The Serra do Marão is a granite and schist block bounded to the east by the Corgo, to the west by the Tãmega and to the south by the Douro. The breaking up of the ground that accompanied its formation in the Tertiary Era has lead to various heights in the summits. The landscape owes its desolation to the force of erosion. On the road between Vila Real and Amaranta, from the lower slopes, maize, pine and chestnut trees begin to replace the vines and orchards.