Site of Community Importance Alvão/Marão

Across the rugged landscape, the Site of Community Importance Alvão/Marão unfolds. This protected area, established in 1997 as part of the Natura 2000 network, encompasses a vast 58,766 hectares. It includes the entire Parque Natural do Alvão and significant portions of the Alvão and Marão mountains. The Site of Community Importance Alvão/Marão is a testament to the region’s rich biodiversity. It boasts a diverse flora with over 486 plant species. Among them are 25 endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and six unique to Portugal. The site harbors rare species like the Paradisea lusitanica, Arnica montana, Dactylorhiza maculata, and Drosera rotundifolia. The Site of Community Importance Alvão/Marão’s fauna is equally impressive. Over 200 animal species call this area home, with many under the protection of the Bern Convention. The wolf, various bat species, the short-toed eagle, the peregrine falcon, and several other birds are among the site’s key inhabitants. The Site of Community Importance Alvão/Marão also includes the Parque Natural do Alvão, Portugal’s smallest natural park at 72 square kilometers. The park features diverse habitats. These range from granite plateaus to schist-dominated lowlands. The Olo River carves its path through the park. It creates stunning waterfalls, including the Fisgas do Ermelo, the highest in the Iberian Peninsula. The varying altitudes and microclimates contribute to the park’s unique flora and fauna. The Site of Community Importance Alvão/Marão is more than just a natural wonder. It’s a place where nature intertwines with human history. Traditional farming practices, intricate irrigation systems called levadas, and unique architectural styles reflect the close relationship between the local communities and their environment. The Site of Community Importance Alvão/Marão offers a glimpse into a world where nature’s rhythms and human traditions coexist.