PR2 OLR - Schist Trails of Álvaro - Very Noble Town
Starting at the viewpoint, next to the parish church of Álvaro (Church of S.Tiago), this schist trail of 7.3 km follows the steep slopes near the village and passes via Longra. After passing the Chapels of Sto. António and S. Sebastião, we descend, through the olive groves to the stream of Alvelos, which we cross via a lovely Roman bridge and from where we can see the ruins of a number of watermills. Climbing through the pine and eucalyptus trees we will pass the Chapels of S. Pedro and Sto. António, before reaching Longra. From the final descent to Álvaro we have one of the best views of the village.
Author’s recommendation
Visit the vast and beautiful religious monuments in the Aldeia do Xisto of Álvaro and contemplate the landscape over the River Zêzere at the viewpoint next to the main church.
Book your stay, experience or meal at Book in Xisto.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Be careful as it can be warm in the summer and slippery in the winter.
Useful Contacts
SOS Emergency – 112
SOS forests – 117
Anti poisoning information - (+351) 217 950 143
GNR Police Oleiros – (+351) 272 682 311
ADXTUR - Rede Aldeias do Xisto - (+351) 275 647 700
Tips and hints
The valley of the Zêzere dazzles with its imposing landscape and the river that runs a sinuous and surprisingly deep course created by the system of meanders . The meanders of the river Zêzere are one of the sites of the Natural Park of the Tejo, classified by UNESCO, and make this one of the most beautiful river valleys in Portugal. The surrounding region is full of ecological interest.
The woods of Álvaro have always been of exceptional value, in particular as a sample of the indigenous vegetation that grows here spontaneously. On the surrounding steep slopes there is a monoculture of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster). It is also worth exploring the myriad of rural trails, you are guaranteed to stumble on areas of hidden paradise at the end of deep ravines. Land use shows that the olive has always played an important role in agriculture here, and the olive tree (Olea europea) plays a significant role in the local landscape.
This is one of the white villages of the network of Schist villages, most the houses are plastered and painted. This is proof that the village was once a noble “town” and the capital of the county. This status is a legacy of the passage of Visigoths and Romans and due to the fact it was an important base for the Order of Malta. The Romans were responsible for building one of the bridges that still links the two sides of the stream of Alvélos today. This parish is also marked by the existence of the “pilgrimage route to Santiago” and by the exceptional religious relics. The Chapel of Misericórdia is classified as property of County Value.
Gastronomy
- Fish soup
- Fried river fish (Achigã)
- Roast kid
- Maranhos
- Evergreen strawberry tree brandy
- Honey cake
- Wine callum
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Help others by being the first to add a review.
Photos from others