This activity proposal aims to provide a weekend where tranquillity and beauty are a constant, in addition to the presence of water, through the River Alva and the various leisure areas and beaches that we will be able to enjoy. On Sunday we'll head to Piódão and the idyllic river beach of Foz D'Égua. There's also time for a short walk in the Schist Village of Benfeita and a visit to the Fraga da Pena waterfall. Come and join us for another event not to be missed!

TIME: Departure from Lisbon at 7am
RETURN: Arrival in Lisbon at 7.30pm

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31ST MAY 2026

Saturday 11th July

9.30 a.m. - Scheduled start time for the walk

Walking in Encantos do Rio Alva

Points of interest:

- Coja River Beach
- Prado Green Park
- Alva River Valley
- Barril de Alva Leisure Area
- Urtigal Bathing Area
- Vila Cova de Alva (Mother Church, Pillory, 16th century street, etc.)
- River Beach and Village of Avô
- Pomares River Beach
- Natural landscapes

Distance: 13 kilometres

Difficulty: 3 (Scale from 1 to 5, 1 being the easiest)

Estimated duration: 4h30

The charms of Alva and its surroundings

Among these attractions are the towns that occupy its banks (Côja, Vila Cova do Alva, the "Sintra of the Beiras", Avô, among others) and a number of magnificent river beaches (such as Coja, Avô, Barril de Alva, etc.), most of which have been awarded the Blue Flag, which demonstrates the quality of the river's crystal-clear water.

River Beach of Avô

This beach is bathed by the River Alva and the Pomares stream. These two watercourses form what is known as Picoto Island, where there is a pleasant picnic area.

This beach consists of two water weirs in the area surrounding the island, with a pedestrian crossing point, a children's pool fed by river water, grass areas, picnic equipment, changing rooms and pedestrian areas.

Pomares River Beach

With a privileged view of the Serra do Açor, the Pomares river beach is located next to the bridge that crosses the Ribeira da Moura, which dates back to the 18th century, in the village of Pomares. The dam in the bed of the stream makes it possible to increase the flow, forming an extensive blanket of water that allows for bathing activities.

18h00 - Walk in Arganil

18.30 - Check in at the hotel in Arganil

8pm - Suggested Group Dinner

Sunday 12th July

Village of Piódão

The stunning little Village of Piódão is located on the slopes of one of the many valleys of the Serra do Açor, in the municipality of Arganil, and is Unesco World Heritage Site. A Village of Piódão is known for its schist houses impeccably preserved, with windows and doors painted blue. Surrounded by great landscape interestThe village of Piódão differs from all the other mountain villages in terms of the general appearance of the surrounding area and, above all, the layout and arrangement of the streets, the picturesque houses and the pleasant way its people treat visitors. Walking along the steep schist pavements of Piódão, you can see crosses on doorpostsThese invoke the protection of St Barbara against bad weather. Whitewashed with blue stripes, the Mother Churchor Our Lady of the Conception, stands out against the backdrop.

Foz D' Égua

In the Serra do Açor, near the village of Piódão and after travelling 8 km by road, we come to Foz D'Égua, where the Piódão and Chãs D'Égua streams meet and their course is blocked by a dam, creating a mirror of water and making for a paradisiacal spot in the middle of summer. Still downstream, the Torno stream meets. The site has a natural beauty, and the setting of the two existing bridges, the proximity of two schist mills, a wine press and the blocks of stone carved by the current of the streams, allow it to be used by many tourists.

Estimated start time of the walk: 9.30am

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

• Village of Piódão
• Piódão River Beach
• Foz D' Égua
• Natural swimming pool (leisure area)
• Natural landscapes and schist paths

Level of difficulty of the route: 3.5 (Scale of 1 to 5)

Route length: 9 kilometres

Estimated duration: 3h30

13.30 - Visit to Fraga da Pena

The Fraga da Pena Waterfall, in the heart of the Serra do Açor Protected Landscape, is a geological accident crossed by the Barroca de Degraínhos, giving rise to a series of successive waterfalls. The waterfall is 19 metres high.

2pm - Lunch

4pm - End of activity and return to Lisbon

Equipment: Suitable footwear and clothing for nature walks

Registration fee:

Price includes:

- Transport by bus or coach from Lisbon to each of the places described above
- Transport to the locations of each walk and accommodation
- Accommodation with breakfast included - 2/3 star hotel
- Visit to Fraga da Pena
- Walk in the Schist Village of Benfeita
- The proposed accommodation option includes various room types
- Guided Walks
- Compulsory insurance

190€ (Price per person in double room)
230€ (Price per person in single room)
Entry fee for seat reservation: 50€

Prices valid until 31st May. From this date onwards the prices are 210€ and 250€ respectively.

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.

- River Beach of Coja - Bathing Area of Barril de Alva - Vila Cova de Alva - Village, Castle and River Beach of Avô - River Beach of Pomares - Arganil - Village of Piódão - Foz D'Égua - River Beach of Piódão - Fraga da Pena - Schist Village of Benfeita - Natural landscapes -