recommended route
The Wild Start - GRZ on Foot: Stage 3.1
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The Wild Start - Vale de Amoreira > Valhelhas - GRZ: Stages 3 - 3.1Photo: Diogo Martins, Aldeias do Xisto
Author’s recommendation
Book your acommodation, experience and meal at Book in Xisto.
Waymarks > 3- It’s missing signs in at least one crossroad that can compromise the navigation without a map or GPS.
Conservation of the path > 4- In a good overall status of conservation with some isolated situations.
General conservation > 4- There aren’t any specific degraded areas identified.
Information boards and signs > 4- Well maintained and with interest
Complementary boards > 1- Nonexistent or without minimum quality
Safety and suport structures > 4- Well-maintained essential structures
Local community integration > 4- Encourages integration / contacts with the community
Landscape integration > 4- Well integrated into the landscape and with points of interest
General Safety > 4- Has occasional low-risk situations
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Take the necessary precautions for high temperatures in summer and slippery terrain in the winter. The levels of difficulty and times given are only indicative. They were calculated on a physical effort basis and do not include stops. Make your estimate by analising the technical data of path to be taken.
We recommend using GPS or APP
Contact information
SOS Emergency: 112
SOS Forest: 117
Manteigas Municipal Council: (+351) 275 980 000 |
Guarda Municipal Council: (+351) 271 220 220 |
Tips and hints
It is worth making the most of the passage through the Amoreira Valley to visit Cruzeiro, the main church, the Alminhas Fountain and other fountains. The river beaches and natural landscapes are also striking attractions in this region.
Washed by the calm, clear, cool waters of the River Zêzere and flanked by leafy poplar, alder, ash and willow, the Valhelhas River Beach allows visitors to contemplate all the natural surroundings in one of the sublime corners of Serra da Estrela Natural Park. It is at the end of the Serra da Estrela Glacier Valley, the steep schist-covered landscape where the River Zêzere meanders through farmland, orchards, forest and riverside woodland.
Throughout the year, these landscapes provide a variety of frames: in winter, snow covers the top of the hills, the autumnal tones and spring green provide unique environments and in summer, the cool translucent waters are a delight for beach goers. Also visit the Valhelhas Chapel, the Lagar Museum and the Philippine Bridge. As far as handicrafts are concerned, wicker basketry is the highlight. The Medronheiro [arbutus tree] and mushrooms are some of the main plant produce. As for the fauna, keep a look out for the kingfisher, one of the most colourful specimens of Portuguese birdlife. Mountain gastronomy has a very distinguished presence, with tables full of sausages, cheeses and migas [crumb-based dishes].
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