PR1 - Percurso do Rio Maçãs (Colado)

The Maçãs River Trail (Colado) follows the border along the Maçãs River, between the village of Quintanilha and a landscape marked by agricultural fields, holm oak woodland and pine forest. The presence of the river and the proximity of the border give the route a strong identity, which changes as the trail climbs before descending towards the valley.

In the higher areas, among holm oaks, cork oaks and sweet chestnuts, the landscape becomes increasingly wooded. At Alto das Carrapatas, the route begins its descent towards the river, gradually approaching the rocky slopes that follow its course.

Near the Maçãs, the environment becomes cooler and more humid, with riparian vegetation dominated by alder and narrow-leaved ash. This habitat supports a diverse range of wildlife associated with the river and its banks, including the white-throated dipper, black stork and otter.

Along the riverside, the ruins of an old mill and small weirs form pools of water among the rocky outcrops and vegetation. The combination of the border river, Mediterranean woodland and riparian habitat creates a succession of clearly distinct natural environments along the route.