Parque Natural do Douro Internacional & Izeda – Spain & Portugal Tour 2009

July 19, 2009 Motorhome Planet

Leaving Torre de Moncorvo the next morning, we continued along the N220 towards the Parque Natural do Douro Internacional. Our national park fetish had not diminished with the time spent in Spain and Portugal and we had high hopes for this area, especially where birds of prey were concerned.

I must confess that we were ever so slightly disappointed. I think we had been spoilt previously – especially by the Monfrague National Park in Spain. I think that the park is probably better appreciated if you are a serious walker, as most of the roads skirt the park, rather than go through it (understandably…).

However, here are a couple of snaps for you to form your own judgement:

The Douro International Park is right on the Portuguese-Spanish border and you can drive across from within the park, which extends on both sides of the border

We progressed through the park, stopping at Mogadouro and then Miranda do Douro, before finishing the day at another official motorhome aire in the village of Izeda. This was rather picturesque and illustrated well how new buildings are gradually replacing old ones in much of Portugal – and why:

This local lady had found an alternative use for the fresh water supply on the Euro Relais Mini - her garden was just to the left of this shot!

Some of the older housing stock is in poor condition - often, as in Izeda, it appears to be demolished to make way for new replacements, as to the left of this picture

Not sure what's happened here, it does't look that old... — Not sure what's happened here...

Izeda was a very quiet and peaceful place to stay for a night – there are a few shops and cafes but most were closed when we were there, as it was a Sunday.

Distance driven: 119 miles

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