Vila Pouca De Aguiar: Hiking Trails, Nature and History

Vila Pouca De Aguiar lies between Serra do Alvão and Serra da Padrela. Estrada Nacional 2, Portugal’s longest road, crosses the municipality on its route between Chaves and Faro in the Algarve. Nature trails, evidence of Roman mining and historic buildings offer a range of points of interest. If you are looking for a hotel for your stay, you could start by considering whether you want to focus your days mainly on hiking, archaeology or observing nature.

Hiking trails with distinct themes

PR1 VPA, PR2 VPA and PR3 VPA are certified and signposted short-distance hiking trails. PR1 VPA is called “Trilho Interpretativo da Veronica micrantha” and starts and ends next to the parish church of Soutelo de Aguiar. It lies in the Natura 2000 site Sítio de Importância Comunitária do Alvão/Marão. One of the largest and best-preserved populations of Veronica micrantha is found in this area.

PR2 VPA, “Trilho Interpretativo das Aves de Rapina,” starts and ends in the churchyard of the parish church of Telões. The route lies in the Alvão/Marão Natura 2000 site and offers the opportunity to observe birds of prey. It includes information panels and a bird of prey observatory near Castelo de Aguiar da Pena.

For PR3 VPA, “Trilho Terras de Ouro,” the start and finish are next to the information panel opposite the Centro Social Comunitário do Planalto de Jales in Alfarela de Jales. The trail passes the Pelourinho de Jales, a 16th-century Manueline pillory. The three routes therefore differ in focus: Veronica micrantha, birds of prey or the heritage of Jales.

Roman heritage and historic buildings

Tresminas is one of the most significant essentially gold-producing mining complexes of the former Roman Empire. Signposted trails provide interpretive visits to the Roman mining heritage and its underground drainage and transport tunnels. Both the history of mining and its engineering works are among the topics explored on site.

The Museu Municipal Padre José Rafael Rodrigues presents archaeological collections in six exhibition areas. These illustrate six periods of settlement in the municipality. Since April 2007, the museum has been housed in the former Casa do Condado.

Castelo de Aguiar da Pena is a rock castle perched on a massive granite cliff; its origins date back to the 9th or 10th century. The viewpoint at the highest point of the fortification offers panoramic views over Vale de Aguiar. Ponte Romana do Arco, meanwhile, was built over the River Pinhão during Roman times. Since 2015, it has been classified as a Monumento de Interesse Público because of its close association with Roman gold mining at Jales and Tresminas.

Natural areas and routes across the municipality

The Aguiar Nature network comprises five signposted circular environmental trails in a classified natural area. Another route, the Caminho de Santiago, crosses the municipality from south to north, running through Vale de Aguiar alongside the Corgo and Avelames rivers.

Lagoa do Alvão, also known as Barragem da Falperra, lies in the Natura 2000 site Sítio de Interesse Comunitário Alvão/Marão. A leisure park set among extensive woodland is located at Barragem da Falperra, and the lake is edged by striking rocks.

The Centro de Educação Ambiental introduces visitors to the biodiversity and ecosystems of Lagoa do Alvão through an educational exhibition and a wildlife observation laboratory. The approximately five-kilometre Trilho dos Mamíferos Aquáticos starts at the centre. The Centro provides bicycles for adults and children aged six and up, each with a helmet and lock. The exhibition, wildlife observation laboratory and trail offer different ways to engage with nature.

Pedras Salgadas and regional highlights

Parque Termal de Pedras Salgadas includes the Balneário Termal, the former casino and several named thermal springs: Fonte D. Fernando, Fonte D. Maria Pia, Fonte do Penedo, Grande Alcalina, Fonte de Pedras Salgadas and Fonte Preciosa. Água das Pedras can be tasted there directly at its source, in its unaltered spring state.

Centro Hípico de Pedras Salgadas offers hippotherapy and riding lessons. It also promotes activities and events for the entire population. Flora also shapes regional cuisine: the vegetation, rich in heather, gives honey a distinctive flavour.

Planning your visit

The Welcome Center is located on Estrada Nacional 2. An interactive table and a multimedia application provide digital information about hotels, restaurants, activities and specific places, as well as Vila Pouca De Aguiar and the region. The Welcome Center’s listed opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; check before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Telões, Bornes de Aguiar, Vila Pouca De Aguiar, Chaves, Sabrosa, Mesão Frio, Montalegre, Oura.

For the wider travel overview: Vila Real.