This activity proposal aims to provide a weekend in the centre of Portugal, especially in Figueiró dos Vinhos and Penela. We will go on two magnificent walks: one in Espinhal, at the Pedra Ferida waterfall, with a stop at the Louçainha river beach, and the other in the Fragas de São Simão area, including the walkways, the viewpoint, the Casal de Simão schist village, as well as getting to know part of the Ribeira de Alge. There's also time for a visit to the town of Penela, where we'll visit its castle, a national monument, and a walk in Figueiró dos Vinhos, where we'll visit Malhoa's "Cocoon". Come and join us for another event not to be missed!

TIME: Departure from Lisbon at 7.15am
RETURN: Arrival in Lisbon at 7.30pm

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 31 August 2026

26th September (Saturday)

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

Walking at the Pedra Ferida Waterfall and Louçainha River Beach

Points of interest:

- Wounded Stone Waterfall
- Azenha Stream
- Serra do Espinhal
- Louçainha River Beach
- Old water mills
- Bridges and walkways
- Picnic Park
- Natural landscapes

Distance: 12 kilometres

Difficulty: 3.5 (Scale from 1 to 5, 1 being the easiest)

Estimated duration: 4h30

Pedra Ferida Waterfall and Louçainha Beach

The trail runs through the Serra do Espinhal in a valley where the Azenha stream flows, where we'll find the admirable Pedra Ferida waterfall, almost 25 metres high, which forms a delightful natural pool. And if the waterfall is enchanting, the trail that leads to it is enthralling. Along the Ribeira da Azenha, we are treated to lush vegetation, the omnipresent sound of running water, small pools of water, wooden bridges and old watermills. There's even a picnic area where you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature. A real enchanted forest to savour slowly.

Praia Fluvial da Louçainha is a small paradise in the municipality of Penela. This refuge is in the middle of the dense Serra do Espinhal. It takes advantage of the naturalness of the Azenha stream due to the construction of several dams with different depths. This place is very popular in the region due to the surrounding landscape, which conveys tranquillity due to the perfect union of the green of the mountains with the crystalline freshness of the waters

1pm - Picnic lunch suggestion (up to each participant)

15h30- Tour of Penela (Castle, Mother Church, Pillory, etc.)

The military occupation of the hill where Penela is located is very old, dating back at least to the Romans, who guarded the Mérida-Conímbriga-Braga road from here. Invaded by the Arabs in 716, it was retaken in the 11th century by Count Sesnando, the first governor of Coimbra. The count had a strong castle built on the site of the alcazaba, which he repopulated, thus creating a Christian town under the protection of the crenellated walls. Graves carved into the rock with anthropomorphic designs remain from this settlement. Its construction dates back to the 11th century, although what can be seen of the castle today only dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries. Inside is the Church of St Michael, whose earliest origins date back to the 12th century. Penela Castle is a National Monument.

17h30- Walk in Figueiró dos Vinhos

6pm - Hotel check-in

8pm - Suggested Group Dinner

27th September (Sunday)

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

Casal de São Simão Schist Trail

Points of interest:

- Schist Village of Casal de São Simão
- River Beach
- Ribeira de Alge
- Ribeira do Fato
- Holms and levadas
- Cork Oak Forest
- Brás Curado Bridge
- Fragas de São Simão and Ermida walkways
- Natural landscapes

Distance: 10 kilometres

Difficulty: 3.5 (Scale from 1 to 5, 1 being the easiest)

Estimated duration: 3h30m

Casal de São Simão Schist Trail

This walk takes place on the walkways of the Fragas de São Simão, visits the schist village of Casal de São Simão and runs along the idyllic banks of the Ribeira de Alge and Fato, where the old watermills still shine, and through the quiet villages of Além da Ribeira, Ponte do Brás Curado and Saondam as well as the river beach of the Fragas de São Simão.

Fragas do Casal de São Simão walkways

The Fragas de São Simão walkway is approximately 2 kilometres long and connects the Schist Village of Casal de São Simão to the lofty Fragas de São Simão viewpoint, passing by the stunning Fragas de São Simão River Beach.

Part of the "Peniche Peninsula" geosite, which is a limestone platform that has been eroded by wind, rain and the sea, you can see the beautiful shapes that erosion has created, forming a lapiás.

Casal de São Simão River Beach

The beach is a 15-minute walk (along the footpath) from the village of Casal de São Simão. The water of the Ribeira de Alge, which passes by on its way to the Zêzere, is so clear that you can see the small stones inside.

The abundance of laurel trees and cork oaks gives the air a comforting fragrance and the green of the surrounding hills, which lead to the Lousã mountain range, envelop us in beautiful scenery. The river beach is located between two imposing crags, where climbing is practised with various equipped routes, abseiling and slides. The "smaller" rocks are used as a solarium or diving board. Walking south, next to the beach, you'll find several levadas and cloaks of the region's original flora.

Schist Village of Casal de São Simão

A small village with practically a single street, essentially built from quartzite. It is located on one of the flanks of the quartzite ridge that gives rise to the Fragas de São Simão and has the oldest church in the municipality of Figueiró dos Vinhos. The village stretches along a ridge almost parallel to the course of the Ribeira de Alge. The entrance is at the highest point and the village ends where the slopes have made it difficult to continue the road.

13.30 - Group lunch in a local restaurant

15.30 - Visit to the Malhoa Cocoon in Figueiró dos Vinhos

16.30 - 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 star hotel
- Group lunch
- 2 Walks
- Tour of Penela with a visit to the Castle
- Tour of Figueiró dos Vinhos, with a visit to the Malhoa Cocoon
- The proposed accommodation option includes various room types
- Guided Walks
- Compulsory insurance

Prices with transport

Price in double room: 195€
Price in single room: 230€

Values without transport

Price in double room: 150€
Price in single room: 185€

Seat reservation fee: 50€

Prices valid until 31st March. From this date onwards the prices are 220€ and 255€ respectively (option with transport).

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.

- Pedra Ferida Waterfall - Azenha Stream - Espinhal Mountain - Louçainha River Beach - Old watermills - Bridges and walkways - Picnic Park - Fragas de São Simão Walkways and Viewpoints - Alge Stream - Schist Village of Casal de São Simão - River Beach - River Beach of Ana de Aviz - Figueiró dos Vinhos - Mother Church - Malhoa's cocoon - Municipal Garden - Museum and House of Arts - Prison Tower - Natural landscapes -