Joint Visit Penascosa + Faia Brava

Located in the Côa Valley, at the southern end of the Archaeological Park, it has steep slopes where rugged granitic rocks emerge, ideal for nesting rupicolous birds such as Vultures and great Eagles, but also for a contemplative walk to enjoy the landscape and natural heritage.

Faia Brava is part of the Special Protection Zone of Vale do Côa (SPZ-Rede Natura 2000) integrating the Municipalities of Pinhel and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo and is an IBA (Birdlife International Important Bird Area).

In 2010 the Faia Brava Reserve was classified by the Institute for Nature Conservation and Biodiversity (ICNB) as the first Private Protected Area in the country where “wild” horses and Maronesas cows (the closest ancestor of the old Auroque) were introduced to help with restoration of the ecological of Vale do Côa and recreate the prehistoric wild environment.

In addition to these aspects, Faia Brava increasingly works as a demonstration pole in the areas of nature conservation, environmental education and ecotourism.