North Portugal Tourism Guide - North Portugal Travel

Ponte de Lima & Ponte da Barca Transport Links

Regular bus services from Viana do Castelo connect Ponte de Lima and Ponte da Barca. The A27/IP9 road runs directly to Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima is connected via the A3/IP1. These are handy bases for exploring the lush Alto Minho region and the northerly part of Portugal's only National Park Peneda-Geres.

Chaves Travel

Auto-Viacondo Tamega Buses connect Chaves to Braganca, Vila Real, Montalegre and Mirandela. Rodanorte buses run services to Braga and Vila Real from their office on Rua da Familia de Camoes. As Chaves is only 12 kilometres from Spain buses marked Fronteira regularly make the journey from Mondays to Fridays. There is plenty of parking in the streets around Forte de Sao Francisco.

Braganca Town

The old train station is now the bus station at the top of Avenida Joao da Cruz. Buses run to Mirandela, Vila Real, Vinhais, Miranda do Douro and southern Tras-os-Montes, Parking is easiest by the bus stations and up in the citadel itself. The Tourist Information office is on Avenida Cidade de Zamora. Tel: 351 273 331 595. Open Mon-Fri 9 am-12.20 pm and 2-5 pm; Sat 10 am-12.30 pm.

Travelling to and within Peneda-Geres National Park

Public transport won't get you very far into the park as bus services are limited during the week and are even less at weekends. Bus services run from Melgaco near the Rio Minho to Lamas de Mouro and Castro Laboreiro in the north; from Arcos de Valdevez to Soajo and Lindoso in the centre and from Braga to Caldas do Geres in the south.

You'll be much freer to explore the park with your own transport. The roads are generally very good and well maintained for the onslaught of the Portuguese weekend picnickers. It seems that most people drive to the park and find one of the many Miradouros viewpoints from which to take in the fabulous views and picnic on the benches nearby. If you take the N308 road through the middle of the protected central area of the Park you ll find that because this leads to a border crossing it can t be closed - this is one of the concessions that compromises the protection of this central zone. When travelling along the 6 kilometre stretch of road above Geres motorised traffic is not permitted to stop. There are checkpoints at each end from which you have time-stamped tickets and you are expected to check them in at the other end within 15 minutes.

There are now several hiking trails (trilhos) throughout the Park and the PNPG offices provide numbered leaflets which detail the walk and interesting geological and ecological sights on the way as well as a brief map. These come in Portuguese/English versions. There are also themed walks such as the Roman trail that takes you past a series of Roman milestones, and the Bee Hives Interpretive Trail that shows you how the mountain inhabitants made honey and protected teir hives from bears! You will need a proper map if you're heading off for a hike as although most trails are waymarked landmarks are not always that obvious and you may not meet any other walkers while you're out. The National Park offices produce two glossy, colourful maps, but these aren t detailed enough for walking. You should make sure you've got a good topographical map before you head off into the wilderness. You can buy these at home or in bigger cities like Porto or Lisbon.

When travelling in the Park keep your wits about you. Upland fires are a common incident caused by litter which can cause fires in the intense heat, discarded cigarettes or carelessness of picnickers. The vegetation can be tinder dry so once a fire's started it can spread rapidly. Natural wildfires are also part of the ecological system here but do take care not to leave anything that could start fires unnecessarily. Some of the roads can be steep and windy so take care as you may well meet another traveller head on.

Travel to and Within Montesinho Natural Park

Montesinho Natural Park stretches for 70,000 hectares from the extreme north east of Portugal abutting the Spanish border across to the north west of Vinhais. Mountain range reach 1,481 metres in altitude. The main access points into the Park are from Braganca along the N103-1 road and Vinhais along the N316 road.

The eastern section of the Park is the only bit that is accessible by public transport. Buses run north from Braganca along the N103-1 to the quiet village of Franca and on to Portelo. Before reaching Portelo you can take a divert to the west to the spectacularly sited Montesinho on the border with Spain. Another regular bus service runs northeast from Braganca to the medieval village of Rio de Onor.

If you have your own transport you can explore the whole park, including the more remote western section, which is crossed by several scenic routes.

From the traditional Montesinho village of Vinhais you can see spectacular panoramic views of the Park. Horse-riding and mountain bike hire can be organised locally.

Douro Internacional Natural Park Travel

The Douro Internacional Natural Park stretches for 852 square kilometres Miranda do Douro in the north down to south of Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo in the south. It abuts the Spanish border which is marked by the River Douro itself.

Miranda do Douro in the north of the Park and Mogadouro in the middle are the easiest places to get to and visit the park. Both are reached via the IP4 motorway and then turning off on the EN317 and EN218 for Miranda do Douro, and the EN216 for Mogadouro.

Buses and coaches will get you to the two towns mentioned above and Santos runs more local services to a variety of the towns within the natural park. Check the links right for more information.

For total freedom to explore the wonders of the Natural Park you'll be better off with a car which you can hire - check the link right for a quick quote.

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).