The best walks and hikes around Parque Natural do Douro Internacional

The Contrabando Viewpoint is located in Hinojosa de Duero (Salamanca), within the Arribes del Duero Natural Park, a hiking and tourist route situated on the border with Portugal. From the viewpoint, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Duero River, the Saucelle Waterfall, the border with Portugal, and geological and cultural formations such as: Cabeza de Moncalvo: a hill with the remains of a pre-Roman hill fort. Peña de la Vela, Poyo Durón (in Portugal), and Cerro del Reventón.

From the Vale de Águia hill fort, there is a natural viewpoint with spectacular views of one of the meanders of the Douro. At the São João das Arribas hermitage, you can also enjoy stunning panoramic views of the canyon and waterfalls on the Spanish slope. The landscape includes cliffs, meadows, oak groves, and pastures, with abundant flora and fauna.

The GR-36 trail in the Miranda do Douro area is one of the most spectacular routes in northern Portugal, especially for its views of the Douro Canyon, which forms the natural border with Spain.

The Miradouro da Cerca, located in the village of Urrós (municipality of Mogadouro, near Miranda do Douro), is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Douro International Natural Park and is part of a route that many consider worthy of the title of “Europe’s Grand Canyon.” It offers stunning views of the deep and rugged valley of the Douro River, which marks the natural border between Portugal and Spain.

Up here, where the Ribeira de Vilarinho embraces the Douro, stands the ancient Castro de Vilarinho dos Galegos, also known as Castelo dos Mouros. Here, a natural viewpoint offers a wide view over the hillsides covered in junipers. But the real surprise lies on the ground: a sea of sharp, chaotic quartz stones created an almost insurmountable defence. Soon after, a deep moat carved into the rock served as the final barrier. Nature and ingenuity united in a fortress that has withstood the test of time.

Along the trail that once served as a route for smugglers, there is a viewpoint that honours its past: the Miradouro do Contrabando. From up here, the view over the vertiginous Douro valley is breathtaking. In the past, many people passed through these winding paths in silence and hope, crossing the border in search of a more dignified life.

In the village of Bemposta, natural charm blends with the soul of traditions. In the heart of the Douro International Natural Park, this village stands on a promontory with breathtaking views: on one side, the imposing Faia da Água Alta and Faia do Cuco stand out; on the other, the plains of Zamora and Salamanca stretch out to the horizon. And as if the scenery weren’t enough, there’s also the vibrant mask festival, where folklore comes to life in a parade that crosses borders and brings together cultures from various parts of the world.

The Ponte de Santa bridge stretches over the Ribeira do Mosteiro. Beneath it, amidst the whispering water and the gentle warmth of the sun, you can rest on one of the large stone slabs that are spread out there, as if they were made to welcome travelers in need of rest. The scenery around you is pure enchantment: the schist slopes are torn apart by impressive quartzite outcrops that burst from the earth, erected in almost sculptural forms, a geological spectacle that is as intriguing as it is beautiful.