Caminhos do Sol Nascente

The PR3 “Caminhos do Sol Nascente” is a short hiking trail, approximately 13 kilometers long, circular in nature, with a short branch leading to the Moldes Parish Church, where the trail begins.

Since it is a loop, it can be started at any of the places it passes through and in either direction, but since the climb from Moldes to Bustelo is gentler, this is the route we will describe.

Next to the Church of Moldes, we take the paved road toward Fuste, and after 300 meters, past the fork for Friães, we leave it, taking a path to the right that leads us to the mountains.

Following the yellow and red markings, we come to an old path that climbs through a forest dominated by pine trees, dotted here and there with chestnut and oak trees. There are also some eucalyptus trees.

Continuing along it and after a lush forest of chestnut and oak trees, we arrive at Bustelo.

After a short rest to recharge our batteries, we can admire— from the bandstand—the well-tended terraced fields, after which we walk through the village along its oldest path, passing a rustic, simple, and beautiful fountain of crystal-clear, fresh water and re-entering the paved road toward the old school. Next to it, we return to the old, traditional paths.

After crossing the Espinho stream, we take a path to the left that climbs gently under the lush branches of another grove.

At a sharp bend, we take the path on the left, a very old, centuries-old path, the route that connected the mountain villages (Cabreiros, Tebilhão, and Cando) to the municipal seat. It was along this route that funerals were held for the Moldes cemetery.

Following this path, which climbs gently, we reach a mill flanked by beautiful holly trees and then some wayside shrines. Upstream lie the fields and the village of Adaúfe.

Here we can admire the waterfalls of the beautiful Rocas stream, taking the opportunity to take a short break.

After crossing the stream over a small arched bridge, we continue, climbing gently, to Espinheiro. Although the trail passes by, the traditional architecture and construction, where granite and schist dominate the roofs, is well worth a visit.

After crossing the paved road connecting Adaúfe to Espinheiro, we pass behind the latter village, continuing to climb the mountain range.

Upon reaching a wide road, we are at the highest point: 770 meters above sea level.

From here we have a breathtaking panoramic view over the Moldes Valley and Sra. da Mó to the north; to the northeast, the Serra do Montemuro; to the northwest, the terraced fields of Adaúfe and Bustelo. We often hear the cry of the bald eagle, which we can often see, and with luck we’ll spot squirrels.

Descending along the dirt road, we quickly reach, at its end, a large traditional community irrigation pond. From here, we follow the paved road to the right, toward Fuste.

After admiring some interesting sights (threshing floors, granaries, vine arbors...) we follow the traditional path to the oldest part of the village. Admire the mill, now inactive. After passing through a “tunnel” of vine arbors, we return to the asphalt road that leads us to the school.

Immediately after this, we take the path on the left, descending to Vila Cova and the Moldes Valley. Admire the lush forest, one of the best preserved in Arouca, and in its understory, some specimens of holly, gorse, and arbutus, among others.

Once we reach Vila Cova and the paved road, we continue along it to the left. From here, observe the integrated and harmonious layout of the settlements of Póvoa and Friães: the surrounding woods, the cornfields, the vineyards...

After 900 meters, we leave the paved road, cross a small arched bridge, and find ourselves once again on a traditional path. We pass through Póvoa and then Friães, and shortly after, we are back at the Church of Moldes. From these paths, sometimes paved, sometimes cobbled, we cast over the landscape the final glances of those who are leaving, already eager to return...