Vilar da Veiga: Walking Trails, Nature and Cultural Heritage

Vilar da Veiga is located on the southern side of the Serra do Gerês. Walking trails, waterfalls, viewpoints and the Vezeira reveal different sides of the destination. If you are looking for a hotel, these specific themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Walking trails and their destinations

The PR3 – Trilho dos Currais is a 10-kilometre circular trail. It begins in Vila do Gerês in Vilar da Veiga and passes through three livestock pens in the Serra do Gerês: Curral da Espinheira, Curral da Carvalha das Éguas and Curral da Lomba do Vidoeiro. The names of the stops give the trail a clear destination, while its circular route clearly defines the route options.

The PR14 – Trilho do Sobreiral da Ermida do Gerês is also a circular trail, but is 13.3 kilometres long; its starting point is in Ermida do Gerês. The trail is named after a 200-hectare cork oak grove overlooking the Arado and Fafião rivers. Its length and starting point distinguish it from the PR3, even though both routes are circular.

The PR11 – Trilho das Silhas dos Ursos includes two historic silhas: one dates from the 15th/16th century, the other from the 16th/17th century. Wildlife, especially birds, is often observed along this trail; sightings are not guaranteed, however. For those interested, the route combines an archaeological theme with the possibility of observing nature.

Waterfalls and viewpoints

The Cascata do Arado is located at an altitude of about 900 metres and forms a unique series of cascades among the rocks. It is accessible by car. The final kilometre is along an unpaved road to the bridge over the Rio Arado; from there, stone steps lead to the viewpoint. Swimming in the Cascata do Arado is not recommended because of the risk of serious accidents.

You can reach Fecha de Barjas on foot along the left bank of the Rio Arado. The route includes crossing the Fafião, which depends on the water level. The access routes are therefore different: at the Cascata do Arado, an unpaved section and steps follow the drive, while at Fecha de Barjas, crossing the river is an important factor to consider when planning.

The Vela viewpoint is part of the alternative route of the PR14. From Aldeia da Ermida, it is about 1.5 kilometres, or around a 30-minute walk. The Rocas viewpoint can be reached by car via the road between Ermida and Pedra Bela; afterwards, a climb of several hundred metres over rocks leads to the viewpoint. There is a risk of slipping when it is wet.

The viewpoints also differ in the direction they face: from Mirante Novo, at an altitude of 575 metres, you can see the Caniçada reservoir, while Fraga Negra offers a view over the Rio Gerês valley. This lets you choose viewpoints based on the landscape you would like to see.

Landscape and wildlife

The forests of the Serra do Gerês include oaks, holly, Portuguese laurel, birches, pines, strawberry trees and yews. The Trilho da Preguiça preserves vegetation formations similar to the region’s original oak woodland. Those interested in different forest landscapes will find another described example of vegetation here, in addition to the cork oaks along the PR14.

The Serra do Gerês is home to deer, wolves, Garrano horses and Barrosã cattle, among other animals. Deer and wolves are difficult to spot. Wildlife is therefore part of the landscape, but encounters with these wild species should not be expected.

Traditions through the year

The Vezeira de Vilar da Veiga is a centuries-old communal practice: cattle owners share the costs and take turns driving their livestock to pastures in the Serra do Gerês. The Vezeira takes place from April to September. Its inclusion in Portugal’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage was approved in November 2023.

The Vezeira programme includes guided mountain walks to its livestock pens and shelters, as well as a food tasting. If you would like to take part, check the dates in advance. Aldeia da Ermida also preserves traditions connected with the agricultural and livestock calendar. In Ermida, ATACE promotes the Feira da chanfana and a festival of olive oil and olives. If you would like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the dates in advance.

Planning your stay

Visitor services in Vilar da Veiga include a tourist information office, a thermal activities centre, a delegation of Peneda-Gerês National Park and a leisure and entertainment company. As opening hours and services offered by individual operators may change, it is advisable to check for up-to-date information before making specific visits.

Discover more destinations: Vilar Da Veiga, Gerês, Cepães, Barcelos, Vieira Do Minho, Braga, Caniçada, Antas.

Return to the main travel overview: Braga.