The park is the smallest of the 13 protected areas in Portugal managed by the ICNF.
The Fisgas de Ermelo waterfall is formed by a series of steep drops along the Olo River canyon.
Lamas de Olo is one of the highest permanent settlements in Portugal.
The park's geology features a rare contact zone between granite and schist.
The area is recognized as part of the Natura 2000 network for its protected bird habitats.
Parque Natural do Alvão is a 7,220-hectare protected area straddling the districts of Vila Real and Mondim de Basto. The landscape is defined by the transition between the granitic plateau and the schistous lowlands, creating a distinct geological contrast. The Fisgas de Ermelo waterfall, one of the largest in Europe, drops 200 meters across various stages of the Olo River. The park hosts traditional granite mountain villages, most notably Lamas de Olo and Ermelo. Biodiversity includes the Iberian wolf, golden eagle, and peregrine falcon. The Olo River cuts through deep canyons carved into the quartzite rock formations. Agricultural terraces remain active, maintaining traditional rural land use patterns. The terrain varies from 400 to 1,339 meters in elevation.
The Miradouro das Fisgas de Ermelo for a wide-angle view of the waterfall and canyon.
Wear sturdy hiking boots as the trails are rocky and uneven.
Check the local weather forecast specifically for the mountain plateau, as it changes rapidly.
Bring sufficient water and supplies, as facilities inside the park boundaries are extremely limited.
Do not attempt to swim in the waterfall pools, as the currents and rock structure are highly dangerous.
Stick to marked hiking trails to prevent soil erosion and respect the privacy of residents in the granite villages.
