Protected Areas

The main reason why the Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve was created was preservation of the Iberian lynx and its habitat. This endangered feline is an endemic species of the Iberian peninsula. It is considerably smaller than Eurasian lynxes and its most marked characteristic is its black brush-like tufts of hair on top of its triangular ears. For its habitat, it prefers quiet places covered in dense and creeping vegetation, far from humanity, where it can freely hunt wild rabbits and hares - its favourite source of nourishment.

It obviously won't be easy to see an Iberian lynx, but the animal life in the Nature Reserve is highly diversified and visitors will be able to see other mammals and various types of birds of prey, including the black vulture, whose open wingspan can attain up to 3 m.

The Nature Reserve is located between the towns of Penamacor and Sabugal, in an area of law population density and abundant vegetation, in particular large areas of heather and genista, that scatter their scent into the air. Various water courses flow through the area such as the River Côa and Bazágueda and the Meimoa Stream, offering various riverside beaches that are ideal for leisure activities.

In order to get to know the area better, try one of the pedestrian walks proposed by the Park's services, and if you have the energy choose a more radical activity such as BTT rides or canoeing.