PARQUE NATURAL DO DOURO INTERNACIONAL
A preserved natural park of great importance in terms of fauna and especially birds of prey.
The Douro International Natural Park extends for almost 120 kilometres from north to south, between Portugal and Spain, where the river forms the border between these two countries. On the Portuguese side, it encompasses the municipalities of Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro, Freixo de Espada in Cinta and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, part of the Douro valley and the river Adégua, a tributary of the Douro. The vast plateaus perched 700 to 800 metres above sea level in the north, and the steep cliffs where the Douro nestles, gradually give way to the opening up of the valley as you descend towards the south (or vice versa if you start from the south). This preserved area is of great importance for fauna, especially birds of prey: golden eagles, griffons, falcons and vultures, including the Egyptian vulture which is the emblem of the park. The region is subject to a rather contrasting climate: hot and dry in summer; wet and cold in winter. The International Douro Natural Park can be discovered during a cruise on the river, hiking, and of course by car, the easiest and most recommended way! On your way, you will come across many viewpoints (miradouro), some of which must be reached on foot (a few meters) to really enjoy the panorama. In spring, you will admire the almond trees in bloom, which have nothing to envy to the cherry trees in bloom in Japan: their white tones contrast with the blue-green of the park.
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