Nestled between the Serra da Lousã and Serra da Estrela, the Serra do Açor is a striking schist mountain range, reaching its highest point at 1,418 meters, making it the fifth tallest in mainland Portugal. This mountain range is the birthplace of the Rio Ceira, and its waters contribute to the Zêzere and Alva rivers, flowing through deep valleys and nourishing the landscape, which is home to some of the country’s most exceptional river beaches.
The Serra do Açor is dotted with numerous villages, their rustic brown schist buildings blending seamlessly with the surrounding terrain. The steep slopes make agriculture challenging, but the locals have adapted by building stone terraces and walls to hold the soil in place, creating a unique and picturesque landscape. The presence of quartzite rock formations adds a rugged contrast to the otherwise rounded peaks of the schist mountains, particularly noticeable in areas like Penedos do Fajão and Serra do Vidual, the latter crossed by the Unhais River, now dammed at Santa Luzia.
PR1 AGN – Caminho do Xisto da Benfeita: The Freshness of Waterfalls
One of the most popular hiking routes in Serra do Açor is the “Caminho do Xisto da Benfeita,” a 10-kilometer circular trail that starts in the village of Benfeita. This route is known for its vigorous but rounded terrain, sculpted by the folding and fracturing of the schist rocks. The trail winds through valleys with steep drops, where streams carve deep paths and create impressive geological features, including the stunning waterfalls of Fraga da Pena.
As you walk this trail, you’ll encounter several small but beautiful waterfalls and witness the transformation of the landscape, shaped over centuries by human activity. The trail climbs to a rocky crest offering breathtaking views over the valley below, making the effort worthwhile. The route passes through the Protected Landscape Area of Serra do Açor, with a short detour leading to the Fraga da Pena, where you can marvel at the impressive cascades.
PR2 and PR3 AGN – Hiking from Piódão to Foz d’Égua and Chaz d’Égua
Another must-do hike in the Serra do Açor connects the iconic village of Piódão with the hamlets of Foz d’Égua and Chaz d’Égua. This circular route begins and ends in Largo Cónego Manuel Nogueira, linking Piódão with these nearby villages. The trail is relatively gentle, with only a few steeper sections.
As you walk, you’ll pass by abandoned houses, a reminder of the area’s pastoral past, and you might spot beehives in the clearings, evidence of the still-active beekeeping traditions in the Serra do Açor. The trail offers a serene and immersive experience in one of Portugal’s most beautiful and lesser-known regions, where the harmony between nature and human heritage is palpable.