Revelhe: Hiking, Reservoir and Local Traditions

Revelhe brings together a hiking route through several places, a waterside setting and local traditions. During your stay, you can focus on the Rota dos Tanques e das Tachas, the Albufeira da Barragem da Queimadela reservoir or the Festa do Senhor in August. These themes offer different ways to plan your visit: a route with an approximate length, access to a beach and an annual festival date.

Hiking the Rota dos Tanques e das Tachas

The Rota dos Tanques e das Tachas follows rural and forestry tracks through several places in Revelhe. Each of these places has a distinctive washing trough. The route is approximately 11.9 kilometres long. As this length is given as an estimate and route information may change, check the route details locally before setting out.

The ascent to Penedo da Pegadinha leads to the highest point on the route. On the descent, you can see the waterfall at the dam and the River Vizela. The route also leads to the Igreja Paroquial de Santa Eulalia on the village’s oldest street. The highest point, the waters visible on the descent and the church on the old village street therefore serve as distinct landmarks along the hike.

The route’s name refers to two different elements of local tradition. The Tachas associated with the route, a distinctive feature of Revelhe, were used to fasten wooden clogs. In the past, the washing troughs along the route were used exclusively by women to wash their clothes. They hold great social and historical value for the municipality and the local community. Tachas and Tanques therefore refer to different objects and uses, both of which help explain the route’s theme.

History and festival calendar

A fortified settlement is said to have been built on Monte do Crasto; fragments of smooth and coarse pottery point to the possible existence of such a settlement. Another historical distinction concerns Scouting: according to the Fafe municipality, Revelhe is considered a pioneer in its introduction in the Município de Fafe. The pottery fragments and this local historical tradition offer different starting points if you are interested in the area’s past.

The Festa do Senhor in Revelhe is a popular festival held annually on the second Sunday in August. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the date and programme for the specific year. The recurring date helps with seasonal planning, but the calendar for the relevant year matters when arranging a particular trip.

Reservoir and visitor information

The Albufeira da Barragem da Queimadela reservoir lies within the area of Revelhe. It covers 11 hectares and is fed by the River Vizela. Praia Fluvial da Barragem da Queimadela offers free, organised parking and an accessible path to the beach. As operating details may change, it is worth checking the current parking and path conditions before your visit.

The Albufeira da Queimadela has held Blue Flag status since 2021. Check whether the status remains in place for the season of your trip. There is also a campsite and caravan park in the area around the reservoir. Alongside the hiking route, these provide access to a beach and another local point of reference for finding your way around Revelhe.

Discover more destinations: Morgado, Anjos, Aboim Da Nóbrega, Arnozela, Vieira Do Minho, Vila Nova De Famalicão, Gemeses, Gonça

For the broader travel overview: Braga.