Carapito and its dolmens

Carapito takes you far back in time: Dolmen I, also known as Casa da Moura, is classified as a National Monument. The Dólmenes de Carapito Route leads to three of Carapito’s four dolmens: Dolmen I, also known as Casa da Moura, Dolmen II and Dolmen III. The municipal route description dates the dolmens to the Megalithic period, between 2900 and 2600 BC. The Carapito Megalithic Centre comprises four megalithic structures. Archaeological research supports the view that human settlement in the region dates back at least to the 4th millennium BC.

Monuments and water

The Trilogia Monumental of Aguiar Da Beira brings together three National Monuments at Largo dos Monumentos. The water cycle at Fonte Ameada has been restored, and water now flows there again. Ponte Romana do Candal, also known as Ponte Portucalense, is classified as an “Imóvel de Interesse Público” (Property of Public Interest). Visits to Torre Ameada can be arranged through the Aguiar Da Beira Tourist Office with prior booking.

Trails through varied landscapes

The Percurso do Dão runs along shady riverside woodland before continuing through cultivated fields and past old watermills. On the Caldas da Cavaca Route, Lago e Cascata da Cavaca is designated as a point of interest. The two routes showcase different landscape features: riverbanks, fields and mills on the Percurso do Dão, and the designated lake and waterfall point on the Caldas da Cavaca Route.

Orienteering in Gradiz and Dornelas

The permanent orienteering course in Gradiz is 4.7 km long, with a total elevation gain of 145 metres. It starts beside the church of Nossa Senhora das Neves and passes through the village of Gradiz and the surrounding woods. For the permanent orienteering course in Dornelas, one practical question has a particularly clear answer: people with reduced mobility, such as those using a wheelchair, walking stick or forearm crutches, can complete it easily. Paper maps for Aguiar Da Beira’s permanent orienteering courses are available at the Tourist Office, Town Hall, library and sports complex.

Aguiar Da Beira also has a history as an orienteering venue: the Mediterranean Championships in Orienteering were held here for the first time in 2014. The event counted towards the world rankings and the Portuguese Cup and attracted 950 athletes from 50 countries.

Traditions and regional events

The traditional singing of the Kings, also known as Janeiras, took place from 3 to 6 January. After sunset, groups went from door to door through the villages and town. An annual event to look forward to is the Festa do Pastor e do Queijo da Serra, held on the first Sunday in March in Mosteiro/Pena Verde. At the Certame Gastronómico do Míscaro, held on the last weekend of November, Míscaro mushrooms feature prominently in the food on offer and at participating local restaurants. These two events offer different seasonal reasons to visit.

Getting around the municipality

There is a public transport network throughout the municipality of Aguiar Da Beira. Public bus routes 200, 201, 202 and 910 serve Aguiar Da Beira and surrounding places: route 200 runs from Pena Verde via Dornelas to Aguiar Da Beira, route 201 via Dornelas and Eirado, route 202 via Eirado, and route 910 from Peroferreiro to Aguiar Da Beira. If you plan to use public transport, check the latest service and timetable information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Aguiar Da Beira, Pinheiro, Cortiçada, Eirado, Celorico Da Beira, Marialva, Sabugal, Figueira De Castelo Rodrigo.

For the broader travel overview: Guarda.