The Caminho Cultural de Cabril brings local history, working traditions and folk culture to life through murals in Pincães. The route, initiated by the Junta de Freguesia de Cabril, explores these themes; the murals were created in 2021. At the Pincães stop, one image shows a Silha dos Ursos, a traditional, usually circular stone structure where beehives were protected from bears. The image connects cultural representation with the structure’s practical purpose. Check the route’s condition before visiting in person.

Village setting and olive oil tradition

Groups of traditional buildings that have changed relatively little have been preserved in Pincães and are connected with the culture of the local mountain community. These groups of buildings offer a shared perspective on the village setting. The chapel adds a biographical story: it was commissioned by Paulino José da Costa, known as “brasileiro da Costa,” who was born in Pincães. The Fojo de Pincães, which has also been restored, is located at Alto do Sobreiro.

The Lagar de Pincães is a former communal olive press, and its main mechanisms have been preserved. Following its restoration, local people are bringing memories to life and showing younger people in particular how olive oil was traditionally made. Historically, olives were traditionally harvested and processed in Pincães in December and January. The mechanisms give the work of the past a material presence, while the sharing of memories and knowledge draws attention to how that know-how is passed on. The historical season and the community’s activities following the restoration therefore belong to different periods in the history of olive oil. The silha points to the protection of bees, while the lagar reflects the communal processing of olives.

Oak woodland, waterfall and walking trails

The native oak woodland around the village is relatively well preserved. On its way to the Cávado, the Pincães River forms the Pincães waterfall on a granite slope in a relatively deep gorge. These offer different perspectives on the landscape: the oak woodland represents the wider natural area around the village, while the gorge and granite slope shape the waterfall’s surroundings.

You can reach the waterfall on foot via the path from the village; take care because of the risk of falling. Check access conditions locally, especially after heavy rain. Another hiking option is stage 15 of the GR50, which runs between Fafião and Cabril via Pincães and covers a little over 8 kilometres through a rural mountain landscape. Different details matter when planning: for the waterfall, consider local access and safety; for the GR50, check the endpoints and distance. Check the route before setting out, as marked trails may change.

Discover more destinations: Outeiro, Gralhas, Paradela, Montalegre, Sidros, Negrões, Mourilhe, Antigo de Arcos.

Go to the main travel overview: Montalegre.