Category: Activities

The area is perfect for hikers, with a mix of mountain trails, river valleys, and historical routes. Here are 5 excellent hiking tips:

BONUS TIP: The management of Quinta do Retiro has very nice local circular walks of about 4-6km starting from the campsite. Just ask 🙂 Enjoy the real Portugal and this beautiful environment!

1. PR1 SER – Rota da Torre (Serra da Estrela)

What it is: The classic hike to the highest point on mainland Portugal. An unforgettable, yet challenging route.

Route: Usually starting at Penhas da Saúde. The trail is well-marked and leads over granite plateaus, past glacial lakes (such as Lagoa do Vale do Rossim), and finally to the Torre.

Practical information: Approximately 14 km (round trip). Elevation gain of approximately 450m. Make sure you have good hiking boots, water, warm clothing, and protection from the sun/wind. Avoid hiking in poor visibility or during periods of icy conditions.

2. Trilho das Aldeias do Xisto – Rota do Piódão (Piódão Circular Trail)

What it is: A beautiful, certified trail that connects several schist villages. You’ll experience the essence of this historic area.
Route: A circular trail that starts in Piódão, passes through the village of Foz d’Égua (with its iconic stone bridges and river beach), and returns.
Practical information: Various distances are possible (e.g., the shorter route to Foz d’Égua and back is approximately 7 km). Average difficulty. Perfect for combining with a visit and lunch in Piódão.

3. Trilho da Fraga da Pena (Oliveira do Hospital)

What it is: A shorter, enchanting walk to one of the most beautiful river beaches in the region. Route: Starts at the Fraga da Pena River Beach parking lot. The well-maintained path descends through a lush forest of laurel trees, mosses, and ferns to the spectacular waterfall and crystal-clear pools.
Practical information: Very short (less than 1 km one way), but steep on the return trip. Perfect for a refreshing afternoon. Ideal for families. Bring a swimsuit!

4. Linhares da Beira Hiking Trail

What it is: A loop around and through one of Portugal’s most beautiful historic villages, with breathtaking views.
Route: Starts in the village of Linhares da Beira (near the castle). The route takes you along old donkey and shepherd paths around the village, with constant views of the imposing castle and the Serra da Estrela in the background.
Practical information: Usually about 10-12 km. Intermediate difficulty. Combine culture (visit the castle) with nature. There are often several marked trails (PR) starting from the village.

5. Trilho da Volta do Rio (Avô)

What it is: A friendly and picturesque walk along the Alva River, in one of the most charming villages in the region.
Route: Starts in the center of Avô, at the old bridge. The path follows the banks of the Alva River, through orchards and beautiful river landscapes, and returns via the other bank. Along the way, you’ll see old watermills.
Practical information: Approximately 5-6 km. Very slight elevation gain, so suitable for all levels. Afterwards, you can relax on a terrace in the beautiful square (Largo do Pelourinho).

General hiking tips for the region:

Quinta do Retiro has all information about hiking and biking in the environment; We publish in our app, we hang at reception and we handout at check-in. Please check some of our routes on our partnerpage of ‘Komoot’: https://www.komoot.com/user/quintadoretiroparcampismo

Apps & Maps: Download the “Wikiloc” app or use detailed maps (OpenStreetMap is good). Official hiking trails are marked with colored lines (PR = Pequena Rota). Preparation: Bring plenty of water and snacks, even for shorter hikes. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Start early: Especially in summer, it’s wise to leave early to avoid the heat.
Local Insight: Ask at the local tourist office (posto de turismo) in Oliveira do Hospital, Seia (for Serra de Estrella) or Tábua for the latest hiking maps and trail conditions.

Enjoy hiking in this beautiful and diverse region!

The region around Tábua and Oliveira do Hospital is a hidden gem in Central Portugal, perfect for an authentic and peaceful holiday. Nestled at the foot of the Serra da Estrela, it boasts a wealth of nature, historic villages, and gastronomy.

Here are 5 tips for fun sights and activities:

1. Serra da Estrela: Nature and Portugal’s Highest Point

What it is: Portugal’s largest natural park, just a fifteen-minute drive east. In winter, you can ski there, and in other seasons, it’s perfect for hiking, cycling, and admiring glacial landscapes.
Highlights: Visit Torre (the highest point, 1993m), the Zêzere glacial valley with its hairpin bends, and Covão d’Ametade, a beautiful mountain lake. Taste the famous Queijo da Serra (sheep’s cheese) and smoked ham from local producers. Practical: Bring warm clothes, even in summer, as it can be cool and windy up there.

2. Historic Schist Villages (Aldeias do Xisto)

What it is: A network of medieval villages built of schist, beautifully restored and nestled in the hills.
Recommendations: * Piódão: The absolute highlight. This village resembles a slate amphitheater, with blue doors and windows. It’s a bit further away (about 50 minutes), but an unforgettable sight. * Candal & Casal de São Simão: Lesser-known, but therefore very authentic. Casal de São Simão boasts a spectacular location above a river gorge. Perfect for a short walk and a drink.
Practical: The roads to get there are winding but beautiful. Bring your camera!

3. River Beaches and the Rio Mondego

What it is: The region is full of refreshing and often well-equipped river beaches.

Recommended: * Praia Fluvial de Fraga da Pena: Near Oliveira do Hospital. An enchanting spot with waterfalls and natural pools in a wooded setting. * Praia Fluvial de S. Sebastião (Tábua): Right in Tábua on the Rio Mondego, ideal for families. * Albufeira da Barragem de Santa Luzia: A reservoir with a recreational area, perfect for swimming, kayaking, or picnicking.

4. Medieval Villages with Castle Ruins

What it is: Characteristic villages that bear witness to the strategic importance of the region during the formation of Portugal.
Recommended: * Linhares da Beira: One of the most beautiful historic villages in Portugal. The village is winding, made of granite, and dominated by a mighty 12th-century castle with breathtaking views across the plains to the Serra da Estrela. * Avô: Known as the “village of the two rivers” (where the Alva and Mondego rivers meet), it boasts a charming square and the ruins of an old castle atop a hill.

5. Local Product Tastings

· What it is: This area is a paradise for food and wine lovers.
· Recommendations: * Wine: Visit a local winery (Adega) in the Dão region, one of Portugal’s oldest wine regions, known for its elegant red wines. * Cheese and Meat: Look for “Venda Directa” signs at farms for the local Queijo da Serra and Chouriço (smoked sausage). * Cherry Season: In June/July, the area around Oliveira do Hospital is famous for its cherries. There’s even a Cherry Festival (Festa da Cereja). Taste everything from fresh cherries to liqueur.

Bonus Tip: Take a drive along the N2, the famous “Route 66 of Portugal,” which runs north-south and passes right through this region. The stretch between Oliveira do Hospital and Lamego is spectacular. Quinta do Retiro Parcampismo is quite close to the N2!

Conclusion: Combine a morning walk in the Serra da Estrela with a lunch featuring local produce, visit a schist village in the afternoon, and finish with a dip at a river beach. It’s the perfect formula for a diverse and relaxing holiday far from the crowds.