Por Montes e Vales de Arouca

The GR28 “Through the Hills and Valleys of Arouca” is a long-distance hiking trail that winds through the Arouca Valley, the Freita Mountains, the valleys of Paivó and Paiva valleys, the Museum of Giant Trilobites—Canelas Geological Interpretation Center, and the Shrine of Nossa Senhora da Mó.

The route, approximately 85 kilometers long, winds through a landscape of rare beauty, connecting geosites, mountain villages, valleys, and mountain ridges offering extraordinary views.

The route begins in Arouca, near the Municipal Museum, heading from there to S. Salvador do Burgo and then to St.ª Maria do Monte, where it connects with the PR4 – “Cercanias da Freita.”

After passing through this beautiful village, it climbs to Portelada, where it follows paths shared with the PR2 – “Caminhos do Vale do Urtigosa” to Souto Redondo and Póvoa Reguenga.

From Póvoa, it continues to Merujal, initially along the ancient path of Sr.ª da Laje and then along a forest trail. After crossing the municipal road, it enters Merujal, where it connects with the ancient Roman road from Mérida to Braga, via Valongo, and the PR15 – “Journey into Prehistory,” which it follows along several sections.

Upon reaching the campground, it joins the PR7 – “Along the Mizarela Cliffs,” with the PR16 – “S. Pedro Velho,” and with the Geosites Route (“G3 – S. Pedro Velho”).

From here, the trail continues to Albergaria da Serra, along paths shared with the PR15 and PR16. On this last stretch, the two trails intersect only for a short section after the bridge over the Merujal stream.

After leaving the beautiful square by the bandstand in Albergaria, the trail passes by the cemetery and, beyond it, leaves the PR15, turning right onto the aforementioned Roman Road, rejoining the PR15 at Portela da Anta.

From here, the trail climbs to Vidoeiro, passes by the shelter, and descends immediately to Tebilhão, where it follows the PR6—“Caminho do Carteiro”—to Cabreiros.

Next comes Candal, a village in the neighboring municipality of S. Pedro do Sul, passing by the parish church. Here, take a path that descends to Covêlo de Paivó. In this village, it connects with the PR13 – “Na Senda do Paivó,” which in turn connects with PR14 – “The Magical Village.”

You now climb up to the old mines of Muro, heading next toward Silveiras and then to Cortegaça, a village that has since been abandoned.

Once you reach the main road along the ridge, the descent begins toward Meitriz and the Paiva Valley, where you cross the bridge to the hamlet of Além-do-Barco. Here, the climb begins toward Vilar de Servos and Alvarenga. After passing through Lourido, the trail crosses the Paiva River via the suspension bridge that connects to the Passadiço.

After about 300 m, the trail climbs to Canelas and from there to the Museum of Giant Trilobites—Canelas Geological Interpretation Center. From here, the trail climbs to Gamarão de Cima, then heads toward Sr.ª da Mó, where the descent to Arouca begins—the route’s endpoint.