Serra de Montejunto has been a national reserve and protected area since 1999. Though not very large, it is indeed an important buffer in this landscape. The mountain provides for a micro climate on the west side. At the foothills of the mountain you find small villages and hamlets. There are many hiking trails, and the higher you get (up to 666 meters above sea level) the better the views. When the sky is clear you get a glimpse of the shiny ocean, at 25 kms distance.
In the valleys on the west side of the Serra a lot of fruit is grown, like apples and pears. There are also several wineries that grow grapes for the many regional wines.
On the east side you descend to the Tagus valley. From there you’ll see endless flat agricultural areas. A city like Santarém on the borders of the Tagus is beautiful and absolutely worth a visit.
In the Serra de Montejunto there is room for many hiking trails. You will rarely encouter another person. In the weekends however, there are sometimes many cyclists and (unfortunately loud) motor cyclists sharing the winding roads to and from the top. There are a few points of interests like the Real Fábrica do Gelo (the royal ice factory…) and the old village of Prangança.
