River Branches I [GR33 - GRZ: Canoeing]

Track types

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Safety information

Classification / Navigability of the river

 

Level 1

a) Calm waters with slight current, maximum velocity of 4 km/hour, without navigation difficulties.

b) Water currents with velocities ranging from 4 km/hour to 10 km/hour and without any obstacles.

c) When the current is more than 10 km/hour, there may be some difficulties which require the attention of canoeists. The use of lifejackets is advised. 

 

Level 2

Some difficulties, with currents, small dams and easy rapids. The use of lifejackets and protective helmets is advised.

 

Level 3

Difficult navigation Strong currents and fast rapids that require mastery of the vessel. The use of an appropriate vessel is advised. The use of lifejackets and protective helmets is mandatory.

 

Level 4

Very difficult but without any danger to well-trained canoeists. The use of lifejackets and protective helmets is mandatory.

 

Level 5

Extremely difficult and dangerous navigation. Only for fully trained and prepared canoeists. The use of lifejackets and protective helmets is mandatory.

 

Level 6

Impassable. Impracticable. Cannot be navigated. 

Tips and hints

Dornes is one of the best-preserved and most characteristic villages on the banks of the Zêzere with a history dating back to Roman times. It is superbly framed by the landscape provided by the river and surrounding the mountains, with cobbled streets and medieval layout, finishing at the river and the Nossa Senhora do Pranto Shrine, which is an important place of pilgrimage (Círios). Also of note are the houses in traditional architecture, where evidence of the Order of Christ can be found, helping to tell the story of the unique Medieval Templar Pentagonal Tower, a defensive watchtower on the Zêzere, admirable for its splendid location and mysticism and a veritable landmark of the region. In the surrounding area, there are restaurants where you can savour freshwater fish, terraces with views of the river and Rural Tourism and Residential accommodation. There is also a boatyard where the Abrangel boat is built. Consisting of 13 localities, the civil parish of Palhais is located about 15 km from Sertã. It is one of the oldest towns in the municipality. The civil parish, whose toponym derives from a surname of a Portuguese noble house, has been populated since prehistoric times. The abundance of water was one of the reasons for early settlement in Palhais. Two streams run through the civil parish, the Sertã and the Isna. Besides, of course, the fundamental importance of the river Zêzere, now suffused by the Castelo de Bode Dam. Places to visit include the main church, the chapels of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré in Casal, and S. Pedro, in Trízio. Before you leave, you must try the coscóreis, the maranho and the Palhais cakes. 

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