October 2025
10out(Oct 10)18:0012(Oct 12)19:30
Event details
Event Description
In this activity, we'll walk through the fantastic area of Arcos de Valdevez and the village of Sistelo, in enchanting landscapes, whether it's the constant presence of water, through the River Vez and its tributaries, the waterfalls and river beaches, or the terraces and meadows of Sistelo. We'll have the opportunity to walk along a large part of the Vez Ecovia, climb up to the Estrica viewpoint and walk along the old carriageways, which take us to panoramic views of excellence, crossing medieval bridges and places that make us just want to stay and enjoy the atmosphere. We can also walk through the streets of Aldeia do Sistelo, visit its church and the granaries that are so characteristic of the Soajo area. Aldeia do Sistelo was one of the winning villages in the "7 Wonders of Portugal" competition. Located in the Peneda-Gerês National Park, it is famous for its terraced landscapes, where corn is grown and cattle still graze. The village is very well preserved, with most of the typical granite houses, barns and public lavatories renovated. The village has typical handicrafts, especially woollen socks and aprons, which delight tourists and visitors alike
We'll also have time for a guided tour of Paço da Giela, very close to Arcos de Valdevez. This weekend we will of course have the opportunity to sample the best flavours of the local cuisine. Come and join us!
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 AUGUST 2025
10th October (Friday)
6pm - Departure from Lisbon towards Arcos de Valdevez
23h - Hotel check-in
Saturday 11th October
Walk along the Vez River Walkways
On this walk we'll cover a large part of the Vez Ecovia, always arm in arm with the river, pass the fantastic Vilela bridge and reach the village of Sistelo. The municipality of Arco de Valdevez and the Ecovia do Vez, which includes the Sistelo Walkway, are part of the World Biosphere Reserve. The region's green terraces, next to the River Vez, have earned it the nickname of Portuguese Tibet. The terraces are man-made, worked by the local population and representative of their relationship with nature. Of medieval origin, Sistelo soon saw its territory organised by human action, with man saving the areas with the best sunshine for the granary clusters, using the river bank to set up mills, and taking advantage of the mountain altitudes for the narrow terraces and levadas where maize has been grown since the 16th century.
Points of interest: Ecovia and Vez walkways, Poço das Caldeiras river beach, Vilela bridge, Sistelo river beach, Ázere river mouth, Sistelo terraces, 19th century bridge, etc.
Estimated time for the start of the walk: 9h
Level of difficulty of the route: 3 (Scale from 1 to 5)
Route length: 14 kilometres
Expected duration: 4h30
14h - Stop for lunch/picnic in Sistelo
14h45 - Short tour of the village's points of interest (Mother Church and granaries, etc.)
Estrica Viewpoint" walk
The initial path of this trail leads us to the River Vez to be dazzled by a magnificent riverside forest. Between the scents of the river, the croaking of amphibians and the songs of river birds, the biodiversity that hides in the forest is revealed. Here and there the gilbardeiras attract attention with their red berries. Once we have crossed the river and travelled along the walkway, the path is shaded by alvarinho oak trees, taking us to one of the points where the grandeur of the landscape is breathtaking - the Estrica viewpoint. Here the view over the valley is unique. The terraces between Sistelo and Padrão hold your gaze in astonishing beauty.
Points of interest: Sistelo Castle House, Estrica Viewpoint, Bridge over the River Vez, rural landscapes, Sistelo terraces.
Estimated time for the start of the walk: 15h30
Level of difficulty of the route: 3.5 (Scale from 1 to 5)
Route length: 5 kilometres
Expected duration: 2h30
Sunday 12th October
Sistelo's Brandas and Socalcos Walk
The Brandas de Sistelo Trail is located in the foothills of the Serra da Peneda, more precisely in the mountain village of Sistelo. The walk starts next to a curious building commonly known as the Castle of Sistelo, the residence of the 1st and only Viscount of Sistelo, a local merchant who made his fortune in Brazil, from where we continue through the rustic houses and typical granaries, along a track that will lead us up a winding climb to beautiful landscapes.
Points of interest: Sistelo, Socalcos e Brandas, Branda do Alhal, Branda do Rio Covo, Miradouros da Chá da Armada, Aldeia de Padrão, Capela e Cruzeiro de Padrão, Bosques e Cascatas, etc.
Estimated time for the start of the walk: 9h30
Level of difficulty of the route: 3.5 (Scale from 1 to 5)
Route length: 9 kilometres
Expected duration: 5h
13h30- Stop for lunch/picnic in Sistelo
3pm - Guided tour of Paço de Giela
Paço de Giela
O Paço de Giela is a remarkable example of medieval and modern private civil architecture, considered one of the most important National Monuments and classified as such in 1910.
Its origins are deeply linked to the formation of the important "Terra de Valdevez". The construction of Giela's "tower-house" marks a new moment of protection and manorial and royal dominion over the region, and the building stands out for its profound originality and importance. Today, the medieval tower is visible, as well as the residential body, with "Manueline" windows and a fortified entrance, mostly built in the 16th century. The tower was probably built in the middle of the 14th century, replacing a small tower abandoned in the 11th century and corresponding to a phase of occupation with a strong medieval influence and the vigour of castles.
The tower is part of a museum space with three floors dedicated to the archaeology and human occupation of the municipality over the last few millennia, the evolution and history of the monument itself, as well as the important moment linked to the formation of Portugal, the so-called "Recontro de Valdevez", which took place in 1141 and pitted Afonso Henriques against his cousin Afonso VII of León and Castile.
16h - End of activity and return to Lisbon
Values without transport
Price in double room: 230€
Price in single room: 310€
Prices with transport
Price in double room: 310€
Price in single room: 390€
Seat reservation fee: 50€
Some of the points of interest on the walk
- Vez River Walkways and Ecovia - Sistelo Village - Estrica Viewpoint - Poço das Caldeiras River Beach - Vilela Bridge - Sistelo Castle House - Sistelo Granaries and Mother Church - Sistelo Terraces and Brandas - Chã da Armada Viewpoint - Padrão Village, Padrão Chapel and Cross, Woods and Waterfalls - Arcos de Valdevez - Guided Tour of the Paço de Giela - Natural landscapes of great beauty -
Location
Meeting Point
Bus Terminal Next to Oriente Station (near LEROY)
Latitude: 38°46'3.02″N
Longitude: 9° 6'7.03″W
Timetable: Departure from Lisbon at 6pm
Return: Arrival in Lisbon at 7.30pm
Route Features and Equipment
Circular
Circuit
Equipment
Footwear and clothing suitable for hiking