The Quinta da Moenda lies between the lofty Estrela and Açor mountains. This unspoiled environment with remains of Roman presence is great for all who enjoy walking.
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Already a short walk to 'our' village Alvoco das Várzeas is an adventure in itself. Follow the river Alvoco through the meadows and along the vegetable gardens into the village. Cross the roman bridge and turn left. After a few hundred metres go left and follow a track through the meadows. You smell nature at its best! You see hard working people who live from what the earth gives them. You will be greeted by friendly farmers who will ask where you are from. Along the 'levada's' (irrigation canals) you walk back into the village where you enjoy a cup of good Portuguese coffee. Then return to your apartment through the fields or alongside the road. We arehappy to supply you with information about other walking possibilities. Also the area around Seia and Loriga offers the curious walker the chance to marvel at the vanishing rural way of life.
Acor mountains
"In Açor, a domain of schist, the cracks and bends make for a characteristical relief, vigorous, but with softened edges, carved by valleys and cliffs, water lines fitted in and where one can sometimes find curious geological formations, such as the Fraga da Pena waterfalls.” The website of Aldeias do Xisto (Villages of schist) offers several beautiful trails, in English.
Serra da Estrela
The Serra da Estrela is the only region in Portugal to boast a network of marked routes, which cover the whole of the Natural Park. Some of these trails take between three to four days to complete; they are considered overall to be moderately difficult to difficult walking, as there are some steep climbs involved and long distances. The Manteigas-walk (31 km) for instance starts at the pousada near Manteigas, by following a part of one of the main trails and then making a loop around the plateau by returning via another main trail, which leads you through the Vale do Rossim on the way back.
The Azinheira-walk is in a forgotten corner of the park on the bank of the Beijames River. This beautiful watershed is lined with traditional stone and wood houses, built in a loosely common architectural style that melds perfectly with its surroundings. There is a circular walk around the valley, which goes up to the waterfalls of Poço do Inferno and to the peak of Azinheira (1035m)
We have some guides, like Walking in Portugal, by the Pili Pala Press which offers more detailed information.