This Protected Area, as the name suggests, is located in the mountain range defined by Alvão and Marão mountains, and part of its area is in the undefined transition zone of the two mountain ranges. It develops mainly on the western slope that functions as a "condensation barrier" to the moist air masses coming from the Atlantic Ocean. It is, therefore, in a transition zone between the humid coastline and the interior, increasingly drier, transition still affected by the altitudinal component. The area of ​​Alvão Natural Park corresponds to the headwaters of the Olo river basin, a tributary of Tâmega, and a small flap (Arnal) facing east, belonging to the Corgo basin. Three landscape units can be defined: mountain with adjacent planar area, predominantly granitic; dominantly quartzitic zone, of transition between mountain and valley; valleys embedded, of lower altitude, with sharp slopes. From the climatic point of view it presents an altitudinal variation that goes of a climate of transition between the "hot land" and the "cold earth", until a typical climate of cold earth and mountain. While the West slope has an Atlantic aspect, the East slope has sub Atlantic since the interiority begins to condition the climate, making it increasingly drier.

Vegetation and flora

Climate and altitude conditions are responsible for the diversity and differentiation of the vegetation cover. To date, about 486 species of plants have been inventoried and referenced, of which 25 are Iberian endemics, 6 Lusitanian endemisms and 23 have conservation status.

Fauna

The intervention of man in the Alvão Natural Park has determined the maintenance and the balance between the different life forms of the wild fauna. This attitude has contributed to biological diversity by creating new ecological units biotopes, agricultural fields, marshes, hedges, etc., which are associated with natural biotopes. It is in the area of ​​the Alvão Natural Park that an indigenous breed is found, that originates one of the most soculent and tasty Portuguese meats: the Maronesa PDO.