The Iberian mountain range stretches over most of the south eastern part of the province of Zaragoza and over most of the province of Teruel. The most notable peaks are Moncayo (2,315 m) in the north and the summits of the Universales mountains (1,617 m) and the Javalambre sierra (2,020 m) in the south. Aragon’s water network is marked by the Ebro river basin. The tributaries that flow from the Pyrenees have larger quantities of water in them, than those deriving from the Iberian mountain range. The region of Teruel, lies south of the Albarracin and Gudar sierras, located in the Guadalaviar-Turia and Mijares river basins.

Find out what Earth was like in the age of the dinosaurs. Venture down a coal shaft in a cart and be a miner for day. Get up close with wolves and lynx in the heart of the Pyrenees. These are just a few of the attractions waiting for you at the theme and leisure parks of Aragón. A great way for the whole family to enjoy themselves.Aragón is a Region packed with fun and adventure. Enjoy an unforgettable stay in this part of northern Spain, a place where being bored is strictly forbidden, as you will find out for yourself at its many amusement parks. You’ll find some of them in stunning natural settings. Whatever the location, though, excitement is always guaranteed. The young ones are sure to have a whale of a time!

Bison in the Pyrenees

You simply won’t believe your eyes. There are surprises aplenty in Lacuniacha in the Tena Valley, deep in the Pyrenees in the province of Huesca. Take a stroll through a forest that is simply bursting with life, inhabited by some wonderful animals. This three-hour walk gives you the chance to see lynx, bucks, reindeer, wolves, wild horses, roe deer and even European bison, all in a spectacular setting, surrounded by lush vegetation and the soaring peaks of the Pyrenees. Don’t forget to take suitable clothing and footwear for the mountains though.There is another superb family attraction waiting for you just 27 kilometres away in Sabiñanigo: the Pirenarium. Explore the entire region of Aragón in just a few hours – 120 models of its best-known buildings and nature areas, all of them genuine works of art. You’ll feel ten-feet tall as you walk among them – an original way of finding out more about this fascinating region.

Water and waterfalls in the most arid of landscapes

Visit Piedra Monastery, in the village of Nuevalos, and listen to the sound of water as it makes its way down streams and waterfalls and trickles into ponds. This enormous garden lies in the middle of an almost desert area. Explore the paths leading through this oasis and discover its many stunningly beautiful and secluded corners. Whilst you’re here don’t forget to pay a visit to the ancient Cistercian monastery, now a comfortable hotel. Did you know that back in the 16th century, Europe’s first chocolate was made in the kitchens here?

We move from the tranquillity of the monastery to the happy hustle and bustle of the Theme Park in Zaragoza. Let the child in you come out by climbing onto the roller coaster, venturing into the house of horrors or hurtling your way down the rapids. With 37 rides in all, the young ones are sure to have a great time.

When the dinosaurs ruled the earth

The fun continues in the south of Aragón. Come and join us in Dinopolis, in Teruel, the only place of its kind in Europe. Venture into the time tunnel and take a trip back thousands of years. Find out how these gigantic reptiles lived through a series of projections, virtual recreations, simulators, 3D images and games. All in all, an unmissable experience for your children as they discover the mysteries of paleontology by exploring an extensive games zone. There are a host of plays, puppet shows and workshops too. You simply can’t afford to miss it! The adventure continues underground 70 kilometres away, as you travel in an old mine cart through the Escucha Mining Museum. In just a matter of minutes you’ll travel 200 metres below the ground, through a tunnel that leads to a real-life mine. Inside you will find a natural coal seam, the only one open to visitors in Spain. You can also find out how miners used to work until only a few years ago. A visit that is sure to make a mark on the young ones in the family.As you can see, there are a hundred and one reasons why you should discover Aragón with your family.

www.spain.info

Only with a thorough knowledge of what is an European Geopark can a decision be made, with reason and conscious, for all that, inevitably,  everyone as to be involved in (population, authority, private business).

This project is to achieve the following objectives:

• Meet and maintain the geological heritage of the island of Porto Santo, recognized by the City Council as an added value to the County;
• Promote and enhance this heritage with the local populations and the general public;
• Sensitize the school population to the importance of natural heritage in general and geology in particular under the Conservation of Nature;
• Promote sustainable tourism of quality, based on natural and cultural values of the region;
• Enhance and encourage the development of traditional economic activities related to natural heritage and tourism;
• Develop and implement strategies for tourism and scientific dissemination of Porto Santo.

Geosite 1 – Columnar Disjunction of Pico de Ana Ferreira

Ana Ferreira Peak is a relief produced by differential erosion due to the hardness of the mugearite rock that constitutes its core. It was formed from magma of intermediate composition in a magma chamber underlying the peak. Mugearite is a volcanic rock distinguishable from the surrounding more altered basalt by its grayish tone due to a more differentiated stage inside the magma chamber, becoming enriched in silica and alkalis such as Na and K.

The prismatic or columnar disjunction found in Ana Ferreira peak is due to the slow cooling of magma that gradually retracted in all directions, giving rise to a geometric pattern of thin fractures. The regularity of this pattern, ideally perfect hexagons, is a function of the homogeneity of the rock’s composition and of the gradient of heat loss.

Geosite 2 – Dykes which intersect dikes (Morenos)

The N and NW cliffs of the island have a large complex grid of magmatic rocks. The basalt and trachyte dykes exhibit prismatic disjunction, locally called “navalheira stone” and they intersect each other in a sequence of magmatic intrusions.

In this geosite we can also observe rootcasts inside the eolinanites. These are calcified structures resulting from cementation of calcium carbonate around the roots of existing plants in the old dunes. The transpiration of plants provides a mechanism for absorbing water from the soil through the roots, and for receiving nutrients and other dissolved minerals. This calcium carbonate, CaCO3, from fragmented shells of marine organisms, precipitates and tubes form around the roots, which stay in place even after the plant is dead.

Geosite 3 – Pillow lava (Zimbralinho)

Pillow lava is a lava flow typical of under-sea volcanic eruptions. This designation is due to its approximately spherical section, similar to cushions. They form not only in deep sea but also whenever the lava flow above water comes into contact with the seawater.

Descending to the Bay of Zimbralinho, spheroidal disjunction can also be seen as a result of the fragmentation and separation of the curved onion-like layers of the magmatic rock due to weathering processes. Prismatic disjunction can also be seen in the Bay of Zimbralinho as in Ana Ferreira Peak.

Geosite 4 – Fossil coral reefs and galleries on the Ilhéu da Cal

The Low or Cal Isle is the largest of Porto Santo islands, where the extractive of limestone industry began in the XVIII century for the manufacture of lime, a strategic material used in the construction of various types of masonry buildings.

The stratigraphic sequence discloses submarine lava flows, volcanic ash layers and thick layers of limestone formed in coastal reefs in tropical conditions at a depth of not more than 40 meters.

Geosite 5 – Lava tubes (Ilhéu de Cima)

The lava tubes which can be found in parts of this isle are locally referred to as the “Sun Stone” because of the radial prismatic disjunction it presents. These tubes are formed when lava flows from the point of eruption and slides at high temperatures along the surface in the form of tubes or channels. In contact with the much colder air, these tubes solidify creating a crust that allows the lava to keep its temperature and flow inside the tube this way reaching longer distances. As the cooling progresses, the lava retracts and sets up a geometric pattern of fine fractures that give rise to the appearance of prismatic structures whose alignment defines the direction of cooling, in this case from the outside to the inside of the tube.

Geosite 6 – Cabeço das Laranjas (Ilhéu de Cima)

On the Eastern tip of the North-Western part of the isle, the “Cabeço das laranjas” presents a spectacular outcrop of round laminar fossils produced by red algae (rhodoliths) locally known as “oranges” because of its resemblance to the fruit. This is an unusually massive accumulation of large rhodoliths along a layer 6-meters thick, with intercalations of volcanic ash and some fossils of corals, sea-urchins (Clypeaster), Pectinidae and other molluscs.

Geosite 7 – Eolianites (Serra de Fora)

The eolianites are designated as Eolianitic Formation and cover about 1 / 3 of Porto Santo Island. This formation from the Quaternary age show’s a yellow-white in colour and is composed mainly of shell fragments of marine microorganisms, molluscs and calcareous algae. In these old dunes there are also fossils of terrestrial gastropods (snail shells), bird bones and rootcasts.

Geosite 8 – Salão (bentonite) -Navalhão-Baião

The bentonitic clay deposits are an alteration product of the Old Complex of the island whose age dates from 10-16 million years ago. These green clay formations result from intensive weathering of submarine breccia. A net of later intruded dykes preserved this clay unit from erosion. Locally known as “salão”, these clays were traditionally used to cover roofs to keep inside the house cool in summer and warm and dry in winter.

Geosite 9 – Fossil-bearing layers of Lombinho

Located in the North-East of the island, several fossiliferous layers date from the Middle Miocene (approximately 14 million years ago) outcrop inside a thick sequence of volcano-sedimentary facies. These sedimentary sequences suggest shallow deposition along a paleoenvironment of moderate to high energy with a large variety of marine fossils such as isolated and colonial corals, rhodoliths, molluscs (Pectinids, Ostreids), sea-urchins (Clypeasterids), among others.

Geosite 10 – Columnar Disjunction of Pico Branco

Trachyte and rhyolite volcanic rocks, of light-gray color, can be found in the NE of the island. On the White Peak we can find a huge prismatic disjunction ,locally called as “Rocha Quebrada” (broken rock), in which the path Pico Branco-Terra Chã was carved. The area of Pico Branco and Terra Chã is part of the European Network of Sites of Community Importance – Natura 2000, Habitats Directive, because of its endemic flora and fauna (terrestrial molluscs, i.e. snails).

Geosite 11 – Hyaloclastites of Pico da Cabrita

These rocks of submarine volcanic origin consist of angular fragments of lava of variable size and color, with a vitreous and porous texture due to the sudden and explosive contact with seawater; while still hot they consolidate into a colourful volcanic breccia.

Geosite 12 – Dykes of Porto das Salemas

The steep cliffs of the N and NW coast present volcanic pyroclastic formations represented by tuffs and breccias. The tuffs are cut by a significant network of dykes, conduits that fed a major field of surface volcanoes, long eroded.

The dykes are magmatic rocks of tabular shape, resulting from in-fill by lava that did not extrude but, instead, consolidated inside deep fractures in older rocks. Their attitude and size vary, with thicknesses ranging from a few millimetres to a few meters. Their thickness is not always constant and they sometimes branch out following a more-or-less irregular pattern in the fractures opened by volcanically induced pressure.

Geosite 13 – Eolianites of Fonte da Areia

In this geosite large accumulations of biogenic carbonate sand belonging to the same Eolianitic Formation as in Serra de Fora have hardened into eolianites. Eolianites are the legacy of the last “Wurm” glaciation, which occurred between 100 and 10 thousand years ago. Below the eolianite there is a clay unit of probable lacustrine origin, which is in direct contact with an angular unconformity along an ancient topographic surface carved upon much older volcanic dykes and lava flows.

Geosite 14 – Carbonated fossiliferous sands of Porto Santo’s beach

The golden-yellow sands of Porto Santo are unique among all other mainland and island Portuguese beaches since they result directly from erosion of the eolianitos that outcrop on several sectors of the island. The sand grains are mainly constituted of microfossils and small shells, red algae and other fossil fragments of marine organisms that developed thousand of years ago in the shallow waters that surrounded the island, during the last glaciation (Wurm).

More information: http://www.geoparkportosanto.com/en/

Suggestion from the Tourism of Portugal

Praia do Camilo

At Lagos, make your way through the city’s historic centre as you listen to the sound of amateur musicians and the various rhythms oozing out from the bars and allowing the party atmosphere to spill out into the street. Bring added excitement to your day with the bright and cheerful colours of the various crafted articles on display at the stalls in the street and then discover all the different shades of blue as you take a stroll along the front to observe the sea and watch the yachts sketching lines of foam into the mirror-like surface of the water.

At Lagos, the emphasis is definitely on the sea. For this reason, you should visit the small museum at the fortress, dedicated to the Portuguese Discoveries. Find out more about the great maritime adventure that gave “Worlds to the World” and about the historic role played in this great adventure by the city of Lagos itself. Dedicate a few minutes of your day to just taking in the scenery all around you, whether you’re sitting on the terrace of the fortress, with its magnificent view of the bay and the marina, or strolling amidst the rock formations of the headland of Ponta da Piedade with its breathtaking views over the sea.

Next you should move on to Silves, the old capital of the Algarve’s Moorish kingdom. Walking hand in hand with your loved one, you can join forces to conquer the beautiful red castle at the top of the hill. From its battlements, you can observe the majestic profile of Silves, which seems to rise up from the midst of an immense orange grove. The cathedral or perhaps the Arab cistern in the city’s Archaeological Museum are also both waiting for your visit.

Monchique

Make your way even further inland and drive up into the hills of the Serra de Monchique. Let yourself become immersed in the different greens of this place, which is a very different proposition from the better known areas of the Algarve. As you stroll through the streets of the spa town of Caldas de Monchique, let yourself be taken back in time to the days of the 1920s and seek out the Fonte dos Amores, the famous “Lovers’ Fountain” inside the spa’s cool, fresh park. It’s now time to evoke some of the Moorish legends associated with these places and to complete this romantic day for two with a sweet declaration of love.

Where to stay:

Pousada do Infante, Sagres

Pousada de Sagres, Infante, is located in the fishing village of Sagres, Algarve. This hotel has a superb position on the cliff-top overlooking Sagres fort and the lighthouse of Cape St Vicent, the most south westerly corner of Europe.

This village has an important historical and maritime significance, from where, 500 years ago, Prince D. Henrique’s caravels left to look for new countries. The discovery of the cultural authenticity of the area and the possibility of walking on desert beaches, allow you to forget about the real world. From the fishing village comes the excellent fish and seafood that can be quietly savoured at the Pousada de Sagres hotel, a contrast to the more usual cosmopolitan bustle of the Algarve coast.

More info at www.pousadas.pt

It is an essential destination for windsurfing and scuba diving lovers. Here you will find unforgettable spots. There are more than 150 beaches in the north and south of the island, spread over 340 kilometres of coastline. Meanwhile, on the east coast you will find cliffs and small, hidden coves.

Their shallow, crystal clear waters are ideal for watersports: sailing, water skiing, surfing, fishing… and, above all, windsurfing: the island now has an important place on the windsurfing World Cup circuit. There is a long list of beaches where you can practise this sport: Corralejo, Cotillo, Jandía, Caleta de Fuste, Cofete…

This is also the case for scuba diving. Fuerteventura is an ideal destination for diving fans, thanks to the crevices, caves, tunnels, overhangs and rock formations to be found on its ocean beds. Its excellent climate, sandy beaches with dunes, stunning natural beauty and modern infrastructure make Fuerteventura a privileged destination for tourists.

A good way to get to know the island’s most hidden spots is to explore the tracks and trails that will lead you to areas of unspoilt countryside. This is the case of Tindaya Mountain and the Betancuria Nature Reserve, the island’s largest area of protected countryside.

Fuerteventura airport is five kilometres from Puerto del Rosario, with services by airlines from many different countries. The island also has scheduled boat and ferry services to the rest of the archipelago, departing from Puerto del Rosario, La Oliva and Pájara.

Geology

Fuerteventura is the oldest island in the Canary Islands dating back 20 million years to a volcanic eruption from the Canary hotspot. The majority of the island was created about 5 million years ago and since then has been eroded by wind and weather. On the seabed off the west coast of the island rests a block of rock 22 km long and 11 km wide, which appears to have slid off the island largely intact at some point in prehistory, similar to the predicted future collapse of Cumbre Vieja, a geological fault on the neighboring island, La Palma. The last volcanic activity in Fuerteventura was between 4,000 and 5,000 years ago.

The highest point in Fuerteventura is Mount Jandía (807 m) in the southwestern part of the island. Geographical features include Istmo de la Pared which is 5 km wide and is the narrowest part of Fuerteventura. The island is divided into two parts, the northern portion which is Maxorata and the southwestern part called the Jandía peninsula. The island is the least settled in the Canary Islands.

Climate

The climate on Fuerteventura is pleasant throughout the year. The island is also often referred to as the island of eternal spring. The sea adjusts the temperature making the hot Sahara winds blow away from the island. The island’s name in English translates as ’strong fortune’ or ’strong wind’, the Spanish word for wind being ‘viento’. During the winter months, temperatures average a high of 22 °C (72 °F) and a low of around 15 °C (59 °F), whereas during the summer a mean high of 35 °C (95 °F) and a low of 20 °C (68 °F) can be expected. Precipitation is about 147 mm per year, most of which falls in autumn and winter. October is the month with highest rainfall.

A sandstorm known as the Calima (similar to the Scirocco wind that blows North from the Sahara into Europe) blows southwestward from the Sahara Desert and can cause high temperatures, low visibility and drying air. Temperatures during this phenomenon rise temporarily by approximately 10 degrees Celsius. The wind brings in fine white sand, visibility can drop to between 100 to 200 m (328.08 to 656.17 ft) or even lower and can even bring African locusts to the island.

WalkIberia sugestion

Parque Natural del Islote de Lobos

The small unspoiled island.

The Islet of Lobos is a small isle situated to the north of Fuerteventura, from which it is separated by around 2 Km. It houses very valuable habitats in magnificent condition. This small island, belonging to the township of La Oliva, possesses a high landscape content, which is unique and representative of Canary geology and geomorphology. Many of the park’s plant species are today protected by several norms. It houses numerous exclusive species and endemisms (such as Limonium ovalifolium canariensis), which live in habitats in magnificent condition.

Information:

• Type of area: Nature reserve
• Area: 468 Hectares
• Information for visits: To get there, there is a boat that offers a same-day round trip, as there are no accommodations. The island can be easily explored in a few hours.
• Environmental information: Besides the omnipresent gulls or stone curlews, the invertebrate fauna stands out, especially the coleoptera.
• Cultural information: The town of La Oliva is one of the richest archaeological areas in Fuerteventura, which gives ample evidence of aboriginal presence in the area.One of the obligatory visits is to the petroglyphs on Tindaya Mountain, where foot-like shapes and structures predominate.

The nine islands of the archipelago are divided in three geographical groups. The Eastern Group, which comprises Santa Maria and São Miguel, is 1,400 km away from the European mainland; the Central Group includes Faial, Graciosa, Pico, São Jorge and Terceira; finally the Western Group comprises Corvo and Flores and is about 1,800 km away from the closest point of the North-American Continent.

Located in the area of contact between the Euro-Asian, American and African tectonic plates, the Azores Archipelago has a volcanic origin. Throughout the millennia, eruptions and earthquakes moulded a land with a common characteristic: the mark of volcanoes. But each one of the islands has its own identity. The lakes of São Miguel, the waterfalls of Flores, the fajãs of São Jorge, the Mountain of Pico, the craters of Corvo and Faial, the fossil cliffs of Santa Maria, the rounded cones of Graciosa and the caves of Terceira are unmistakable features. To travel to the Azores is to get to know nine islands where the same genetic code generated profiles that are distinct from one another.

The first settlers of the Azores found, amongst a dozen of other endemic species, Azores junipers, heaths, Azores heathers andcolicwood, which still prevail on the islands of the Azores. Throughout the centuries, the hand of man shaped the landscape. As the climate is mild, trees such as the Japanese cedar and the araucaria became an important part of the typical landscape of the Azores, filled with the blue and pink colours of hydrangeas.

The archipelago is the natural habitat of bird species, such as common buzzards, Cory’s shearwaters, terns, wood pigeons and blackbirds. In the mountain Serra da Tronqueira, on the island of São Miguel, the Azores bullfinch (locally known as priôlo) is a protected species as it runs the risk of extinction. Various other migratory birds choose the Azorean soil to rest from their long flights in between continents.

In the Atlantic Ocean, life multiplies itself over more than two dozens species of dolphins and whales that inhabit its waters or that cross the seas of the Azores. There are abundant colonies of molluscs, crustaceous and fishes, thus completing the region’s extraordinary maritime diversity.

São Miguel

THE GREEN ISLAND

The landscape of São Miguel is marked by two massive volcanic eruptions separated by a low central range of mountains. Called the Green Island, its landscape is made up of extensive fields and hills covered with trees. At 1080 metres, Pico da Vara is its highest point. Japanese cedars stand out for their size and are part of the typical post card of São Miguel. The original flora still survives, with native and endemic species such as the Azores heather and the fire tree making up a palette of different shades of green spread out along the horizon.

Santa Maria

THE YELLOW ISLAND

Because it is located further south, the island of Santa Maria has a warmer, drier climate. It is also known as the Sun Island, but given the bell-shaped flowers of the brooms, it was named the Yellow Island. The coast is, here and there, cut by shining bays. From the 590 metres of height of Pico Alto, on a clear day, one can see the whole island, divided essentially between a plain area in the south and in more mountainous one in the north.

COLOURS AND SHAPES

The passing of time has changed the original soils and created real wonders, such as the Barreiro da Faneca. This is an extension of arid, clay soil, known as the “red desert.” It bewitches the visitor. The undulating surface simulates a sea that changes from bright orange to red in accordance with the time of the day. The Poço da Pedreira, an old quarry for the extraction of stone, kept its colours. The Martian landscape sculptured in the Pico Vermelho (Red Peak) gloriously appears reflected in a mirror of water.

Geological forms attain greatness at the Ribeira do Maloás, a small water fall surrounded by unlevelled interlocking columns of basaltic lava. The wall, totally carved in a stairway made for giants, is an awesome sight. Similar sights can be found at the Cascata do Aveiro, a 110-metre high waterfall, and at the Baía dos Cabrestantes with the yellow shades of blossoms. In Ponta do Castelo, the Gonçalo Velho Lighthouse spreads long, bright rays that seem to reach the far away and invisible Continental Europe.

Terceira

THE PURPLE ISLAND

At its centre, there is the Guilherme Moniz Caldera, a small crater albeit with a perimeter of 15 km (the biggest of the archipelago). To the east, there is an extensive plateau, and the small hills of Serra do Cume. To the west, there is the outline of the hills of Serra de Santa Bárbara that is 1023 metres high and includes lakes, caves and some hidden Mistérios Negros (Black Mysteries), amongst dense flora waiting to be discovered. The purple or lilac colour of Terceira is associated to the hanging bunches of wisterias and lilacs. However, this colour can also be spotted in some of the façades of the buildings of Angra do Heroísmo.

VOLCANOES

The vestiges of the volcanic activities on the island of Terceira are spectacular and can be easily visited. Algar do Carvão is a volcanic chimney and is overwhelming for its immense space. From its arched roof hang strange and remarkable silica stalactites. The Gruta do Natal, a cave consisting of a lava tube, is a wonder for its extensive, straight, long passages. The walls, ground and ceiling have different colours and shapes, transforming the cave into a mystic place. Outside, there are the Furnas do Enxofre, caves which are today’s witnesses of the formation of the Archipelago. The landscape is filled with fumaroles, surrounded by a red soil contrasting with the green of the moss. The whole atmosphere is warm, with a characteristic smell.

Faial

THE BLUE ISLAND

From the lookout of the volcanic cone of Cabeço Gordo, the highest point of the island at an altitude of 1.043 metres, the ground seems to slightly incline until it levels out by the seaside. The road leading to the centre of Faial, dominated by the grand Caldeira, justifies the nickname of Blue Island. A profusion of hydrangeas brings the sea colour to land as if encouraging a romance between the blue of the flowers and the green of the vegetation. Suddenly, there is a complete change at the volcano site of Vulcão dos Capelinhos, proving that grey can also be charming.

Pico

THE GREY ISLAND

One only has to look up to understand the colour chosen for the island of Pico. There is an enormous grey cone cutting the blue of the sky. The volcano of Pico, 2,351 metres in height, is the highest point of the whole of Portugal. When nearing this colossus, one’s perceptions are altered by the green of the vegetation and the blue of the lakes dancing around the mountain. It is the central piece of the island as it divides the land into a rocky part to the east, and a more levelled part to the west.

CENTRAL PLATEAU

Filled with small volcanic cones paying homage to the giant volcano, the central plateau of Pico is the natural home of a crater lake called Lagoa do Capitão. Its waters serve as a mirrror for the Piquinho (tip of the giant mountain) and are surrounded by an area covered with endemic vegetation, including Azores junipers, heaths and spurges. New contours of the mountain can be found on the Caiado, Paul, Rosado, Peixinho, Ilhéu, Negra and Landroal crater lakes by taking a route with great landscape beauty.

São Jorge

THE BROWN ISLAND

The elongated profile of São Jorge Island emerges from the horizon as the dorsum of a sleeping dragon. The association of the colour brown to the island seems to come from the colour of the rocks in one of the island ends, Rosais. But it also could come from the dark shades of the central cones, whose highest peak, Pico da Esperança, reaches 1,053 m. One understands the natural features of this island by travelling through its continuous climbs and descents. At the centre of the island, there is a narrow and bumpy mountain range and by its sides there are steep cliffs that end in the blue sea or in small green plains: the famous fajãs.

Graciosa

THE WHITE ISLAND

When seen from the air, the island of Graciosa looks as if it is a field stretched over the sea, cut by soft hills. Pico Timão, a peak reaching an altitude of 402 metres and located right in the middle of the island, is the highest point of Graciosa, which has been classified by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. A particular brightness spreads white shades over the green of the grass and the brown of the rocks. This clearly justifies Graciosa’s nickname of White Island, wherein the walls of the traditional homes shine intensively. This colour blends well with the gentile and shy beauty of Graciosa that impresses for its serenity.

Flores

THE PINK ISLAND

The undulating central mass of volcanic origin dominates the whole landscape. From the summit of the 914 metres of the hill Morro Alto, the highest point of the island, one can see an intense green ocean wherein the native laurissilva forest is still present. The platform has cones with soft or inclined slopes, craters of considerable dimensions that turned into lakes and abrupt rock formations. It is the profile of a rebellious nature that pleases and invites the visitor. Among the intense greens of the vegetation there are outstanding waterfalls and streams that water a natural garden of colourful flowers. The pink colour comes from the azaleas and from some of the hydrangeas. Nevertheless, some know the island for the floral buds of the seaside golden rods, which are toasted yellow in colour.

Corvo

THE BLACK ISLAND

The landscape of Corvo is filled with black stone walls that divide the properties. The sheds, built with basaltic rock, are used to store the tools used in farming and in the preparation of fodder, and they add to the black stain that gave origin to the colour attributed to this island. At 720 metres of altitude, the Estreitinho hill is the highest point of the island of Corvo, which is dominated by the crater of Caldeirão. There is not much woodland, but there are cedars and junipers. In the fields, the green of pastures mixes with the colours of cereal plantations.

Azores, nature all around you

The Azores offer singular conditions for developing nature tourism by virtue of their natural and cultural heritage, unique in Portugal and, indeed, the world.

This heritage has been preserved and classified, and includes marine biodiversity, flora and fauna, volcanoes, nature parks and botanical gardens, as Well as features exclusive to each island. All of the above, together with the islands’ traditional towns and villages, present unparalleled opportunities for nature tourism.

Examples of the quality and richness waiting to be explored include themed tourist routes (such as those based on wine or volcanoes), a nature park circuit around the islands, numerous signposted, mapped hiking trails through breathtaking natural landscapes, diving, including magical night dives, and fantastic golf courses with sea views. The ideal place to enjoy distinct experiences in a natural setting the Azores also play host to other unmissable activities, such as geocaching, volcanology, whale watching, bird-watching, scuba diving, hiking or canyoning.

More info at www.visitazores.com

WalkIberia suggests as accommodation:

The Casas Açorianas are the official association of rural tourist accommodation of the Azores.
We have 51 traditional houses at your disposal; every single one of them has been restored in order to provide our guests with maximum comfort; choose one of our houses and get acquainted with paradise on the Azores Islands!

Visit the website www.casasacorianas.com for more information.

This whole area, along with others such as the river Fluvià, forms part of the La Xarxa Natura 2000 (Natural Network 2000), a European initiative to protect the most unique, diverse, rare, well conserved, representative, fragile or vulnerable natural spaces and which share with each other similar characteristics.

The climate of La Garrotxa is medium mountain Mediterranean. Rainfall is abundant throughout the year, and the winter is the driest season. The frequent showers keep summers cool, while the influence of the Pyrenees makes the winters very cold.

Volcanic Zone Natural Park

The Garrotxa’s Volcanic Zone is the best example of volcanic terrain on the Iberian Peninsula. It has 40 volcanic cones and more than 20 lava flows. The mountain landscape, the sun and climate provide a variety of vegetation, often exuberant, with holm oaks, common oaks and beech trees of exceptional value to the landscape.

At La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park there are 28 walking routes that pass through the Natural Park’s most interesting places. The majority are signposted, except some of the longest that, if you are used to it, can be followed easily with the help of the guide map for the Natural Park.  The Natural Park has an extensive range of publications available.

The Natural Park’s routes often join with those of the Itinerànnia network of trails. So, from the routes of the Natural Park it is possible to gain access on foot to any other part of La Garrotxa, Ripollès or Alt Empordà through Itinerànnia.

Ninety-eight per cent of the Natural Park territory is private property. Try not to make annoying noises or disturb the people that live there or are visiting. The capturing of animals and the collecting of plants, rocks and minerals are not allowed in the area of the Natural Park.

Parking areas are signposted. Try to leave vehicles in the parking places prepared for this purpose. At the car parks you will find rest areas equipped with toilets, rubbish bins and drinking water, if you need to take a break. Avoid having picnics beyond these areas. It is prohibited in the natural reserves.

The Park’s maintenance service has to work hard to keep the most popular places clean. Try to create the minimum of rubbish, avoid bringing tins, cartons, tinfoil, etc. Always pick up the rubbish that you make and take it away with you or put it in the rubbish bins in the car parks.

For Hiking

The moderate slopes of La Garrotxa and their diversity and natural beauty make it an ideal place for lovers of hiking.

Scores of historic paths make up the network of walking paths known as Itinerànnia, through which even those unaccustomed to walking can discover the farthest corners of La Garrotxa. Through Itinerànnia you will also be able to join up with paths in Ripollès and the Alt Empordà. This network of paths at times links up with some specific routes, both in the La Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park and the Alta Garrotxa, and allows you to discover some of the region’s most interesting corners.

The Roman road of Capsacosta, Camí Ral from Vic to Olot and several Senders de Gran Recorregut (long distance routes) are other possibilities in La Garrotxa for visiting on foot.

For Cycling

La Garrotxa is one of the best places for bike touring in Catalonia. Olot is a key location, since it is necessary to pass through it to connect the Via Verda del Ferrowith the Via Verda del Carrilet. In fact, it is the recommended starting point for the Via Verda del Carrilet, since a good section of the route to Girona is downhill.

Olot also has several bike touring routes – not signposted – around the city, and Besalú has the Anella Verda (Green Ring), a wide pathway on the banks of the river Fluvià that is suitable for cycling along.

Horse and donkey riding

The horse world takes all its forms in La Garrotxa. Besides traditional routes on horseback it is possible to enjoy many more horse-related activities: donkey riding, educational activities on horseback for school groups, equi-therapy, walks, parties with ponies for small children guided by parents… and, for those new to the art of horseback riding, routes on horseback for beginners.

Villages with Charm

Despite the multiple attractions – landscape, cuisine and its people – of La Garrotxa, there are some places in this comarca that have a truly unique air about them. This is the case of the charming villages you will discover if you decide to follow this route through Besalú, Riudaura and Santa Pau.

Suggestion WalkIberia: Can Varilla, Rural lodging in La Garrotxa (Girona)

Can Varilla is a self-catering house in the heart of the Garrotxa Natural Park, located between the Costa Brava and the Pyrenees. The house offers rural self-catering accommodation in the attractive village of Riudaura. The abrupt relief of the area has shaped the landscape, vegetation, fauna and human settlements throughout history and kept it relatively unspolit, preserving a remarkable biodiversity. Can Varilla offers self-catering accommodation. The village house can sleep up to 14 peole, with five double bedrooms and four places on sofa beds. There are also two jacuzzis with different massage programs and a capacity for 5 people; in the middle of the garden there is a wonderful tile swimming pool with Roman stairs, which has a setting offering the possibility of really swimming without travelling. More info in www.canvarilla.cat

The location is ideal, too, for those who want to go shopping and delight in Andorra’s vast number of different establishments, with full product ranges embracing all sectors imaginable. Not only that, but if you are looking for wellbeing, rest and relaxation and health and beauty treatment you have come to the right place.  A huge range of outstanding cultural sites and activities also await you in Andorra. Museums, art galleries, monuments, festivals, superb Romanesque art …

Another great pleasure you will undoubtedly discover here is the country’s cuisine. Quality, diversity, traditional dishes, seasonal specialities… all this and more makes Andorra a gastronomic paradise, all year round.

In 1956, the businessman and ski champion Francesc Viladomat installed the first ski lift on the peak of Coll Blanc in Pas de la Casa. Powered by a lorry engine, the lift could carry up to 450 skiers per hour. From then on, the resort grew at an average one new lift per year.
Seven years later, the first ski lift was installed in Soldeu, signalling the start of a project financed by private capital launched by the Baró, Salvans and Torrallardona families. The first automatic snow cannons were installed at Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig during the 1980s, whilst the Riba Escorxada sector, accessible from El Tarter opened at neighbouring Soldeu. 

In 1993, the Comú (local council) of Canillo became the majority shareholder in Ensisa (the company set up to operate Soldeu El Tarter), whilst Crèdit Andorrà became the second-largest stakeholder in the enterprise. 

The first 8-seater cable car in the Pyrenees began to operate in 1996, and a new sector, Canillo, opened. Meanwhile, the first six-seater detachable chairlift in the region entered into service at Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig, operated by Saetde, in 1997. 

By 2003, the two resorts were physically connected.

In October 2003 the boards of Saetde and Enisa, the companies established to operate Pas de la Casa-Grau Roig and Soldeu-el Tarter, announced their long-awaited merger. As a result, the two Andorran ski resorts formed the largest skiable domain in the Pyrenees. And the name they gave it was Grandvalira. 

Since then, Grandvalira has grown at an unstoppable rate. More and more facilities are added, season after season. Higher quality. More activities. More possibilities. In short, more experiences.

Today, Grandvalira is a reference domain in southern Europe and a leader in creating new mountain experiences, 365 days a year. And the plan for the future is to continue developing, in all ways, at the same rhythm.

Grandvalira lies in the north of the Principality of Andorra, on the border with France. The area the domain occupies belongs to Encamp and Canillo, two of Andorra’s seven parishes. There are 6 different accesses to the ski slopes, all of them on Carretera General 2, known as the Carretera de Francia, or France Road.

Activities:

Ballooning

One of the new activities available this season is hot air ballooning over Grandvalira. Discover a whole new world, floating silently in the air in good company, with your friends, your partner or with the family. This option will show you another side to the mountains you never saw before.
The flight time is 1h 30 min. covering the distance between Grau Roig and the Cerdagne. The return trip is at 12.00h. Minimum 4 passengers and maximum 12. Canapés and cava served at the end of the trip.

Night Time Mushing

This season, Grandvalira of fers you the chance to try your hand at moonlit dog sledding. Feel like a real competition musher; night time mushing is the best way to enjoy the resort to the utmost. And to end a perfect evening, dinner at the foot of the slopes. Available at Grandvalira-El Tarter and Grandvalira-El Peretol.

Helicopter Flights

See Grandvalira from the air and enjoy a privileged, bird’s eye view of the most spectacular zones in the resort in this unforgettable experience. The rides last 10 or 20 minutes, departing from Pla d’Espiolets (Grandvalira-Soldeu) and the Adventure Activities Centre (Grandvalira-Grau Roig).

Groomer Rides

Grandvalira of fers you a unique opportunity to enjoy a ride round the resort on a ratrac machine. A nocturnal safari where you will enjoy an unforgettable experience when the sun goes down and the moonlight paints the mountains silver all over the resort.

Ski Joring

Grandvalira is including in its leisure programme for this season the new combination of skiing and dog sledding, which is all the rage in Scandinavian countries. A new experience where you will enjoy both the scenery and the dogs; a fitting end to a full day’s skiing.

Ice Adventure Scuba-Diving

One of the newest activities this season at Grandvalira is Ice Adventure- Scuba diving, a unique frozen  experience which will be sure to stir up passions amongst winter sports lovers. One night at the Igloo Hotel, a helicopter ride (return trip to Lake Montmalús) and a scuba diving session under the ice (lasting 25 to 30  minutes). This activity can be enjoyed at Grandvalira-Pas de la Casa and Grandvalira-Grau Roig, minimum 5.

Snow Bikes now at Night too!

The woods of Grandvalira are the perfect backdrop for a snow motorbike race. This activity can be enjoyed at Grandvalira-Grau Roig and at the Grandvalira-Soldeu circuit. This activity is available to over 18s and children accompanied by adults.

Activity Package

Grandvalira offers activity packages, enabling you to enjoy different kinds of snow activities. An ideal experience for sharing with your family, friends or partner.

Arctic adventure: Snow shoes trekking, igloo building and a snowbike ride.
Nordic adventure: Mushing session, 1.5 km. and 1h. snowbiking.
Total 24h. adventure: Snow shoes trekking, igloo building, 20 minutes snowbiking and archery practice.

Sectors:

Encamp: For those coming from Spain, Grandvalira-Encamp is the first access to the domain and the nearest to the Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany centre of commerce. The Funicamp, a 6 km funitel, takes 15 minutes to carry passengers from Encamp to Solanelles, a site commanding some of the finest views over the entire domain.

Canillo: The easy levels of its ski slopes make Grandvalira-Canillo ideal for families and for beginners making their first contact with the snow. The slopes are near a peaceful town far from the madding crowd. At this sector, an 8-seater cable car takes skiers to one of the most outstanding natural beauty spots in Andorra: the Forn Valley. In summer, the Family Park opens, offering a series of free activities such as minigolf (from 3 years) and a children’s playground (open-air games for children from 4 to 11 years).

El Tarter: One of the most dynamic and lively sectors in the resort, and is designed for the practice of the most extreme sports. Here, for example, El Tarter Snowpark is the most important freestyle circuit in southern Europe. Other activities include ratrack skiing (off-piste skiing aided by a snow grooming machine). Families will also find plenty for them in this sector, including a children’s snow circuit and lots of entertaining activities. Moreover, El Tarter nights could hardly be livelier, with a huge range of exciting possibilities. In summer, visitors to this sector will find Andorra’s first karting track. Designed by the brothers Jordi and Marc Gené and opened in 2009, the facilities include different circuits for adults and children.

Soldeu: Strategically located at the heart of the resort, Grandvalira-Soldeu offers both wide slopes and extreme descents for lovers of the finest skiing, all against a stunningly beautiful natural setting. The perfect destination for families, this sector boasts a varied and excellent range of hotel facilities. Moreover, with its many exciting night-clubs, Soldeu is highly recommended for young people. In the warmer months, keen cyclists flock to Granvalira Mountain Bike Park to enjoy its various routes, circuits and modes, with something for all tastes. Here, too, is Grandvalira Golf Soldeu, Europe’s highest golf course. Golf at an altitude of 2,000 m: surprising. One last thing: Grandvalira-Soldeu has been selected to host the 2012 Alpine Skiing World Cup.

Grau Roig: The only sector without its own residential area, Grandvalira-Grau Roig stands out particularly for its landscapes, which are amongst the most spectacular in Andorra. The most unspoilt sector in the domain, Grandvalira-Grau Roig has slopes at all levels, as well as a children’s snow circuit located in the woods. Grandvalira-Grau Roig is also a nerve-centre for adventure sports, with activities including, amongst many others, dogsled rides, snowshoes and snowmobiles.

Pas de La Casa: Enjoys optimal snow conditions, whilst its broad slopes and varied range of levels enables users to enjoy winter sports to the full. Pas de la Casa is, moreover, like one long shop-window, and endless display of goods at competitive prices. No wonder this is considered one of the best spots in Andorra for shopping!

Activity is intense at night, too, with nothing to envy of any other destination: the many pubs and mass parties here make Pas de la Casa one of the most attractive sectors for young visitors. Activity is intense at night, too, with nothing to envy of any other destination: the many pubs and mass parties here make Pas de la Casa one of the most attractive sectors for young visitors.

Accesses:

By car

From Spain, take the C-145 road from Lleida and the C-16 road from the Cadí tunnel or Puigcerdà. La Seu d’Urgell is 30 km from Encamp the first access to Grandvalira.

From France, take the N-22 road, crossing the border at Pas de la Casa, first access to Grandvalira from France.

Another option is to take the Envalira tunnel, which will leave you close to the Grau Roig access. You will find the accesses to the domain along the CG2 road.

By train

The Madrid-Lleida AVE high speed train brings you to the nearest railway station in Spain. From Lleida, Viatges Montmantell and Alsina-Graells provides daily coach services to Andorra.

From France, the nearest railway stations are those in L’Hospitalet-près-l’Andorre and La Tour de Carol. From both, Hispano Andorrana provides daily coach services to Andorra.

Interactive plan from the Grandvalira Resort on the website http://www.grandvalira.com

Picos de Europa is the first Spanish National Park to receive this classification. Its origin dates back to 1918, when don Pedro Pidal, Marquis of Villaviciosa,helped establish the law to create Montaña de Covadonga National Park. Since 30 May 1935, it has been called Picos de Europa National Park. The Picos de Europa consist of three important massifs that go by the names of the Eastern Massif or Andara, Central Massif or Urrielles and Western Massif or Cornión. The climate is characterized by humidity and constant rainfall, a fact that is determined by its proximity to the sea (barely 20 kilometres). The presence of snow is accentuated during the winter months, however, it is not unusual for there to be perpetual snow. The Park’s special climate means that there are frequent fog banks, something that is greatly feared by mountaineers. As for its orography, the Park has an exceptional relief, where high summits alternate with deep gorges and canyons. The park boasts 200 heights of over 2,000 metres, and vertical drops of over 2,300 m. The Central Massif is the most abrupt of the three that make up the Park and the greatest heights can be found there: Torrecerredo (2,646 m), the highest summit in the Picos, Naranjo de Bulnes (2,519 m) or Pico Tesorero (2,570 m). The Western Massif is the most extensive, and it possesses high summits, like Peña Santa de Castilla (2,596 m), intermingled with meadows, hillside forests, beech and oak groves and moors. The famous Covadonga lakes can be found on this massif. The Eastern massif, shorter and lower, blends sharp crag with green pastures. The Park is crossed by four rivers channelled in deep gorges: la Hermida defile, crossed by the river Deva; los Beyos defile, by the river Sella; la ‘Garganta Divina’,(Divine Gorge) through which the river Cares runs, and La India defiles, though which the river Duje flows. There are numerous viewpoints in the Park from where you can admire its beauty. An interesting alternative is to use Fuentedé funicular, via which you can go up to a height of more than 1,800 metres above sea level.

The Picos de Europa are fairly well served by mountain refuges, most being wardened just in the summer months. Supplementing the services provided by these refuges are many small, basic shepherd’s huts dotted all over the mountains. Don’t expect much from these though apart from a roof and walls. Discounts on the refuge rates are available for card-carrying international mountaineering club members. Book bunks and meals in advance.

Type of area

Biosphere reserve, National park

Information

Area: 64.660 Hectares
Information for visits: Unrestricted access to the Park. There are Visitor Centres at Posada de Valdeón, Cangas de Onís and Buferrera. To get to the park take the Oviedo to Santander motorway (N-634) or, if coming from Riaño, take N-625 to Cangas de Onís.
Environmental information: In Picos de Europa National Park, Spain’s best Atlantic forest can be found. Beech, oak, hazel, maple, chestnut and walnut trees abound…. The valley is inhabited by numerous species of animals, from wild boars, roe deer, wolves and several bears, a multitude of small birds (robins, coal tits or black woodpeckers), and even the emblematic capercaillie.
Cultural information: The Picos de Europa spread over three provinces: Asturias, Cantabria and León. They are areas in which you can enjoy excellent cultural tourism. For example, in the district of Liébana (in Cantabria province, but bordering Asturias and León) you can visit the churches of Sant María de Bedbana and Santa María de Piasca and Santo Toribio de Liébana monastery.

More info at http://www.spain.info

Hiking sugestion from WalkIberia:

Level 1 Walk by The Picos de Europa

Level 1 walks are easy to moderate, generally gentle walks on good paths and tracks, with no more than 500m of ascent and 1,000m of descent, including no more than 5 to 6 hours of walking.

These walks allow plenty of time for observing the abundant wildlife around the Picos. Where mountain streams gently flow across our tracks, clouds of little blue butterflies are startled, while dragonflies methodically patrol their own territories. Through deciduous Beech and evergreen Holm oak woods the resonant drumming of Black woodpeckers gives their presence away while more easily seen, smaller birds such as strikingly marked Pied flycatchers and noisy Nuthatches call the alarm as their territory is invaded. Often mistaken for a gentian, the vibrant blue of Scrambling gromwell,Lithodora diffusa, decorates the shaley walls of paths and if you’re lucky, in spring and early summer, you may stumble upon orchid species such as the Bee orchid, Ophrys apifera, or elegant lilies such as the Pyrenean lily, Lilium pyrenaicum.

A ride on the Fuente De cable car can transport us effortlessly up 750m or so into the high peaks of the Picos, realm of the Cantabrian chamois.

In autumn the main nature show is put on by the deciduous trees as the first cold nights begin to colour their leaves. Summer-visiting birds are heading south but there should still be the later stragglers such as Egyptian vultures sharing airspace with the resident Griffon vultures, Golden eagles and plentiful Common buzzards.

Time-worn tracks that only the locals know contour the hillsides, joining villages with pan-tiled roofs held on by stones, views changing with every bend on the way. Each village has at least one natural spring, perfect for rest stops and refilling water bottles and great spots for picnic lunches.

Level I walks are all centred in the valleys of Liébana and the Central and Eastern Massifs of the Picos de Europa.

Info:

The price of the holiday, €650 pp. includes:

6 days of guided walking with picnic lunches

7 nights full-board accommodation in a comfortable guesthouse

All transport to and from walks

Free airport transfers (Santander, Bilbao or Oviedo, Asturias)

More info at http://www.thepicosdeeuropa.com

infrastructure. Here we should make special mention of the care taken to offer family skiing facilities, with attention devoted to crèches, snow parks and other facilities for the little ones. Also worthy of note are the complementary activities on offer, taking in cultural and gastronomic tourism, as well as other open-air countryside activities: ice skating, static hot air balloon flights, white water rafting, hiking, horse-riding routes, paragliding and biking routes, amongst others.

Catalan Pyrenees

Baqueira-Beret is the most outstanding of the ski resorts in the Catalan Pyrenees. Many skiing fans from Spain and abroad believe that Baqueira has some of the best pistes in Europe. It has highly demanding runs for experienced skiers, but also large areas and pistes ideal for beginners. Then add its bright sunshine and pleasant temperatures, even in the coldest months of winter. Away from the pistes, there are popular restaurants close by, renowned for their gastronomic delights. In Vielha, the capital of the Arán valley, there is an Ice Palace with ice-skating rink and heated swimming pool – the town is the centre for leisure and entertainment in the area close to the ski resort. Also in the surrounding area, the villages of Arties, Salardú and Bossot have interesting Romanesque buildings from the 12th and 13th centuries, as well as examples of traditional Pyrenean architecture. The La Molina and Masella ski resorts, for their part, have a more peaceful après ski atmosphere, which centres on the town of Puigcerdá, capital of the La Cerdaña region. In the heart of the Boí Valley, right in the central Pyrenees, in the province of Lleida, you will find the Boí Taüll Resort. This is a mountain complex where you can combine skiing with other leisure and tourism activities.

Of the many highlights nearby, besides the Aigües Tortes National Park, we should also mention villages where you will find beautiful Romanesque buildings, such as San Clemente de Taüll, Erill la Vall, Sant Feliu, San Lorenzo and Santa María, some of which have the UNESCO World Heritage designation. Still within the natural surroundings of Aigües Tortes, in the village of Espot (Lleida province), are the Espot Esquí lifts, with pistes running through pine woods and valleys.

They face northwest and are recommended for advanced level skiers. Also close by, the villages of Sort, Llavorsí and Esterri d’Aneu offer ideal conditions and infrastructure for other sports such as white water rafting, paragliding, horse-riding, canyoning, kayaking, climbing and hiking. In Rialp, also in Lleida, is the Port Ainé ski resort, also at the foot of the Pic de l’Orri peak, a place that is known for its good snow.

Furthermore, the resorts at Tavascán and Vall de Núria are close together and all have good access from Barcelona and Girona. They all have a peaceful, friendly atmosphere. You will find ideal facilities for other outdoor, countryside activities, or simply to spend a pleasant day in the mountains.

The Aragón Pyrenees

The five resorts in the High Aragón region attract thousands of skiers each season. There are many reasons to go to this area, where the Aragón, Tena and Benasque River valleys converge, and where, from the moment the first snow of the season falls, everything centres on skiing.

The longest-running winter sports resort in the Aragón Pyrenees is Candanchú. Its ski school is reputed to be one of the best in Spain. After your skiing, it is in the town of Jaca where you will find all the region’s leisure alternatives. Just 4 kilometres from Candanchú you will find the Astún resort.Cerler is surrounded by lofty peaks, at the bottom of the Benasque valley. It has the first six-man chair lift to be installed in Spain, and a skiable drop of 800 metres, from El Gallinero, at

2,700 metres, to Ampriu. In the village of Benasque you will find good après ski atmosphere, with lively bars open until well past midnight, along with restaurants and cafés. The Formigal and Panticosa resorts are in the heart of the Tena Valley, in the centre of the Aragón Pyrenees. Excellent communications mean that they have good access, even from Madrid – the journey only takes three and a half hours by car.

For more info see www.spain.info

In the 12th century, D. Afonso Henriques donated the settlement (which had been captured from the Moors) to the Order of the Templars, whose Master in Portugal, Gualdim Pais, ordered the castle to be rebuilt. The village, which is spread over the hillside, boasts one of the most interesting landscapes in Portugal. Granite boulders are used as walls for the houses, and in some cases roofs consist of a single block of stone – which is why the houses here are said to have “only one tile”.

Added interest is provided by several large, emblazoned houses, Manueline doorways and the house where the doctor and author Fernando Namora lived, practised and found inspiration for his novel ‘Fragments of a Doctor’s Life’.Those who feel energetic enough to make the climb up to the castle are rewarded with one of the most stunning views in the region. The bold knights of the Christian Reconquest were buried in hollowed out rocks in this stronghold.

However, perhaps the most important place in the village is Lucan’s Tower. Dating back to the 14th century, the tower is crowned with a silver cockerel, a trophy awarded to Monsanto in a competition in 1938 in which it was judged to be the most Portuguese village in Portugal.

D. Afonso Henriques gave the Castle and Wall of Monsanto to the Knights Templar, who gave it its present-day form. Having once been an imposing medieval fortress, all that now remains are the Torre de Lucena and the quadrangular Torre do Pião, a mediaeval watchtower.

Monsanto is located at a distance of 258km from Lisbon and 176km from Oporto.

To see more great images from Monsanto visit the website http://www.trekearth.com, images from Filipe Rocha e Aire dos Santos.

Where to stay:

A manor house dating from ancient times, enlarged in 1867 by its previous owners, the Caldeira Giraldes de Bourbon. It is located in “Zebras”, a small village surrounded by a beautiful countryside and from where you can enjoy a landscape made of hills and mountains. It has a privileged situation between two well-known cities, Castelo Branco and Fundão, and it is also near “Serra da Estrela” and “Monsanto”. Converted to “Rural Tourism” in 2004, it is a good place to spend your holidays or a different weekend in a peaceful environment full of history, typical villages and delicious local food.