There are places that only reveal themselves to those who take their time. Póvoa de Lanhoso is one such place. It is made up of hills, streams, ancient paths and landscapes that shift with the light.
Following a careful restoration project, the trails are once again open to those who enjoy walking, taking a deep breath and experiencing nature as it truly is: simple, bountiful and full of stories.
A refreshing route, lush with vegetation and featuring updated and improved signage, highlighted by bespoke information panels so that every walker can better understand the terrain they tread. It is as if each trail has been awakened, prepared and invited to welcome those who arrive. We invite you to visit the e-póvoa market and meet some of the operators who allow you to explore these trails in a unique way and take part in a range of side activities.
The PR1 – Maria da Fonte is a 12-kilometre trail that begins and ends at the Maria da Fonte Interpretation Centre. It is a trail that winds through villages, fields and memories, perfect for those who enjoy walking with a touch of history. Meanwhile, the PR2 – Monte do Merouço and PR3 – Ribeiro Queimado, both starting from the Tourist Village of Carreira, offer around 11
kilometres of unspoilt nature, with sweeping views and that wonderful silence that only the Minho region can provide.
For those looking for a longer walk, the GR 117 – Via Romana XVII is a journey back in time. It’s a 15-kilometre route linking Covelas to Serzedelo, following the ancient Roman road that connected Bracara Augusta to Asturica Augusta. It’s impossible to walk it without imagining who passed through here so many centuries ago.
And of course, there’s the Pontido Mills Trail. This trail links Pontido Park to Lanhoso Castle and Carvalho de Calvos, on a route that combines nature, heritage and some of the municipality’s most iconic spots. It too has been renovated to ensure that every step is a fulfilling experience.
These routes are not just paths. They are invitations. Invitations to slow down, to breathe, to take in the landscape at a leisurely pace. To rediscover Póvoa de Lanhoso with your feet on the ground and your heart open. To support local tourism, to breathe life into the hospitality sector, to celebrate what is ours.
After all, walking here is more than just covering the miles; it is feeling the soul of the land.
