Rota das Faias

The Rota das Faias allows you to discover something new and surprising at every turn, from the splendid vegetation to the dazzling landscapes, which, together with farming and shepherding, make for a perfect outing for those who wish to get to know the mountains, their people, and their customs.

More than just a hiking trail, the Rota das Faias is a sensory experience, where the scents of rosemary, wild mint, lavender, and thyme blend with the magnificent scenes that surround the observer’s view.

Its name comes from the fact that this route winds deep into a dense beech forest, planted by the Manteigas Forestry Service in the early 20th century.

In addition to this species, other notable trees include the chestnut, broom, Oregon pine, and the imposing monumental oaks that surround the Chapel of St. Lawrence, a place of worship with pagan roots, linked to the worship of trees and the Sun—on the summer solstice, anyone in Manteigas can see the sun rise over S. Lourenço.

The natural landscape is dominated by the U-shaped Zêzere Glacial Valley, the Torre, the Cântaro Magro, the Cântaro Gordo, and the Penhas Douradas.

São Lourenço offers a panoramic view of the range of mountains that stretches all the way to Spain. In the foreground lies the ridge of Lomba das Cancelas, which marks the boundary between Beira Alta and Beira Baixa, and Cabeço da Azinheira.

Encounters with rural and pastoral life are a constant feature along the trail, as it is used by shepherds to move their livestock to grazing areas, allowing for occasional interactions with those traveling the Route.

The forests, thickets, and waterways along the way provide a diverse array of wildlife. Notable mammals include the fox, the weasel, the stoat, and the wild boar. Among birds, the harrier, the owl, and the crow. Reptiles include the horned viper, the wood lizard, and the sand lizard.