Designated in 1983

Located in the province of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, the Alvão range is part of a mountain barrier that includes the Gerês, Marão and Cabreira mountain chains rising between the coast and Trás-os-Montes and provides a sharply contrasting landscape. From a geomorphological point of view, this zone can be divided into a higher area that includes a large granite basin with a maximum altitude of 1339 m, and a lower area closely connected with valleys and mountains in which schist is dominant. A quartzite barrier splits this area in two, resulting in the striking and spectacular Fisgas do Ermelo waterfalls.

Traces of the ancient natural landscape are still present, under the influence of both Atlantic and continental climates. The deciduous forest with common oak Quercus robur, Pyrenean oak Quercus pyrenaica and cork oak Quercus suber, also contains the strawberry tree Arbutus unedo, holly Ilex aquifolium, butcher’s broom Ruscus aculeatus and a type of privet, Phyllirea angustifolia. The animal species found here include the Iberian wolf Canis lupus signatus, otter Lutra lutra, Pyrenean desman Galemys pyrenaicus, chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and salamander Chioglossa lusitanica.

The human presence here has always contributed to progress and changes in the landscape throughout history, mainly due to traditional farming and cattle herding. The fields of wheat, maize, potatoes and other vegetables are grown for human food, while the natural pastures called lameiros provide nourishment for the characteristic oxen of this region (the Maronesa breed), and the weeds provide food for the herds of wild goats. The parishes of Ermelo, Barreiro and Lamas de Olo are of architectural interest. Handloom flax weaving is the highlight of the local crafts.