Between the Serra do Alvão and Serra da Padrela mountain ranges, Vila Pouca de Aguiar’s history is especially evident in its mining heritage. Tresminas is one of the most significant mining complexes of the former Roman Empire, and its mines produced predominantly gold. In the Parque Arqueológico de Tresminas, viewpoints look out over the open-pit mines; information panels, signposted paths and picnic areas are also available on site. The paths invite visitors to explore the Roman mining heritage and the underground drainage and transport tunnels through interpretive material.

Roman Heritage and Historic Buildings

The Museu Municipal Padre José Rafael Rodrigues offers a different perspective on the area’s history. Its archaeological collections are divided into six exhibition areas, illustrating six periods of settlement in the municipality. Tresminas, for example, focuses on traces of mining, while the museum explores settlement over longer periods.

The Ponte Romana do Arco over the River Pinhão also dates back to Roman times. Since 2015, it has been classified as a Monumento de Interesse Público, in part because of its close connection with Roman gold mining in Jales and Tresminas. The Castelo de Aguiar da Pena takes visitors further back in time: built on an enormous granite outcrop, the rock castle has origins dating back to the 9th or 10th century. From the viewpoint at the highest point of the fortification, visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the Vale de Aguiar.

Hiking Trails with Different Focuses

Three accredited, signposted short-distance hiking trails each offer a different focus. The PR1 VPA, “Trilho Interpretativo da Veronica micrantha,” starts and ends beside the parish church of Soutelo de Aguiar. It lies within the Natura 2000 site Sítio de Importância Comunitária do Alvão/Marão, home to one of the most significant and best-preserved populations of Veronica micrantha.

The PR2 VPA, “Trilho Interpretativo das Aves de Rapina,” focuses on birds of prey. Its start and end points are in the churchyard of the parish church of Telões; the route lies within the Natura 2000 site Alvão/Marão and offers opportunities to observe birds of prey. Information panels and a bird-of-prey observatory near the Castelo de Aguiar da Pena add to this experience.

The PR3 VPA, “Trilho Terras de Ouro,” starts and ends beside the information panel opposite the Centro Social Comunitário do Planalto de Jales in Alfarela de Jales. Along the way, the trail passes the Pelourinho de Jales, a Manueline pillory dating from the 16th century. The route also offers an opportunity to learn about the area’s architecture and local history.

The Caminho de Santiago provides a different way to explore the area: it crosses the municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar from south to north, passing through the Vale de Aguiar alongside the Corgo and Avelames rivers. The Aguiar Nature network also includes five signposted circular nature trails in a classified natural area.

Lakes, Wildlife Observation and Pedras Salgadas

Lagoa do Alvão, also known as Barragem da Falperra, lies within the Natura 2000 site Sítio de Interesse Comunitário Alvão/Marão. Distinctive rocks line the lake, and a leisure park is surrounded by extensive woodland. At the Centro de Educação Ambiental, an educational exhibition and a wildlife observation laboratory provide information about the biodiversity and ecosystems of Lagoa do Alvão.

The Trilho dos Mamíferos Aquáticos starts at the Centro de Educação Ambiental and is about 5 km long. The centre provides bicycles for adults and children aged six and over, along with helmets and locks. If you would like to use this service, check current availability before your visit.

The Balneário Termal, the former casino and several named thermal springs are among the features of the Parque Termal de Pedras Salgadas. These include Fonte D. Maria Pia and Fonte Preciosa. Água das Pedras can be tasted there directly at the spring, in its unaltered source state. The Centro Hípico de Pedras Salgadas offers hippotherapy and riding lessons, and also promotes activities and events for the whole community.

Travel Information

Portugal’s longest road, the Estrada Nacional 2, passes through the municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar on its route between Chaves and Faro. The Welcome Center is located on the EN2 and provides information about Vila Pouca de Aguiar and the region. An interactive table and a multimedia application offer digital information about hotels, restaurants, activities and selected places.

Discover more destinations: Bornes de Aguiar, Vila Pouca De Aguiar, Telões, Murça, Ribeira De Pena, Alijó, Valpaços, Montalegre.

For the broader travel overview: Vila Real.