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North Portugal Tourism Guide - Montalegre
The Tras-os-Montes region is the north eastern part of Portugal where the northern part of the region is known as the Terra Fria (cold land) due to its harsh winters where the extremes in winters and summers have led to the local quip to describe the climate "nine months of winter and three months of hell". The southern part of the region is known as Terra Quente (hot land) is much more Mediterranean in climate. It is one of the least well-known areas in Portugal and retains much of Portugal's traditions and charm. It is a beautiful part of the world with stunning mountains of the Montesinho Natural Park in the north and the lower hills dotted with regular rows of almond and olive trees that colour the landscape with their blossom in March and April.
Montalegre is a handy base for the Peneda-Geres National Park and one of the Park's Information Offices is in the town. The town holds very much onto its traditional Minho roots and there are plenty of historic sights in and around the town.
Montalegre Frontier Town
Montalegre is another frontier town 45 kilometres west of Chaves with strong ancient traditions. Bread is still baked in communal ovens in local villages.
It is another town with a medieval centre surrounded by the more modern developments of the 20th century. The Castelo is the main attraction, an impressive 14th century castle.
The countryside around the town is excellent for hiking with dolmens and ancient churches scattered around. The local Tourist Information Office on Praca do Municipio has leaflets detailing the various marked circuits that mostly start a few minutes walk from the hotels and end up near the Spanish border. Tel: 351 276 511 010.Mon-Fri 9 am-12.20 pm and 2-5.30 pm, Jun-Sept Sat 10 am-12.20pm and 2-5.30 pm, Sun 10 am-12.30 pm and 2-4 pm.
Peneda-Geres National Park
Montalegre is an excellent base for exploring Peneda-Geres National Park and one of the national park offices is based in Montalegre off to the left of the roundabout in the middle of the main Avenida Dom Nuno Alvares Pereira. Peneda-Geres office: Rua do Reigoso, 5470-236 Montalegre. Tel: 351 276 518 320/1. Fax: 351 276 518 322.
Peneda-Geres office: Rua do Reigoso, 5470-236 Montalegre. Tel: 351 276 518 320/1. Fax: 351 276 518 322.
You can obtain leaflets and maps on all aspects of the National Park including information on the wildlife, landscape, architecture and walks from the National Park Office in Montalegre off to the left of the roundabout in the middle of the main Avenida Dom Nuno Alvares Pereira.
Regional Tourist Information
The Regional Tourism website for Alto Tamega and Barroso has all sorts of information on the region as well as some tours including Chaves, Montalegre, Boticas, Ribeira de Pena, Valpacos and Vila Poucar de Aguir.
The Regional Tourism office is in Chaves at: Avenida Tenente Valadim, 39-1 dt, 5400-588 Chaves. Tel: 351 276 340 660/1/2/3/4. Fax: 351 276 321 419. Email: rturismoatb@mail.telepac.pt
The area lends itself to all sorts of outdoor activities such as walking, climbing, horse-riding and watersports. Check the link right for more on outdoor activities in North Portugal.
Outdoor Activity Companies
Javasport Tel: 351 252 850621/3. FAX: 351 252 850622 R. Padre Domingos Maia, 189, 4780-211 Santo Tirso
NortAventure Largo de S Roque, Madalena, 5400-504 Chaves. Tel: 351 276 324282. Fax: 352 276 331872. Email: mail@nortaventura.com
Rotas de Terra, Alvara: 46/2003, Apartado 169, 5401-909 Chaves. Tel: 351 914876923 - 934205548 - 965161839. E-mail: rotasdaterra@gmail.com
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