North Portugal Tourism Guide - All Central Mountain Safety

Mountain Safety in Portugal

Although weather can generally be warmer than in Britain, weather in the mountains can still be unpredictable and cooler on the tops. You will definitely need sun protection cream, hat and sunglasses as it can be very exposed in the mountains and you may not realise how quickly your skin can burn especially if there is a cool wind.

You need to layer up with clothing to cater for any eventuality. This should include warm, windproof and waterproof garments. Cotton shirts are cold when wet with sweat, modern wicking thermal vests are useful all year round. Wear comfortable boots that will protect your feet on all terrain. Take hat, gloves and a spare fleece; it is always colder on the tops. You will need map and compass in case your way is not marked. Take a reliable watch, whistle, and torch (six blasts or flashes repeated at minute intervals signal an emergency). A survival bag or modern light-weight emergency shelter can also be invaluable. Mobile phones and GPS are useful tools, but must not be relied upon entirely as you can often be out of signal around the mountains. A basic First Aid Kit can be useful. For the more adventurous in winter conditions, an ice-axe and crampons may be needed and climbers are urged to wear helmets.

Eat well before you start, cereals and carbohydrates release energy slowly and constantly throughout the day. In addition to sandwiches, take energy food such as chocolate, dried fruit, or glucose which restore energy quickly. Warm drinks do wonders for morale. Streams on mountains are drinkable if fast-running over stony beds.

There is safety in numbers, but groups should ensure that party leaders have sufficient and relevant experience. Do not leave anyone behind. Discuss and agree a contingency plan with everyone. Take special care of anyone lagging behind or less able at all times but particularly in dangerous places. Tell someone your planned route, starting & finishing points and your expected time of return - remember to let them know when you're back. If plans change, let your friends & family know.

Mountain Safety continued

Don't press on if conditions are against you turn back even if it upsets your plans. Send for help as soon as possible, but take time to assess the seriousness of the situation first - you may be able to help yourselves. Give first aid, and keep injured or exhausted people warm until help reaches you.

Dial 112 for all emergencies. You will be given a choice between policia, ambulancia or bombeiros (police, ambulance, fire brigade).

Travel Safety

Public transport is very good getting you to the nearest main town to natural parks and open countryside but local services may not be very regular or take you into the heart of the countryside.

Often having your own car means you will be able to explore these wilder areas more fully. You should make sure you have a map with enough detail by which you can navigate. Some of the tourist maps don't have all the roads marked on them and may not have sufficient detail. You can get topographical maps from Instituto Geografico e Cadastral in Lisbon or its regional offices in Porto, Coimbra and Castelo Branco. Walking and hiking isn't an overly popular Portuguese past-time so if you're heading for the hills you're likely to have them pretty much to yourselves.

Check with local tourist offices or natural park offices about the best way to travel into the mountains. They will be able to point you in the direction of the best bits for the time of year you're travelling. The public transport links right will help you plan trips on buses and trains. Get a car hire quote and book your car before you go for the best deals.

Make sure you're travel insurance covers you for outdoor activities. Not all standard policies will cover you for more adventurous sports. You can book the necessary cover online - check the link right.

Serra da Estrela Natural Park Information Offices

The main Natural Park Information Office for Serra da Estrela is in the pretty mountain town of Manteigas. This has the most comprehensive collection of information: Rua 1 de Maio, 2, 6260 - 101 Manteigas. Tel: 351 275 980 060/1. Fax: 351 275 980 069. Email: pnse@icn.pt. Open Tues-Sat except holidays 9 am-12.30 and 2-5.30 pm.

Other Information Offices are at: Seia, Gouveia and Guarda and open Tues-Sat except holidays 9 am-12.30 and 2-5.30 pm: Seia: Praca da Republica, 28, 6270 - 496 Seia. Tel: 351 238 310 440. Fax: 351 238 310 441.

Gouveia: Casa da Torre, Avenida Bombeiros Voluntarios, 8, 6290 - 520 Gouveia. Tel: 351 238 492 411. Fax. 351 238 494 183.

Guarda: R. D. Sancho I, 3, 6300 - 548 Guarda. Tel: 351 271 225 454. Open Mon-Fri 9 am-12.30 pm and 2-5.30 pm. You'll be forgiven for not finding it - as seems to be the custom - park offices are not well signed! It is on the corner of Rua Dom Sancho 1 and Rua Dr Francisco de Passos in a non-descript building but you'll notice wildlife pictures and leaflets stuck to the windows of the door. Not all staff speak English but are all very helpful regardless. Equip yourself with a few key words and you'll get by.

Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve Information Offices

The main office for Serra da Malcata is in Penamacor. The staff here can advise on the best way to see the reserve and where to go at different times of the year: Rua Dr. Ribeiro Sanches, 60, Apartado 38, 6090 - 587 Penamacor. Tel: 351 277 394 467. Fax: 351 277 394 580.

There is also an Environmental Education Centre at: Centro de Educacao Ambiental da Sra da Graca, 6320 - 052 Aldeia de Sto Antonio. Tel: 351 271 752 825. Fax: 351 271 754 425.

Tejo internacional Natural Park Information Office

The information office for the Tejo Internacional Natural Park is in Castelo Branco at:

Avenida 1 de Maio, 99 - 3 Esq - 6000-086 Castelo Branco. Tel.: 351 272 348 140 - Fax: 351 272 348 149. Email: pnti@icn.pt