Let yourself be carried away by adventure
With approximately 8 km in length, PR1 CVL – Xisto Path of Sobral de São Miguel starts in the center of the village.
Soon after the first ascent, you can observe the surrounding landscape marked by mountain ranges, notably the Serra da Estrela.
On the descent, you can admire the livestock enclosures and the impressive terraced fields. Walking among chestnut, pine, and scrub, you arrive at the majestic Cascata do Vale das Vacas, a natural wonder.
In the final phase, you pass by the shepherds’ trail and walk along the Ribeira da Cabrieira, observing the cultivated fields and their irrigation systems
With approximately 8.4 km, PR8 CVL – the Cherry Tree Route starts and ends at the Cherry Interpretative Center, right in the center of the locality of Ferro. Explore the scenic paths through the extensive cherry orchards that dominate the rural landscape of Cova da Beira. In the background, the imposing slope of Serra da Estrela, towering over Covilhã, is a constant presence.
The route is circular and accessible to almost everyone, being partially coincident with the Camino de Santiago and the variant of the Grande Rota do Zêzere that crosses the parish.
With approximately 14.8 km, PR9 CVL – the Chestnuts Route starts and ends at the Cherry Interpretative Center, in the heart of the locality of Ferro. Set out to discover Serra do Ferro, its century-old chestnut trees, and immense biodiversity. Traverse its entire ridge, enjoying privileged views of Cova da Beira and Serra da Estrela, or opt for shortcuts along its two variants to shorten the walk.
At the top of the ridge, in addition to the magnificent surrounding landscapes, you can also visit Pedra do Adufe or Castro das Sesmarias, remnants of a millennial occupation of this territory.
The route is circular and of moderate difficulty, offering two variants for greater flexibility and adaptation to each individual’s physical preparation and interests. It is partially coincident with the Camino de Santiago and the variant of the Grande Rota do Zêzere that crosses the parish.
With approximately 9.3 km, PR10 CVL – the Monte Serrano Route starts and ends at the Cherry Interpretative Center, in the heart of the locality of Ferro. Explore the agricultural landscapes and irrigation of Cova da Beira at the foot of Serra do Ferro. In the background, the imposing slope of Serra da Estrela, rising above Covilhã, is a constant sight.
The route is circular and accessible to almost everyone, being partially coincident with the Camino de Santiago and the variant of the Grande Rota do Zêzere that crosses the parish.
With this route, you will not only discover the locality of Monte Serrano but also find unique views of Cova da Beira, gaining firsthand insight into the importance of irrigation for the local economy.
PR11 CVL – Porta da Estrela is a linear route that entirely follows the T14 Crossing of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park (PNSE) and the Grande Rota do Geoparque Estrela. This route establishes the connection between the city of Covilhã, considered the main gateway to Serra da Estrela, and the park’s central massif, ending at the Snow Clearing Center in Piornos.
Characterized by a steep elevation change, this route has a high difficulty level, functioning as a link between the region’s main tourist services and the various existing pedestrian route networks. In this way, it plays a fundamental role in structuring the hiking offerings in Covilhã and Serra da Estrela.
Along the way, you can appreciate several geological formations and landscapes of great natural value, notably Pedra do Urso, Alto das Piçarrinhas, Mata Nacional, and the recently renovated Carqueijais Overlook, which offers privileged panoramic views of the valley.
PR15 CVL – the Thermas Route is a short, circular pedestrian route designed for those who want to discover Serra da Estrela, providing users with an immersive experience in the wild nature of the area. Of moderate difficulty, this route traverses a vast set of ancient footpaths and mule tracks along the Vale da Estrela, also offering the opportunity to explore the significant heritage of the village of Unhais. The landscape is rich in vernacular architecture elements related to traditional pastoral activities. Against the backdrop of some of the highest points of the range, the route covers several points of interest, including Fonte da Saúde, Ribeira da Estrela, Sítio dos Poisos, the mule tracks of Unhais, and the Ribeira de Alforfa.
PR16 CVL – the Unhais Mule Track Route is a challenging route that connects the village of Unhais da Serra to the highest point of continental Portugal, following the trails and mule tracks used by shepherds.
The Unhais mule tracks are an ancestral heritage deeply associated with transhumance activities, linking the village to the mountain pastures. This route challenges you to traverse mule tracks and footpaths along the Ribeira de Alforfa, one of the first to have its waters harnessed for electricity production, ascending to the glacial cirque and finally reaching the plateau of Torre.
Discover the secrets of the Cortes valley with PR17 CVL – the Bridges Route.
Bridges, watermills, oil presses, irrigation channels, wells, and natural swimming pools join together along a unique stream to provide a surprising route at every turn.
Traversing footpaths and rural roads, this route is accessible but may present some technical difficulties, particularly on wet surfaces since much of it is on uneven ground.
It is an experience best taken slowly to fully enjoy all the wells and pools you will encounter; however, near Bouça, it is possible to significantly shorten the route, adapting it to the time available.
PR18 CVL – the “Saltipilha” Route largely develops along what was once a railway for small freight wagons, used to transport geological material extracted from various galleries to the washing plants.
Just a few hundred meters from here, in the late 19th century, the tungsten deposits of Panasqueira were discovered, followed by the subsequent creation of the Panasqueira Mining Domain. Since then, mining has been a constant activity, meaning that many generations have succeeded each other in mining work. In many local families, current miners are the sons and grandsons of miners. Over more than a century of these experiences, despite undergoing different cycles of expansion and contraction, they have managed to create a unique history and social reality.
The presence of a population that once numbered in the thousands in such an isolated area fostered a strong community and associative spirit in sports, cultural, and recreational areas. Material evidence of this reality still remains in the area, such as workers’ neighborhoods, a swimming pool, and a cinema.
PR19 CVL – the Miner’s Route follows ancient paths that once connected two of the main mining centers of the so-called Panasqueira Mining Domain, Barroca Grande and Panasqueira.
They were one of the communication routes for labor from many neighboring parishes, who either worked directly for the mine as wage laborers or panned in their fields as pieceworkers. This is a linear route, with the possibility of an alternate variant that includes bathing in the Ribeira da Cebola, a clear stream originating from the foothills of the Açor range. Please note that this variant involves very steep ascents and descents. Along the route, you will encounter landscapes and abundant evidence of past and present mining activities, as thousands once worked in the Panasqueira Mining Domain.
PR20 CVL – the Argemela Route is a circular route of moderate to high difficulty.
On the way to the Argemela Fortress, along a mid-slope with eyes fixed on the horizon, we pass by a deactivated mining complex, “The Mina da Companhia Inglesa,” with a privileged view of Barco, where the Argemela Interpretative Center is located. Next to the Argemela Fortress, classified as a Site of Municipal Interest, one can obtain a broad view of the entire tectonic trench of Cova da Beira, the southern and eastern slopes of Serra da Estrela, and, further north, the Zêzere River. An engaging and stimulating route that crosses various eras and heritages.
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Following ancient Roman roads, crossing rivers and streams, and ascending the most challenging slopes, discovering this territory along the paths of the Great Route of the Historical Villages of Portugal (GR22) on foot or by bicycle is an unforgettable odyssey. Whenever you venture on the GR22 – Grande Rota das Aldeias Históricas de Portugal, we advise using GPS.
“GR22 – the Great Route of the Historical Villages of Portugal, which connects the 12 Historic Villages of Portugal in stages, in a circular route of about 600 kilometers, holds the Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe seal, awarded by the European Ramblers Association, a certification that highlights the best hiking destinations in Europe based on criteria such as sustainability, the level of user experience provided, the quality of the trail, and its cultural and natural richness. It is also approved as a Grande BTT Crossing by the Portuguese Cycling Federation. Alongside its cultural monumentality, GR22 also passes through some of the most beautiful natural parks in Portugal, classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Douro International Natural Park and the Côa Valley Archaeological Park, the Tejo International Natural Park, and the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Enjoy the river beaches, tranquility, and become a conqueror of unique experiences.”
The Zêzere River valley is one of the territorial units that make up the Schist Villages region and one of the natural areas with the greatest environmental diversity in the country. The creation of the GRZ – Grande Rota do Zêzere (GR33) was conceived to allow users a closer connection with this natural heritage.
The route is divided into nine coherent sections that reflect the characteristics of the river and its surroundings.
The entire GRZ can be completed on foot (7 stages) or by mountain bike (1 stage).
With 55.7 km, the second sector of the GRZ is titled “Irrigating Cova da Beira.” It connects Valhelhas, in the municipality of Guarda, to the Rest Area of Barco, in the municipality of Covilhã.
Covering 55.7 km, this second of the nine sectors that make up the GRZ is called Irrigating Cova da Beira. It connects Valhelhas, Guarda, to the Rest Area of Barco, Covilhã, passing through Vale Formoso, Borralheira, Ponte Alvares, Tortosendo, and Peso.
The route is divided into nine coherent sections that reflect the characteristics of the river and its surroundings. The route is designed to be multimodal, suitable for both walking and cycling.
PR12 CVL – the Forest Route is a circular route along easy paths, aimed at enhancing the exploration of the on-site natural heritage, creating a vehicle for exploring the ancestral relationship between the city of Covilhã and Serra da Estrela. Starting from Parque Alexandre Aibéu, you can explore the valleys of the Ribeira da Carpinteira and the Ribeira da Goldra (also known as Ribeira dos Pisões), while also discovering the area of the city’s Mata Nacional.
In this journey, the link between the water running through and the wool industry is very evident, allowing, along the walk, the discovery of old factories, remodeled buildings, chimneys, and toponyms related to this activity.
The main points of interest are: the Floresta da Rosa Negra and the textile factories of Sineiro.
