Rota das Amendoeiras

The PR3 – “Almond Tree Trail” is a loop hiking trail, so it can be started in any of the towns it passes through: Pereiros, Vilarouco, or Valongo dos Azeites. However, we will describe the route starting from Pereiros. In Pereiros, the route begins at the square by the village fountain, where the Parish Council headquarters is located, heading out along Rua da Fraga and then along an old path that follows the Ribeiro Longo valley to Agorrêta, an old inn. The route then continues westward along a wide path that separates the forest from the fields planted with almond trees.

After the plateau, the descent to the EN222 begins. Here, on the left, the vineyards of Quinta de Santa Luzia. You reach the paved road and travel 600 meters along it; at the end, a cobblestone path leading downhill appears on the right. Following it, past almond trees, vineyards, and olive groves, you’ll quickly reach Vilarouco, entering via Rua dos Vieiros. Be sure to visit the center of the village, which marks the end of the first stage.

After a short rest in the cozy Fonte square, head up Rua do Barreiro, and after passing the sports park, next to a small schist hut, take a path on the right that climbs gently. Cross the EN222 heading southwest, passing on the right side of a house. After this, a very old path between walls appears—a true roadside monument. This was the path the ancients took to Valongo and from there everywhere, including Viseu. The Torto River was crossed via a wooden bridge, which no longer exists. Following the path, which is almost entirely downhill toward the southwest, and after crossing the Torto River, the ascent begins to Valongo dos Azeites. After crossing the EN229, next to the cemetery, take Av. João N. Costa and continue to the Parish Council office, where you’ll find the perfect spot to take a break. Be sure to visit the historic center of Valongo dos Azeites, and don’t miss the Roman fountain.

The third stage begins on Rua das Alminhas—which runs behind the Parish Council building—and then climbs up Rua do Algaiar to the start of the Caminho do Sr. dos Aflitos. Here, next to a ruined house, take an old path on the left that descends and then crosses the EN229. The path now descends through olive trees, almond trees, and large cork oaks to a stream that flows into the Torto River. Cross the footbridge and continue downstream to where this stream meets the Torto River. Cross the river to its right bank and head uphill toward the chapel and viewpoint of St.ª Luzia.

Next to the river, at the start of the trail, are the ruins of an old farmhouse; the trail now continues along a ridge through a small grove of holm oaks. Follow the terraced vineyards and, further up, almond and olive trees until you reach the intersection at the St.ª Luzia chapel. To the left, 400 meters away, are the chapel and the natural lookout point—a must-see. To the right, the path leads gently to Pereiros, without any major ascents or descents. You enter the village via the old path which, starting at the cemetery, is already paved with cobblestones. Walk a short distance along Rua da Escola and then turn left onto Rua de Cima, which leads to the village square by the village fountain. End your journey with a visit to the picturesque village of Pereiros.