In parallel with the incredible natural values of the region, the Greater Côa Valley represents a unique opportunity to apply the principles of rewilding in the region due to the high levels of rural abandonment. This opportunity can be exploited by taking a large-scale perspective of the landscape, working to improve connectivity between natural areas and, at the same time, supporting sustainable business models in the region that can stimulate local economies and bring additional value to communities in the area. Rewilding Portugal is managing 3 areas in the Greater Côa Valley, under the conservation principles of rewilding. Our rewilding tours include the visit to the Greater Côa Valley and the rewilding areas. IMPORTANT NOTE: - This is a 3 days experience (it is not possible to book more or less days). - The total price is €453 Therefore, please select all 3 consecutive days in the calendar to book your experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 - you will arrive in Vilar Maior at the end of the day to check in at the local accommodation and, at dinner, we will explain the programme. Day 2 - In the morning, we'll visit the Vale Carapito rewilding area. Crossed by the Cesarão River, a small tributary of the Côa River, this valley contains natural values that are characteristic of the area. The riverside gallery of ash trees crosses meadows where some cattle and roe deer still graze. The slopes are covered in pyrenean oak forests. Numerous species of birds can be seen along the route. Dragonflies and Mediterranean terrapins take refuge in the water corridor and various species of butterflies hover over the flowery meadows. Complementing the rich natural heritage is the history and built heritage of Vilar Maior, with the 13th century castle standing out at its highest point. At lunchtime we'll have our picnic and then head to the rewilding area of Paul de Toirões. Paul de Toirões is located on the Beira plateau, close to the Spanish border, and is a key area for landscape connectivity in the Greater Côa Valley, a corridor and refuge for wildlife. Paul de Toirões was a former mining operation that ceased its activity almost a decade ago. Fed by the Tourões stream, it forms one of the largest areas of water in the entire Côa Valley, with a wide variety of environments such as ponds, channels, permanent and temporary lagoons. These are interconnected by seasonally flooded wetlands full of aquatic and riparian vegetation that grows over the former tungsten and aggregate extraction areas. Around all this water, there is an abundance of willow woods, some areas of reed beds, as well as a young but extensive forest, mainly made up of pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) and holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia). Day 3 - On this day, we will visit Ermo das Águias rewilding area, which is located roughly halfway along the course of the River Côa, on a steep slope on the left bank, where the landscape of the river valley is marked by crags and rugged cliffs. The opposite slope, however, has a significant area of cork oak (Quercus suber). Despite a history of intense land use, the process of renaturalisation of the pyrenean oak (Quercus pyrenaica) forests and their association with holm oaks and cork oaks is already evident. The meadows are gradually recovering their floristic diversity, which is attracting a greater number of insects, rabbits and partridges. This rewilding area is located 2 kilometres from the village of Vale de Madeira (Pinhel). From the village, we take a rural path that descends to the Gaiteiros stream, where the entrance to Ermo das Águias is located. In this area, there are several alternative walking routes to explore this natural area during the morning. At lunchtime, we'll head to the banks of the Côa River where we'll enjoy our tasty picnic. Then we return to Vilar Maior and end the programme.

What's Included?

- 2 nights in a double room, breakfast included, in a rural tourism house - 2 dinners - 2 picnic lunches - Tour guide - All permits - Nature conservation contribution fee - Local transport - Insurance

How your experience helps rewilding efforts

Our activities seek to publicise the natural heritage of the rewilding areas and the actions that have been carried out in favour of restoring the landscape and the ecosystems of the Greater Côa Valley. A percentage of our profits is donated to support rewilding initiatives in the Greater Côa Valley, through our partner Rewilding Portugal.

Food & Accomodation

Accommodation will be at Vilar Maior in a small rural tourism family house. Dinners and breakfasts will be prepared and served at the accommodation. Picnics will be provided during the activities.

Difficulty

Easy. Daily tours will consist on road trips with several stops and short hikings in the rewilding areas. On average, walking 3 to 4 km per day.

Group size

Maximum of 8 participants

Frequently Asked Questions

Meeting point: Vilar Maior (Sabugal) or a place to be agreed.