Located in the municipality of Melgaço, near the entrance to the Peneda-Gerês National Park. Characterized by an enormously beautiful landscape and architectural ensemble, the village bears witness to an agricultural and cultural legacy of immense anthropological significance, which makes it extremely unusual and unique. The megalithic pedestrian trail provides an overview of the complete natural heritage’s riches.
AVELEIRA BRANDA hiking trial
Trilho da Aveleira is 7.5 kilometres. It begins with the Chapel of Senhora da Guia, located at the most northernmost point of Serra da Peneda. As the road leaves the village, it passes past canejas, loose stone walls that delineate fields. The approach to the Golo de Areia pond, which is around 1000 metres above sea level, passes through a forest of maritime and wild pine trees. The decline begins there and continues until the starting point.
SANCTUARY OF SENHORA DA GUIA
Senhora da Guia is one of the several names bestowed upon the Virgin Mary, referring to the star that directed the Three Kings to Jesus. As a result, she is known as the patroness of travellers.
The winter snow at Serra da Peneda deprived the animals of food. Thus, pastors develop a distinct way of living. In cold weather, they congregated in lower places that were teeming with food. In the summer, they would ascend the mountain, which was already snow-free and brimming with new pastures, while below, meadows and crops were farmed. The Brandas and the Inverneiras (Verandas). With Our Lady of Guia’s protection.
WALK WITH SHEPHERDS
The shepherd’s life has always been and continues to be, a traditional occupation of the people who occupy the highlands of Melgaço. They move every day across valleys and hills with their herds in search of nourishment, guarding them against predator assaults with the support of Castro Laboreiro’s dogs.
The proposed task is to join the shepherd and his animals on a stroll across the highlands. While doing so, take the time to observe and be captivated by the wonderful scenery that surrounds you.
More than an activity, it is a time of coexistence with the local inhabitants and tradition. Be a pastor for a minute, share thrilling experiences, and hear enchanting stories.
POTATO PAPAYA
Approximately 700 metres from Branda da Aveleira.
The Batateiro mamoa is a reasonable-sized megalithic monument with considerable structural remnants, particularly in the dolmenic chamber, which is composed of seven pillars; faint carvings are visible on the inner surface of the chevet’s backbone.
This mound is located within a few kilometres from the Castro Laboreiro plateau, which has a megalithic necropolis including around a hundred prehistoric structures.
Walking Trials
Branda do Aveleira and, as a result of its position, gives its tourists a variety of options for a magnificent stay.
Here, you will have the one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore the breathtaking scenery, whether on foot or by mountain bike, always in the tranquillity of the mountains.
You’ll be able to admire the region’s wildlife and vegetation, particularly the grenadiers and cattle, which are abundant in these sections.
Hazel Trail
This beautiful mountain route takes us through extensive paths and beautiful landscapes.
Along the way, we can find a pond, where countless animals resort to quench their thirst.
Distance: 7.5 Km
Difficulty: Easy
Brandeio Trail
Starting in Sr. da Guia, it goes through the main hills of the Serra da Peneda
Distance: 14 Km
Difficulty: Easy
Glacier Trail
Here you can find numerous traces of an ancient glacier.
Distance: 4.43 Km
Difficulty: Medium
Megalithic Trail
Departing from the branda da Aveleira, this route takes us to Mamoa do Batateiro.
Distance: 2.46 Km
Difficulty: Easy
Peneda Trail
This route takes place in the middle of Serra da Peneda, between two mountain villages: Povoamento da Peneda and Branda da Bouça dos Homens, passing by the magnificent Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda
Distance: 8.2 Km
Difficulty: Medium
Lamas do Mouro Trail – Peneda
This route takes us from the village of Lamas do Mouro to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda.
Distance: 10.5 Km
Difficulty: Medium
Not far from Aveleira, we find some must-visit places:
Lamas de Mouro – One of the most beautiful entrances to the Peneda-Gerês National Park.
It has a large leisure area, framed in a paradisiacal natural environment (highlighting the floristic diversity), with several spaces for recreation, rest, bathing and snacking, and a set of infrastructure and support equipment (toilets/bathrooms, picnic park, campsite, etc).
The unique sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Peneda .
Built on the slopes of the mountains and inspired by Bom Jesus de Braga, it is a place to visit at any time of year.
The lake of Peneda.
And at the top of the Peneda mountain range, we find the Peneda lake , for many, a hidden paradise that, despite the difficult access, is a must-visit place.
São Bento do Cando.
São Bento do Cândo, with its beautiful chapel, is another place to visit.
Peneda-Gerês National Park.
Vast amphitheatre sculpted by geologies, winds and waters, the National Park extends from the Castro Laboreiro plateau to that of Mourela, covering the mountains of Peneda, Soajo, Amarela and Gerês.
In the altitude zones, the effects of the last glaciation are visible – glacier circuses, moray eels, small lakes and U-shaped valleys.
The nature and orientation of the relief, the variations in altitude and the Atlantic, Mediterranean and continental influences translate into the variety and richness of the vegetation cover: bushes, oak and pine forests, birch or birch forests, abundant vegetation bordering the water lines, cultivated fields and pastures.
