Caminho do Xisto de Porto de Vacas

The trail begins at Largo das Festas and winds its way up the steep slopes of Vale Fragoso, Vale dos Pássaros, and Vale da Casa.

High above, it reaches the Malhada Viewpoint: below lies the village, surrounded by the river and its many weirs. In the background, the sky is framed by quartzite ridges.

Further ahead, you’ll find the old Campo da Bola, the only clearing in the middle of a lush forest.

Another unique spot and a must-see is Vale de Muro, where you can admire man’s ingenuity in the arduous conquest of arable land from the most schistose slopes.

Upon reaching Ereira, you’ll meet the Zêzere River again. At its Portela, on the way to the aguilhão, you’ll discover one of the river’s most sweeping bends.

Once you reach Ereira, you’ll meet the Zêzere River again. At Portela, on the way to Aguilhão, you’ll discover one of the river’s most sweeping bends.

As you walk quietly alongside the river, you’ll hear the many birds that have chosen this slice of paradise as their home, all the way to the Mini-Hídrica dam.

After passing Malhada Esteveira and Tapada, you will reach one of the village’s proudest landmarks: the Bridge, built by the hands of everyone.