Hiking en wandelen

Rota Quinta da Taberna (Videmonte 8 km)

The difficulty level is high due to steep descents and some challenging climbs; the markings in some places could be better. I don't recommend it for people who aren't used to mountain trails, nor in foggy or wet conditions. Be aware that there isn't much cell phone coverage. Otherwise, the route is spectacular. This hiking trail, approximately 7.5 km long, connects the Quinta da Taberna river beach to the Serra de Bois mountain range, passing through the village that gives the beach its name. Along the way, we can observe landscapes that demonstrate the balance between natural values ​​and human occupation, which has marked this territory for millennia. In this region, some of the oldest rocks in the Serra da Estrela mountain range, the schists, are exposed. These rocks have folds resulting from the collision between continents during periods in Earth's history when they formed a supercontinent. Regarding the flora, one of the most extensive holm oak forests in the Serra da Estrela mountain range can be observed, recovering after episodes of forest fires, which demonstrates the resilience of native species. Associated with these natural values, we find the marks of human occupation, reflected in the terraces used for subsistence agriculture, as well as the records that the shepherd José Neto left on the walls of the village of Quinta da Taberna. A long geological history The geology of Quinta da Taberna and its surroundings is marked by the presence of outcrops of ancient sedimentary rocks that underwent metamorphism, transforming into metasedimentary rocks, which here appear in the form of intercalations of schists and greywackes. Subjected to high pressures and temperatures (metamorphism), the original sedimentary rocks were deformed and modified slowly and gradually, while still inside the Earth, and are currently on the surface due to tectonic movements and erosion. In some places, it is possible to observe intensely folded rocks, resembling a tile. The rocks observed at this geosites are over 540 million years old, making them among the oldest rocks in the Estrela Geopark. ○ Biological mosaic of Quinta da Taberna ○ The territory surrounding Quinta da Taberna constitutes one of the most extensive wilderness areas in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Here, it is possible to observe extensive vegetation cover, of which the holm oak (Quercus rotundifolia) stands out . This location is clearly marked by the Mondego River's confluence. Thanks to this, dense riparian vegetation develops, and it is possible to observe several specimens of alder (Alnus glutinosa) and willow (Salix spp.). Due to these characteristics, we are facing an important refuge area for biodiversity, classified as an Area of ​​Exceptional Biological Values ​​by the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Mining activity in the Serra de Bois Mining activity is well represented in the vicinity of Quinta da Taberna, namely on the slopes of the Serra de Bois (1242m), where records indicate mining concessions dating back to the 1950s. As in other locations in the territory, quartz veins were exploited in these mining areas for the extraction of tin and tungsten, and it is still possible to observe these traces of exploitation today through the presence of spoil heaps of sterile material, as well as crushers used for the manual separation of the ore. ○ The Scribbler of Quinta da Taberna As we wander through the now abandoned streets of Quinta da Taberna, we notice several inscriptions on the walls of the houses in this village. In his eagerness to preserve memories and record all the events of his daily life in the village, ○ shepherd José Neto spent the years scribbling dates and names of significant events on these schist walls . What this shepherd left us, through his records on the rocks, reflects a cultural and historical heritage of a life intrinsically linked to the mountains, highly dependent on the seasons, in a place lost in the immensity of this landscape.

Rota da Cabeça Alta Videmonte (PR2 GRD, 19km)

It begins and ends in Videmonte, passing by the highest point in the Guarda municipality, the Cabeça Alta geodetic marker (1287m). This is a circular route that unfolds in a predominantly rural and natural environment, allowing you to discover the dynamics of mountain agriculture. The landscape is dominated by rye fields and the Mondego River Valley, with the central massif of the Serra da Estrela mountain range a constant presence on the horizon. It is an easy route, but its length requires a reasonable level of physical fitness. Towards the end, you can observe the Souto da Caravela Rock Art Necropolis.

Percurso 8 Vermelho (red) – BTT (56.05 KM)

Official and well marked mountain bike route.

Meios (9.52 km)

Starts at our property

Meios (7.38 km)

Starts at our property

Percurso 10 Preto (black) – BTT (77.37 KM)

Official and well marked mountain bike route.

Percurso 9 Azul (blue) – BTT (19.7 KM)

Official and well marked mountain bike route.

Fernão Joanes (10.43 KM)

Starts at our property

Fernão Joanes (2.72 KM)

Starts at our property

Percurso 5 (black) Preto – BTT (81.44 KM)

Official and well marked mountain bike route.

Fernão Joanes 7(.84 Km)

Starts at our property

Fernão Joanes (1.32 Km)

Starts at our property

Fernão Joanes (1.42 Km)

Starts at our property

Fernão Joanes - Meios (4.5 KM)

Starts at our property

Fernão Joanes (10.43 KM)

Starts at our property

PR 1 GVA – Galhardos Route - 11.1 km

The Galhardos walking trail is located in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, and runs through a set of environmental, geological and cultural spaces in the civil parish of Folgosinho, municipality of Gouveia, along 11.1 km.

Percurso de Pera do Moço

Percurso de Pêra do Moço is a circular walking trail of about 11 km starting and ending at Largo da Lameira in the village of Pêra do Moço, in the Guarda region of Portugal. The route takes roughly 3–4 hours and is rated easy to moderate. It winds through rural paths and secondary roads, passing through the hamlets of Verdugal and Guilhafonso, with scenic landscapes of gorse, pine and oak woods, and local wildlife. The hike highlights cultural and historical features, including traditional village streets, the church of São João Baptista, and nearby prehistoric landmarks like the Anta de Pêra do Moço and the ancient castanheiro (chestnut) tree.

Lagoa do Paixao

Rota do Maciço Central (PR5 Manteigas, 12 km)

The Central Massif Route is one of the most brutal trails in the Serra da Estrela mountain range, but it is also one of the most demanding. This extremely winding circular trail, which starts at Covão d'Ametade, takes us deep into the heart of the majestic Central Massif of the Serra da Estrela. The landscapes are breathtaking. Among the emblematic places you can visit, we highlight Covão d'Ametade, Covão Cimeiro, Cântaros (Magro, Gordo and Raso), Lagoa dos Cântaros, Lagoa da Paixão and Salgadeiras. Although it doesn't seem very long, don't be fooled. It takes about 9 hours to hike this trail. The route features very steep inclines (you'll have to climb about 450 meters and descend on the way back), making it a very physically demanding trail. It's not recommended for young children at all.

Rota do Poço do Inferno (PR1 Manteigas, 2,5km)

Start of the route: next to the Poço do Inferno parking lot. While traveling along the Poço do Inferno Route, one encounters a duality of landscape, both natural and human-made, marked by different types of vegetation, with deciduous and coniferous forests, where the senses awaken different emotions along the trail. Due to the higher schist peaks, formed by hornfels rocks (a phenomenon that occurs when hot, plastic magma rises through pre-existing rocks), steep landscapes predominate, where watercourses such as the Poço do Inferno waterfall originate. This natural waterfall is about 10 meters high and can even turn to ice in the harshest winters. It is a geological monument of extreme beauty and one of the points of greatest interest on this route, being one of the landmarks of the Municipality of Manteigas and the Serra da Estrela mountain range. As for the landscape, hikers can admire the view over the Zêzere River Valley and the Leandres Stream Valley. The human-modified landscape is dominated by terraced fields and some "cortes" – buildings supporting agricultural activity. Among the many species that can be found, the narcissus, birch, holm oak, and rowan stand out, being of great ecological value. The yew, also present, is extremely rare and is only found in Manteigas and the Serra da Peneda-Gerês. In addition to these specimens, the sycamore maple, beech, Oregon pine, and fir also predominate on this trail. The diverse fauna found along the Poço do Inferno route stems from the forested areas and watercourses in this zone. Characteristic species include the European rabbit, the fox, the Iberian wall lizard, and the Lusitanian salamander. As for birds, kingfishers and common kestrels are present

Wild Boar route (PR2MTG, 11km)

Start of the route: next to the Santo António neighborhood, in Manteigas. The Wild Boar Route allows you to glimpse the humanized landscape with a panoramic view over the village of Manteigas, cross through magnificent forests, climb to the top of the Leandres river and experience the "Poço do Inferno" waterfall. To retrace the path taken by Horácio when he set out in search of a better life. This character, from Ferreira de Castro's neo-realist novel – Wool and Snow – endured arduous journeys between Manteigas and Covilhã in search of work in the textile industry, which would allow him to buy a house and marry Idalina, his beloved. In this work, the author describes the places Horácio passes through in a way that is very faithful to the reality of Manteigas' natural heritage, portraying the character's strength against the backdrop of the Second World War, in a contrast between the rural world and the proletariat. Along the route, structures of significant interest appear, such as the Carvalhais Forest Ranger's House or the Moitas Forest Nursery. The Serra da Estrela Forestry Administration (Manteigas Perimeter), created in 1888, constitutes one of the first mountain forest perimeters, with the Forestry Services playing a crucial role in its afforestation and management. Faced with the degradation of the vegetation cover and the erosion problems in the Municipality of Manteigas, the City Council, in a session on October 13, 1888, decided to cede the remaining common lands to the Forestry Services for afforestation. This measure met with serious resistance from the shepherds, since the common lands were mainly used as pastures, and at a certain point, the intervention of a military force was necessary. Regarding watercourses, the Ribeira de Leandres stands out, flowing swiftly through escarpments and narrow valleys, as does the Poço do Inferno, a natural waterfall 10 meters high. These natural spaces contribute to the development of local vegetation and allow one to contemplate a beautiful forested area that fills the horizons with color – soft shades of brown in winter/spring, green with white flowers in summer, and yellow and orange that blend into the autumn foliage. Along this route, several native species are present, such as the chestnut tree, the ash tree, the Pyrenean oak, the willow, and the black alder. The butcher's broom, which has conservation status, the birch, and the rowan deserve special mention. The balance between broadleaf and coniferous species, combined with the presence of watercourses and scrubland, makes this area one of the preferred habitats for various animal species. The Wild Boar Route features habitats frequented by the wild rabbit, the fox, the wild boar, and the hedgehog. Among the birds of prey, the Montagu's harrier and the common kestrel stand out. As for reptiles, you can find the grass snake and the water lizard. The otter is also one of the animals that inhabits this area. Its presence is detected by its star-shaped footprints. Throughout the route, the landscape created by the phenomenon of scree slopes stands out – deposits of coarse rock fragments, usually located on slopes of moderate to steep inclination, generated by cryoclasty (the splitting of rocks with the transition of water from the liquid to the solid state)

Beech Tree Route (PR13MTG 5.4km)

Start of the route: next to Cruz das Jugadas – leaving Manteigas, follow the EN 232 towards Penhas Douradas; exit at the crossroads for Covão da Ponte and continue until you find the sign “PR13 – Rota das Faias”. The Beech Route offers the opportunity to discover something new and surprising at every turn, from the splendid vegetation to the dazzling landscapes, which together with agriculture and shepherding provide a perfect trip for those who wish to get to know the mountains, their people and customs. More than just a hiking trail, the Beech Route is a sensory experience, where the scents of rosemary, wild mint, lavender, and thyme blend with magnificent scenery that surrounds the gaze of those who observe it. Its name comes from the fact that this route plunges into the heart of a dense beech forest, planted by the Manteigas Forestry Services at the beginning of the 20th century. In addition to this species, it is also worth highlighting the chestnut tree, the broom, the Oregon pine, and the imposing monumental oak trees that surround the Chapel of St. Lawrence, a place of worship with pagan reminiscences related to the adoration of trees and the Sun – on the summer solstice, those in Manteigas see the sun rise over St. Lawrence. The natural landscape is dominated by the U-shaped Zêzere Glacial Valley, the Torre (Tower), the Cântaro Magro (Skinny Pitcher), the Cântaro Gordo (Fat Pitcher), and the Penhas Douradas (Golden Rocks). São Lourenço offers a panoramic view of the mountain range that stretches all the way to Spain. In the foreground is the ridge of Lomba das Cancelas, which marks the boundary between Beira Alta and Beira Baixa, and the Cabeço da Azinheira. Contact with rural and pastoral life is a recurring theme along the trail, as it is used by shepherds to move their livestock to grazing areas, allowing for potential interactions with those who travel the route. The forest stands, scrubland, and watercourses present provide diverse fauna. Of particular note are the mammals such as the fox, the beech marten, the weasel, and the wild boar. Among the birds are the kestrel, the owl, and the raven. Reptiles are represented by the horned viper, the Iberian wall lizard, and the Iberian wall lizard

Walking route around Meios

Walking route around Meios