In this activity proposal, we will walk and visit the most beautiful villages of Beira-Baixa, from Idanha-a-velha to Monsanto, passing through Idanha-a-Nova, Penha Garcia, Monfortinho and Salvaterra do Extremo, in a weekend full of walks and unforgettable landscapes. This weekend we will of course have the opportunity to sample the best flavours of the local cuisine. Come and join us!

DATES: 28 February and 1 March 2026

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 20 February

TIME: Departure from Lisbon at 6.30am

RETURN: Arrival in Lisbon at 7.30pm

28 February (Saturday)

Idanha-a-Velha

Due to the remarkable set of ruins it preserves, it occupies a prominent place in the context of the country's archaeological sites. It stands on the site of what was once a Roman city, capital of the Civitas Igaeditanorum (1st century BC), later the seat of the bishops under Suevi and Visigothic rule. Donated to the Order of the Temple in the 13th century, it retains vestiges from various periods that show a great permanence of civilisation. Occupied by the Muslims in the 8th century, it was reconquered by the Christians in the 12th century.

Estimated start time of the walk: 11am

Walk: "Historical Route of Idanha-a-Velha"

This day's activities include the following points of interest:

• North Gate and Walls
• Mother Church and Pillory
• Roman Bridge
• Idanha-a-Velha Cathedral
• Poldras on the River Ponsul
• Lagar de Varas and Epigraphic Museum
• Templar Tower
• Natural landscapes
• etc, etc

Level of difficulty of the route: 1 (Scale of 1 to 5)

Route length: 2 kilometres

Estimated duration: 1h30m

Monsanto

Perched on a hill that imposes itself on the eye from most horizons, the Historical Village of Monsanto has a unique charm, helped by the two titles it was awarded in the 20th century - Aldeia Mais Portuguesa de Portugal (Most Portuguese Village in Portugal) in 1938 and Aldeia Histórica (Historical Village) in 1995. A tourist icon in the region, Monsanto is a unique experience for those who visit it. It was granted charters by King Afonso Henriques, King Sancho I, King Sancho II and King Manuel. The oldest part is at the highest point, where the Templars built a fence with a keep.

Estimated start time of the walk: 13.45

Walk: "Monsanto Historic Route"

Points of interest:

• Door of the Holy Spirit
• Mother Church and Pillory
• Misericórdia Church
• Castle Walls and Citadel
• Top Tower
• Chapel and Necropolis of St Michael
• Penedos Juntos
• Natural landscapes
• etc, etc

Level of difficulty of the route: 2 (Scale of 1 to 5)

Route length: 4 kilometres

Estimated time: 2 hours

Penha Garcia

Penha Garcia is another place worthy of a picture postcard. The unique beauty of its landscape almost needs no words, if only to emphasise it for those who haven't yet visited Penha Garcia. The beautiful typical houses, protected by the imposing walls, invite the visitor to walk through the winding alleys and lanes that lead to the top of the castle, which offers a magnificent view over the valley where the River Pônsul flows, accompanied by its windmills.
The Fossil Route, a journey of around an hour and a half, takes you from the Castle to the Penha Garcia dam. As you follow the refreshing banks of the Pônsul River, you can also see the traditional houses, their interiors, the watermills and even the so-called fossil house halfway along the route.

Estimated start time of the walk: 16.15

Walk: "Fossil Route"

Points of interest:

• Penha Garcia Castle
• Mother Church and Pillory
• Lapa Dam and Crane
• Mills and Fossil House
• Swimming pool / River beach
• Natural landscapes
• etc, etc

Level of difficulty of the route: 2 (Scale of 1 to 5)

Route length: 3 kilometres

Estimated duration: 1h30m

Note: On this day we recommend the picnic option, as no restaurant stops are planned.

1st March (Sunday)

Salvaterra do Extremo

Located close to the border with Spain and of very ancient origin, it was a stronghold fortified by the Romans and the Arabs. It was on these ruins that King Afonso Henriques later had the castle built. King Sancho II granted it a charter in 1229. It existed as a municipality until 1855, when it was annexed to the municipality of Idanha-a-Nova. The town's pillory stands as a testament to the municipal privileges of yesteryear, but nothing remains of its castle and fortress.
On the opposite side of the castle, there was an old road to Spain, which, near the River Erges, was guarded by an imposing medieval tower, still preserved, known as the Atalaia.
The river Erges flows here in a deep, torn gorge in the hard granite mass: it is the border line that the abandoned castle of Peñafiel, on the other bank and on top of a high cliff, facing Salvaterra do Extremo, guarantees a symbolic charge.

Estimated start time of the walk: 9.30am (in Salvaterra do Extremo)

Walk: "Vulture Route"

Points of interest:

• Mother Church and Pillory
• Roman pavement
• River Erges, River Beach and Holm oaks
• Natural landscapes
• etc, etc

Level of difficulty of the route: 3 (Scale of 1 to 5)

Route length: 11 kilometres

Estimated duration: 3h30m

14h15 - Lunch in a restaurant

4pm - Short visit to Idanha-a-Nova (Castle, Mother Church, etc.)

16.30 - End of activity and return to Lisbon

Notes: 

a) Registrations are limited and accommodation options are limited to availability at the time of booking.

b) If you have a group interested in this trip, contact us, we have personalised solutions.

- Visit to the Historical Villages of Beira-Baixa - Idanha-a-Velha - Monsanto - Penha Garcia - Monfortinho - Salvaterra do Extremo - Idanha-a-Nova - Natural landscapes of great beauty.