Embrace nature, adventure and a monumental oak between Peneda-Gerês and Alvão

This week’s green tour begins in the largest adventure park on the Iberian Peninsula, DiverLanhoso, surrounded by around 170 hectares of forest and offering more than 50 sports and adventure activities. The slide, the pendulum and the suspension bridges are the most popular attractions.

Sliding down a steel cable, at 65 km/h, with the possibility of descending in a sitting position or in the “superman” position is the slide’s proposal. The pendulum, as the name suggests, consists of a vertical jump, inverted or held behind the back, swinging back and forth from one side to the other. As pyesterday suspensas provide one of the most prominent experiences at DiverLanhoso, with the routee 10 or 38 bridges, in full nbravery

The park welcomes audiences of all ages and even organizes summer camps, with an extensive range of activities also outside the park, like a via ferrata, canyoning or rafting. The space also includes a panoramic restaurant and several accommodation options, such as mountain houses, built from wooden logs.

The journey through nature continues with several suggestions for walking routes. PR1 – Maria da Fonte is a deserved tribute to the popular heroine who profoundly marked the history of the municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso. Starting at Parque do Pontido, it leads to the emblematic Carvalho de Calvos, considered the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, over 500 years old.

This emblematic specimen in the universe of trees, with an estimated height of 30 meters and a trunk perimeter at the base of more than 11 meters, has a history that dates back to the time of the Discoveries and is considered a symbol of strength and resistance.

A tree classified as being of public interest, it is estimated to be the second oldest in Europe. Its existence inspired the creation of a Carvalho de Calvo Interpretation Centerwhich is simultaneously the Póvoa de Lanhoso Environmental Center. With activities for all ages, the space aims to educate and raise environmental awareness.

Another suggestion is the Pontido Mills Trailwhich runs along a water line and passes through nine mills, in ruins, and waterfalls formed by the Ribeiro do Pontido. This route also crosses a leafy forest and crosses the roman way XVII (what integrates the Grand Route 117) e what he takes to Lanhoso Castle or Carvalho de Calvos. The GR117 – Via Romana XVII, in the municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso, provides superb views over the Cávado river valley and the Gerês mountain range. In total, the route consists of 53 km and several stages.

Alternatively, go through the PR2 – Monte do Merouçowhich begins in the Tourist Village of Carreira and takes advantage of an old mountain trail, used by farmers and shepherds, and offers views of immense scenic beauty from the Pedra Bolideira Viewpoint (huge granite block that weighs approximately 3000 kg) and allows the adventure of crossing numerous cracks between gigantic granite monoliths, over a length of approximately 150 meters. Along the way you come across the PR3 – Ribeiro Queimadowhich also has a beginning and end in Carreira Tourist Village e Head towards the Pontão Leisure Parkwhere the River Ave.

The municipality of Póvoa de Lanhoso also created an alternative route to São Bento da Porta Aberta, a religious space that attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. This route diverts pilgrims to rural paths along a length of 18 km.

Passeio Verde has the support of To Portugal – Boa Cama Boa Mesa Official Car which, weekly, throughout the year 2025, will showcase natural spaces, experiences and activities in nature. “This project is supported by sponsors, with all content created, edited and produced by Boa Cama Boa Mesa/Expresso (see code of conduct), without external interference.”