On the Trilho do Mineiro, follow former miners’ footpaths and parts of the former mining railway routes. The circular trail passes through the entire Couto Mineiro do Pejão, which includes Paraíso, Raiva and Pedorido. This way, you encounter mining history not only in individual buildings, but also along a route that follows former working paths.

Mining history along trails and at the railway bridge

The Trilho do Mineiro is one of several ways to explore Castelo De Paiva on foot. Viver o Douro is part of the Viver o Payva D’Ouro project, whose network includes five routes themed around the Douro, Paiva, fossils and mining, mountains, and vineyards. Another walking network, PayváPé, is designed for exploring the entire municipality on foot. The routes offer different points of interest, from rivers and vineyards to mining history.

The Ponte do Caminho de Ferro de Pedorido is a tangible example of the area’s industrial heritage. Built in 1893 by Empresa Industrial Portuguesa, the narrow-gauge railway bridge was used by the locomotives of the Couto Mineiro do Pejão mining railway to cross the river. Those interested in mining history can explore not only the former routes, but also a structure directly connected with railway traffic.

The Núcleo de Experiencias Turísticas do Couto Mineiro do Pejão opened on 8 May 2022 in Parque de Lazer do Choupal in Pedorido. For its opening, it presented objects from the working and personal lives of Pejão miners, as well as a 3D virtual reality journey into a mine.

Rivers, an island and viewpoints

The Ilha dos Amores, also known as Ilha do Castelo, lies at the confluence of the Paiva and Douro rivers. A discovery from the past is also associated with this place: the remains of a former 15th-century chapel were found there. Another riverside landscape can be found at Choupal das Concas, where the Arda flows into the Douro. There is a small sandy beach on the riverbank, and the spot is suitable for water sports and recreational fishing.

At Miradouro de Catapeixe, a stone viewing balcony by the roadside offers views of the Douro and Paiva rivers. The natural viewpoint at Monte de São Domingos is surrounded by deep valleys with the Arda and Douro rivers. Tables, benches, grassy areas and shady spots beneath the trees are available for picnics and social gatherings. In Midões, numerous vines trained in the traditional vinha de enforcado style shape the hillside landscape.

Historic buildings and local discoveries

The historic centre of Sobrado is lined with centuries-old buildings of architectural and cultural interest. These include the Paços do Concelho, Igreja Matriz, Chafariz and Edifício da Cadeia. The latter was built in the early 18th century on the orders of the Casa de Bragança. The Marmoiral de Sobrado dates back to the mid-13th century.

The church complex in Real also brings together a range of details. Built in 1737, it is considered one of the oldest churches in the municipality. Six stone sculptures of apostle saints stand in the churchyard; the complex also stands out for its Baroque splendour and valuable paintings. In Gondarém, a group of schist houses shapes the village streetscape, and the area is well suited to walks.

The Anjo de Portugal is part of a memorial to the victims of the 2001 accident. A staircase leads to a small chapel and continues down to the riverbank. Together with the historic chapel structure on Ilha do Castelo, these places show the different ways traces of the past appear in the landscape.

Walking trails, travel and dates

Another specific walking option is the Rota Pedestre das Origens de Santo António: this linear trail is 5.9 kilometres long and starts at Parque das Tílias. Check trail conditions before setting out. To travel from Porto to Castelo De Paiva, you can drive via the A32 and Canedo, then take the EN222. From northern Portugal, take the A3 or A4 via Penafiel and Entre-os-Rios. Road routes and conditions may change, so check the current route before travelling.

If you would like to include local food and crafts in your travel plans, take note of the Feira do Vinho Verde, do Lavrador, Gastronomia e Artesanato. It takes place every year on the first weekend of July. Check the dates before your trip. This allows you to combine walks, riverside landscapes and historic discoveries with a specific look at the events calendar.

Discover more destinations: Castelo De Paiva, Fornos, Paraíso, Bairros, Raiva, Real, Santa Maria Da Feira, Oliveira Do Bairro.

For the broader travel overview: Aveiro.