The Minho - Portugal - page 952

There are no buses to Cabril, but you could take any Braga-Montalegre or
Braga-Chaves bus service and get off at the Ruivães bus stop, then hike the last 4km.
Drivers can cross into the park from the N103 via the Salamonde dam; alternatively, a
longer but far more scenic route is via the Venda Nova dam, 14km east of Salamonde at
Cambedo.
Further west in nearby Fafião , you'll find the adventure outfitter, Javsport ( 252 850 621;
www.javsport.pt ) . It operates popular canyoning expeditions down the Rio Arado and Rio
Conho for €50 per person.

MONTALEGRE
POP 1800 / ELEV 1000M
Montalegre is the park's eastern gateway, and if ever there was a picturesque hamlet with
a castle on the hill, this is it. The small but particularly striking castle , part of Dom Dinis'
14th-century ring of frontier outposts, looms over the town and the surrounding fertile
plains fed by so many rivers. The future Duke of Wellington made use of it in his drive to
rid Portugal of Napoleon's troops in 1809. Today visitors can only wander around its peri-
meter, taking in the lovely views. Just below the castle lies the old town centre.
The town comes alive each Friday the 13th, for the Noite das Bruxas , a night-long celebra-
tion that attracts thousands for the raucous feast that involves street performances and
much drinking of queimada , a slow-brewed drink with strong bagaço (Portuguese firewa-
ter) and honey, said to wash away the evil spirits.
From the bus station it's 500m uphill on Rua General Humberto Delgado to a five-way
roundabout, beside which you'll find the town hall and turismo . Keep heading uphill to
reach the crown.

Sights

Barroso Eco Museu
( 276 518 645; www.ecomuseu.org ; Praça do Município; 10am-12.30pm & 2-6pm) Next to the
castle, this museum hosts exhibits that showcase regional history, rural traditions and folk-
lore. There are also exhibits highlighting local flora and fauna, and a gallery rotating con-
temporary canvases from local artists.

MUSEUM

Sleeping & Eating