Moreira do Rei: Hiking and History

Moreira do Rei lies on the left bank of the River Vizela. There are different aspects to consider when planning your stay: hiking trails in the area of the União de Freguesias de Moreira do Rei e Várzea Cova, the history of Couto de Moraria, the chapel in Marinhão and regional cuisine. The routes differ in their paths and points of interest, so you can choose the features that matter most to your tour planning.

Hiking trails in the area of the União de Freguesias

The PR5 hiking trail, “Rota dos Espigueiros,” is a 12-kilometre circular route of moderate difficulty between Bastelo and Várzea Cova. Along the way, you can see numerous espigueiros. The route combines a set distance with a distinctive point of interest along the trail.

The PR10 hiking trail, “Trilho do Vento,” is also a circular route of moderate difficulty. It is 14 kilometres long and starts and ends at the substation of the Terras Altas de Fafe wind farm. The differences are clear when comparing the two routes: both circular trails have the same difficulty rating, but the PR10 is two kilometres longer. On the PR5, the espigueiros are a notable feature along the route; on the PR10, it is the wind farm substation that serves as both the starting and ending point.

The PR6 hiking trail, “Levadas de Pardelhas,” passes through Moreira do Rei and Várzea Cova and follows the Ribeira de Moreira. The two settlements and the watercourse are therefore the main points of reference on this route. Together, the three routes offer different ways to plan your tour: a circular route and its distance, notable stops along the way, or a path that follows the Ribeira.

History and Marinhão

Around 1180, D. Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king, granted a charter to Couto de Moraria. For travellers who want to include historical points of interest in their choice of destination as well as hiking, this grant offers a specific point of reference, linked to a named ruler and an approximate date.

The present-day chapel stands in the hamlet of Marinhão. It was built by a wealthy family at the time. Mass is currently held there every Friday. During your stay in Marinhão, you can therefore explore both a historical building and its ongoing religious use.

Casa do Penedo

Casa do Penedo is located in the Serras de Fafe, in the União de Freguesias de Várzea Cova e Moreira do Rei. The house was built between four large boulders, which form part of its structure. The rocks are therefore not merely part of the surroundings; they directly shape the house itself.

The Casa do Penedo experience includes a pool built on rocks and views of the Fafe mountains. A guided tour covers both the exterior and interior of the house. Its architecture and the tour thus offer two different ways to explore the site.

The only access to Casa do Penedo is via the rally stage on the Fafe–Lameirinha section. Plan your visit with this access route in mind, and check the current visiting options in advance.

Cuisine and other information

Restaurants in Moreira do Rei serve traditional Minho cuisine prepared with local produce. The Zona de Recreio e Lazer Marinhão is also located in Moreira do Rei.

Discover more destinations: Freitas, Medelo.

Return to the main travel overview: Fafe.