
HIKING AND RUNNING
Trails and Small Roads Next Door
The area surrounding Casa das Descobertas offers excellent running and walking conditions, ideal for both casual walkers and dedicated runners. Small roads and trails winding up Mount Veríssimo offer varied terrain, making it suitable for those seeking a moderate to challenging workout. The quiet and well-maintained rural roads and trails provide a peaceful environment, perfect for enjoying nature and the authentic ambiance of Minho with small farms, stone walls, and chapters. Walking or running through vineyards, olive groves, and forested areas allows you to experience the full beauty of northern Portugal’s countryside. Most of those roads are also excellent for bicycling.
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We often take an early morning walk around our village, Calvelo, or to the nearby village, Freixo, stopping for coffee and a Nata in one of our favorite cafés. Café São Sebastião in Calvelo is 2 km from Casa das Descobertas, and Padaria Pastelaria da Feira in Freixo is 4 km away. In the map below, you can find two nice running trails. The blue trail takes you around Mount Verissimo, and the red trail shows you a nice rural area.

Calvelo Walk
A pleasant 6 km walk or run with 130 meters of elevation, starting in the beautiful forest and agricultural landscapes and finishing in the charming village of Calvelo. We recommend a morning coffee at Café São Sebastião.


Mato Walk
A scenic 4.5 km walk or run with 70 meters of elevation, winding through lush nature, alongside fields, and through tranquil forests.



Freixo Walk
Our favorite morning walk leads us to Café Padaria Pastelaria da Feira in Freixo for breakfast. This 8.5 km route, with 130 meters of elevation, winds through several charming village areas, making it perfect for a nice walk or run.

Monte Verissimo Loop
This beautiful run or walk takes you around Monte Verissimo, where Casa das Descobertas is situated on its southern slope. The route follows narrow, charming roads around the mountain, covering 9 km with an elevation gain of 186 meters.

Vitorino dos Piães Run

This is an enjoyable running route that takes you through the nearby landscape. You’ll pass through lush forest terrain, along fields, through small villages, and alongside vineyards. The route is 15.5 km with an elevation of 264 meters.



PENEDA-GERÊS NATIONAL PARK
Discover Portugals Only National Park
Peneda-Gerês National Park, located in northern Portugal, is Portugals only national park and a stunning haven for nature lovers, hikers, and anyone who appreciates the beauty of untouched landscapes. Spanning nearly 700 square kilometers, the park stretches across the districts of Viana do Castelo, Braga, and Vila Real, encompassing a diverse array of ecosystems, rugged mountain ranges, lush valleys, and rich historical heritage.
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One of the most striking features of Peneda-Gerês is its landscape diversity. The park includes the dramatic mountains, sweeping forests, winding rivers, and glistening waterfalls, such as the popular Cascata do Arado and Tahiti Waterfall, where visitors can swim in natural pools during the warmer months. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife. It provides the Iberian wolf, wild horses known as Garranos, deer, eagles, falcons, and the rare golden eagle. Peneda-Gerês is also a habitat for unique flora, featuring a mix of Mediterranean and Atlantic vegetation.
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In addition to its natural beauty, Peneda-Gerês is rich in history and culture. Scattered throughout the park are small, picturesque villages, where time seems to have stood still. The park also preserves ancient Roman roads and bridges, with some paths dating back over 2,000 years, offering a glimpse into the past.
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Outdoor activities are plentiful in Peneda-Gerês. You can hike numerous trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks that take you deep into the heart of the wilderness. The park is also popular for mountain biking, horseback riding, and canoeing. Additionally, there are thermal springs at Caldas do Gerês, where you can relax in mineral-rich waters after a day of exploring.
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Visitors are encouraged to prepare adequately for the hike, carry sufficient water, wear appropriate footwear, and consider the weather conditions, as the area can be remote and exposed to the elements. More information about Peneda-Gerês National Park can be found here and here. Below, we give recommendations regarding some favorite places to visit.
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Miradouro da Ermida is characterized by its rolling hills, dense forests, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Trails often take hikers through historic villages, past ancient churches, and along serene rivers, offering a glimpse into the traditional rural life still prevalent in this part of Portugal. Miradouro da Ermida is an ideal starting point for hiking trails catering to various fitness levels and experiences.

Louriça, located within the stunning Serra Amarela, offers a remarkable journey through diverse terrain, featuring a mix of rugged mountain paths, dense forests, and open grasslands. You will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, which are particularly stunning during sunrise or sunset. One of the highlights of hiking in Louriça is the abundance of natural beauty, including pristine streams, cascading waterfalls, and diverse wildlife.

Poço Azul Gerês is renowned for its stunning turquoise waters surrounded by lush forest. The trail to Poço Azul is relatively accessible and winds through diverse terrain, offering picturesque views and the opportunity to immerse in the tranquil sounds of nature. Upon reaching Poço Azul, hikers are rewarded with the sight of crystal-clear waters—ideal for refreshing dips on warm days.

Cabana e Meda de Rocalva is characterized by impressive geological formations and various native flora and fauna. Hikers will traverse dense forests and open meadows, occasionally encountering streams and small waterfalls that add to the scenic beauty of the hike. The hike to Cabana e Meda de Rocalva is moderately challenging, making it suitable for those with some hiking experience.

Cabana e Prado do Conho is known for its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity. The trails lead through diverse ecosystems, featuring a mix of dense forest canopies and expansive meadows, where the region's flora and fauna thrive in abundance. This route is particularly noted for its scenic vistas that offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Prado da Messe offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and is a prime spot for observing the diverse wildlife that populates the region. The area is accessible through various hiking trails that cater to different skill levels, each providing unique perspectives of the park's varied landscapes.


ECOVIA
Exploring Rivers and Coast
Ecovias in Portugal are networks of eco-friendly trails, designed to promote sustainable travel and recreation by linking natural and cultural sites through dedicated paths. These greenways cater to walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts, allowing them to explore diverse landscapes, from rivers and coastlines to forests and mountains. Ecovias aim to encourage both locals and visitors to appreciate Portugal’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in a way that minimizes environmental impact.
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In northern Portugal, the Ecovia system is particularly notable for its trails along the Lima and Minho rivers and coastal routes that showcase the region’s varied scenery and historical sites. These routes connect towns, villages, and protected areas, providing a scenic and accessible way to explore the Minho region.
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Ecovia do Rio Lima
The Ecovia do Rio Lima runs on both sides along the banks of the Lima River, stretching from Viana do Castelo to Ponte de Lima and Arcos de Valdevez. This trail is one of the highlights of the Ecovia network in northern Portugal, winding through the landscapes of vineyards, forests, and wetlands. We often follow those trails on bicycles or on foot.
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Coastal Trails in Northern Portugal
In addition to the riverside paths, northern Portugal’s Ecovia network includes coastal trails along the Atlantic Ocean, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline. The trail from Caminha to Viana do Castelo follows the coast and provides an immersive experience of the region’s maritime culture. Along these coastal routes, walkers and cyclists can explore fishing villages, sandy beaches, and cliffs.
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Ecopista do Rio Minho
The Ecopista do Rio Minho is another key trail in the region, tracing the Minho River from Monção to Caminha. This greenway follows the old railway line and is known for its scenic riverside views. The trail runs parallel to the Minho River, which acts as a natural border between Portugal and Spain, providing an opportunity to experience the lush riverbanks, traditional fishing areas, and small islands that are part of the Natura 2000 network.
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Here follow some of our favorite spots for walking and running at the coast:
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LAGOAS
A Sustainable Model of Biodiversity and Ecological Harmony
Lagoas de Bertiandos e São Pedro de Arcos is a captivating protected nature reserve located just northwest of Ponte de Lima in the Minho region of northern Portugal. Covering over 350 hectares, this reserve is a thriving habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, thanks to its diverse ecosystems, which include wetlands, dense forests, and agricultural landscapes. It’s an exceptional destination for those interested in experiencing the intricate balance between human activity and natural habitats and anyone passionate about wildlife and environmental conservation.
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The reserve’s wetlands are particularly significant for their ecological importance. They support an impressive array of flora and fauna, including several species of amphibians, fish, and migratory birds. Birdwatchers flock to the area to catch glimpses of herons, storks, egrets, and rarer species that stop over during migratory periods. These wetlands play a crucial role in local water purification, flood control, and carbon sequestration, making them not only beautiful but vital to the health of the surrounding landscape.
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Forests within the reserve add another layer of biodiversity. These wooded areas are primarily composed of native tree species, such as oaks and alders, which provide shelter to numerous mammals, birds, and insects. The reserve’s agricultural landscapes showcase the traditional farming practices that have shaped the region over centuries. Here, local farmers cultivate small plots with various crops, maintaining practices that support the reserve’s ecological balance. This blend of natural and agricultural areas highlights the reserve’s role as a model of sustainable land use, where conservation and cultivation coexist in harmony.
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The Lagoas de Bertiandos e São Pedro de Arcos offers visitors a range of recreational opportunities through its well-maintained walking and cycling trails. These paths wind through the different ecosystems, allowing visitors to observe the wildlife up close, immerse themselves in nature, and experience the tranquility of the surroundings. The trails vary in length and difficulty, making them accessible for families, casual walkers, and more avid hikers. Signage along the trails provides information about the local flora and fauna, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the intricate web of life within the reserve.
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The Environmental Interpretation Center is an essential stop for those looking to learn more about the local environment. This facility provides interactive exhibits and educational programs that delve into the reserve's geology, ecosystems, and conservation efforts. The center also offers guided tours, workshops, and activities for children.
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