Marão is a place of unexpected fog where many surprises can happen. On this tour we will visit different types of mountain habitats, including the highest peaks with high cliffs facing east. These high and steep areas are a refuge and dormitory for some of the most uncommon species of the mountains.

The pine forests are also home to a few interesting populations of birds; however, most of the mountain area is devoid of trees and is dominated by rocks and mountain scrub. Amidst this bare landscape, with some luck, we may surprise an elusive mammal or some species of birds typical of this environment or, during winter, catch sight of some migrators that are not very common in Portugal.

Species:

Resident: Raven, Crag Martin, Dartford Warbler, Rock Bunting, Chough, Peregrine, Sardinian Warbler.

Breeding: Red-rumped Swallow, Rock Thrush, Pallid Swift.

Wintering: Alpine Accentor, Common Crossbill.

Site: Marão is one of the highest mountains in mainland Portugal, 1416m at its peak. It is a very steep mountain range with several cliffs. Most of the area of the mountain is very rocky and with some shrub cover, and woodlands are scarce. Still, the forests are important, with a predominance of Baltic Pine.

It is located roughly in the center of the north of the country, and is one of the natural barriers that divide the region's climate between the Atlantic climate to the west (mild and humid) and the continental climate to the east (dry and more extreme). This mountain receives a good amount of annual precipitation and it regularly snows during winter.

Best time to visit: Most of the species of interest are present all year round, but it is in winter and during migrations that the biggest surprises can be found.

To book or get more information, please contact us.