area offers (boating, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, kite surfing, paddlesurf, bodyboarding, snorkeling, horseback riding, golf, mountain biking, birdwatching, among others).

1. By car visit the Nature Park and take the opportunity to taste a Clarinha de Fão (a typical cake).

Best Season: All year long

Contacts

Parque Natural do Litoral Norte (Sede)

Rua 1º de Dezembro, 65 

4740-226 ESPOSENDE

Telephone: (00351) 253 965 830

E-mail: pnln@icnf.pt

MAP

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