Where to Stay for Parque Natural do Alvão

Parque Natural do Alvão is a compact but stunning natural park located between Vila Real and Mondim de Basto in Trás-os-Montes. The park covers 72 km² of granite mountains, ancient oak and pine forests, and river valleys cut by the Olo and Beça rivers. The unmissable highlight is the Fisgas do Ermelo waterfall — at 270 metres, one of the highest waterfalls in Portugal — best visited after spring rains or in early summer when the water flow is strongest. The traditional Barroso-style villages scattered throughout the park (Ermelo, Lamas de Olo, Arnal) offer a window into a way of life largely unchanged for centuries. Summer is ideal for swimming in the river beaches along the Olo river, hiking the granite plateau trails, and photography of the terraced landscapes.