Protected Areas

In the heart of the north-eastern region of Trás-os-Montes, you should take some time to discover the Protected Landscape Area of Albufeira do Azibo.

Situated in the municipality of Macedo de Cavaleiros, the dam that forms this reservoir was built in the early 1980s. Its great capacity for water storage has led to the creation of an ecosystem that favours the presence here of numerous species of migratory birds that, all year round, attract many ornithologists and nature lovers to the region. This important Protected Area was recently incorporated into the Natura 2000 Network.

In the reservoir known as Albufeira do Azibo, many different kinds of water sports are permitted, such as swimming, rowing and canoeing, and you can also enjoy the two river beaches of Fraga da Pegada and Ribeira, equipped with a floating swimming area, close to the village of Santa Combinha. The Protected Area also has a series of footpaths and cycling trails.

In the visitors’ centre, between the villages of Vale da Porca and Salselas, you can also enjoy a visit to a small archaeological museum with an auditorium and bar, as well as an ecological library.