The Centro Geodésico de Portugal offers sweeping views of the Vila De Rei landscape: from there, the 360-degree panorama takes in the Serra da Lousã and, on clear days, the Serra da Estrela. Around this viewpoint, geographical orientation, waterscapes and evidence of regional history come together.
Geodesy and the central point of the EN2
A signposted turn leads from Vila De Rei 1.8 kilometres along the road towards Sertã; from there, it is another 900 metres to the Centro Geodésico de Portugal. The EN2 crosses Vila De Rei. At kilometre 369.6, the central point of this road is located there, alongside the Centro—a special reference point for anyone interested in geography and road connections.
The Centro includes a themed exhibition space, a small auditorium, a souvenir shop and a bar. The Museu da Geodesia offers another perspective on the subject: it opened in 2002 as part of a partnership between the Direção Geral do Território and the Câmara Municipal de Vila De Rei. A visit to the area can therefore be combined with a look at the site’s geodetic significance.
Water, rocks and views
At Praia Fluvial de Fernandaires, an extensive pool fed by the Castelo de Bode reservoir is surrounded by wooded hills. A municipal jetty is intended for leisure and maritime tourism boats. Miradouro de Fernandaires offers views of the reservoir, the village and the Praia Fluvial—three different perspectives on the same named place.
Praia Fluvial do Penedo Furado is also defined by striking natural features: clear water flows through a natural cleft in the rock, and there are also rock formations and waterfalls. The Passadiços do Penedo Furado form a circular route of about two kilometres. Praia Fluvial do Penedo Furado is recommended as the starting point. The route also includes the fossil “Bicha Pintada”, which some scientists believe is probably more than 480 million years old. Here, a tangible experience of nature meets a much older glimpse into Earth’s history.
At Praia Fluvial de Pego das Cancelas, paths through nearly untouched woodland invite visitors to observe wildlife. The stream at Pego das Cancelas is rich in fish, including barbels, bogas and bordais. Water and wildlife take a different form here from the rocks and waterfalls of Penedo Furado.
Paths and traces of work from the past
The PR5 – Rota do Bostelim follows the Ribeiras do Bostelim and da Isna to the centuries-old Ponte da Várzea Carreira. The route is shaped by its proximity to the water, the shade of the trees and several points of interest. While the Passadiços do Penedo Furado is described as a circular route of about two kilometres, the PR5 highlights its watercourses, tree shade and bridge.
The PR4 – Caminho de Xisto de Água Formosa is currently undergoing maintenance. Its route follows former paths used by millers and farmers along the Ribeiras da Galega and da Valada; kingfishers and red squirrels are among the wildlife associated with the PR4. The temporarily closed PR6 – Rota das Conheiras is associated with numerous piles of rounded stones left by alluvial gold mining, which are believed to date from Roman times or an earlier period. Vila De Rei also has 45 conheiras, meaning open alluvial gold mining sites.
Água Formosa can also be discovered through its built environment: the houses lie on a hillside, the streets are paved with schist, and a medieval bridge is one of the village’s defining features. The Museu do Fogo e da Resina focuses on the relationship between fire, local communities and forests, as well as traditional resin harvesting.
Local traditions
Vila De Rei’s culinary traditions include cured meats, fresh and aged cheeses, honey, Sopa de Peixe and Bacalhau à Vila De Rei. Local crafts include basketry, weaving, decorative arts, beekeeping, creative sewing and embroidery. Another fixture in the annual calendar is the Fests of Rainha Santa: held every year in May in honour of Dona Isabel.
Discover more destinations: Vila De Rei, Oleiros, Belmonte, Orca, Fundão, Caria, Vale Formoso, Sertã.
For the wider travel overview: Castelo Branco.
