Guilhofrei: Hiking, Water and Cultural Heritage

Hiking the PR10

The PR10 VRM – Os Carvalhos do Ermal circular trail is 11 kilometres long, runs through Guilhofrei at the foot of the Serra do Merouço, and takes about three hours. Knowing its length and approximate duration allows you to plan the hike as a separate activity during your stay.

The trail passes chapels, wayside shrines, the parish church, a centuries-old oak, historic houses, remnants of a medieval paved road, waterways, and several fountains; it also follows rural paths. In the village of Ermal stands the centuries-old oak that the local community calls “Carvalha Grossa.” It is dated to the 16th century.

Swimming and scenery

Praia Fluvial do Carvalho offers canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding. You can swim in the waters of Albufeira do Ermal. This means you can choose between swimming and water-based activities at this location.

Barragem do Ermal is located in Guilhofrei, is fed by the Ave River, and was built in 1938. Lage Branca is a rocky escarpment with distinctive rock outcrops at an elevation close to the 900-metre contour line. It offers views of Albufeira do Ermal and Serra do Gerês.

Churches, houses and history

The parish church of Guilhofrei is located in Assento and is dedicated to Saint James. Inside Igreja de Santiago de Guilhofrei are a gilded high altar reredos, a statue of Saint James, and a ceiling painting depicting Santiago Mata-Mouros. The main chapel’s altar is Baroque and is considered the church’s richest feature.

Capela de S. Silvestre has a rectangular east-west floor plan, granite masonry, and a gabled roof. Casa do Visconde de Guilhofrei dates from the first half of the 19th century and features Brazilian-influenced architecture.

Casa da Cadeia once housed the prison of the Couto de Guilhofrei and is now a private residence. Casa do Foral was where the former municipality of Guilhofrei administered justice. Casa da Muda in Louredo is associated with the historic changing of horses so that a journey could continue.

On Monte de Guilhofrei lies Mamoa de Penedo das Penas: a structure of the mamoa type, about 7.5 metres wide, with a stone perimeter ring. It is less than a metre high and has already been heavily altered.

Getting to the circular trail

The starting point of the PR10 can be reached from Vieira do Minho via the EN 304, EM 599, and EM 1406. Then follow the signs to Guilhofrei and drive about one kilometre beyond the dam to Praia Fluvial do Carvalho. As signs and road conditions may change, check the route before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Soengas, Cova, Vilar Chão, Soutelo, Vila Seca

For the main travel overview: Vieira Do Minho.