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Baixa Limia – Serra do Xurés Natural Park
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Pechar
Baixa Limia – Serra do Xurés Natural Park
Play Ampliar
Pechar
Baixa Limia – Serra do Xurés Natural Park
Play Ampliar
Pechar
Baixa Limia – Serra do Xurés Natural Park
Play Ampliar
Pechar
Baixa Limia – Serra do Xurés Natural Park
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Baixa Limia – Serra do Xurés Natural Park

The granite massif shared with Portugal is of an extraordinary scenic and natural uniqueness. In its peaks, golden eagles defend their territory. 

The rocks of the eagles

South of Galicia and bordering Portugal is the Baixa Limia-Serra do Xurés Natural Park, the brother of the Peneda-Gerês National Park in Portugal. Together, they constitute a vast protected natural area that forms the Gerês-Xurés Transborder Biosphere Reserve.

Bisected by the Lima river, the granite massif is a determining factor in a landscape dominated by rocky outcrops and the deep valleys that make up the various mountains of the natural park. In the low-lying areas, small villages surrounded by crops and small forests give off great beauty and are home to interesting bird populations.

 

The routes
Mapa de Baixa Limia – Serra do Xurés Natural Park
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Route by car "Chrysaetos"

BEST TIME

From March to September

DISTANCE

19 Km

DURATION

2 hours

DIFFICULTY

None

COUNCILS

Entrimo

PATH

Padrendo - Lantemil - Olelas

Mapa de Route 1
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Key points on the route:

  1. In the vicinity of the villages (2) swallows and  house martins are very interesting to see, as are the nightingale and many other species of small birds such as the woodchat shrike.
  2. In the reservoir (3) the little ringed plover and, interestingly, yellow-legged gull make their nests.
  3. In mountain areas, from the village of A Illa (4) up to Olelas (6) pay close attention to the appearance of golden eagle, common vulture and the occasional cinereous vulture and short-toed snake eagle, among others.
  4. In areas of open pine forest (5) red crossbill can be seen.

Route on foot "Arborea"

BEST TIME

From March to September

DISTANCE

7 Km

DURATION

2 hours

DIFFICULTY

Low

COUNCILS

Muíños

PATH

Requiás - Ermida do Crasto - Guntimil

Mapa de Route 2
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Key points on the route:

  1. The route starts in Requiás (1). In its surroundings the common nightingale, woodlark, cirl bunting and black kite can be seen.
  2. In the more mountainous area (2) there are numerous raptors such as montagu's harrier, common kestrel and booted eagle as well as small birds such as the red-backed shrike.
  3. In the higher areas, northern harriers and montagu's harriers can be seen on the border with Portugal (3).

Route on foot "Fulvus"

BEST TIME

From March to September

DISTANCE

6,3 Km

DURATION

2 hours

DIFFICULTY

Low

COUNCILS

Entrimo

PATH

Queguas - Leboreiro

Mapa de Route 3
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Key points on the route:

  1. Starting from the village of Queguas (1)  towards the chapel of La Ascensión, the route runs through an area with a mosaic of forests and meadows (2) where woodlark, eurasian nuthatch and northern goshawk can be seen.
  2. From the chapel (3), the habitat is hilly, which is a good place to see montagu's harrier, northern harrier and griffon vulture, for instance. Pay attention to the peaks, as golden eagles may appear.
Cinereous Vulture
Aegypius monachus
Cirl Bunting
Emberiza cirlus
Griffon Vulture
Gyps fulvus
Serra de o Xurés
Serra do Xurés
Serra do Xurés
The birds

Threatened with extinction, the golden eagle is undergoing a programme to reinforce the population, which is centred in the Xurés. Thus, in the high areas it is common to see it with other raptors such as the short-toed snake eagle, griffon vulture and cinereous vulture. In the pine groves the red crossbill is undoubtedly the star.

Tips and resources

  • You are in an natural park so follow the rules established. There is a high risk of fire in dry season.
     

  • It can get very hot in spring and summer so use sunscreen and bring plenty of water. 

  • The roads are narrow and winding so pay attention when driving. 

  • It is common on trips to find cattle, since they are the livelihood of many people. Do not bother them and give them the right-of-way. 

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