Trilho do Corgo

The Corgo Trail takes us on a journey through the relationship between man and nature. Along the entire route, you can admire the result of the labor that, over the centuries, has shaped the hard, rocky ground and brought wine forth from it. The almost unimaginable scale of this centuries-long effort, as you take in the astonishing landscape transformed into stripes that resemble the contour lines of a map, where God has poured His heart into creating beauty and harmony between man and nature. Amid the undulations of spring green and autumn gold, on the steep slopes, winding through the bulging steep hillsides, the Corgo slips by—a furtive, shy river, almost ashamed of its immense beauty. Along its narrow banks—here and there wider and carpeted with green grass—the shade of alders, ash trees, and willows invites a nap on hot days. From the highest points, one catches a glimpse of the infinite horizon, where the peaks and distant lands fade into the distance. At some of these points stand chapels that can be seen from far away, bearing witness to the miracle of the landscape’s transformation. But they also offer enchanting views of nearby and distant villages, especially Peso da Régua, there on the banks of the Douro. This trail leads to one of them. From there, you’re treated to a panoramic view, with the white houses dotting the green landscape. The houses line the slopes, defying gravity, and are generally white. The narrow streets invite the soul to whisper, but the people are cheerful, outgoing, and very friendly. “A land of good people and plenty,” said one of its residents. And he spoke the truth.