The best walks and hikes around Vale
4.6
(831)
2,596
hikers
54
hikes
Hiking around Vale offers a diverse landscape characterized by river valleys, historic bridges, and varied terrain. The region features routes that traverse both gentle paths and more challenging ascents, with elevation gains indicating a mix of flat and hilly sections. Trails often lead through rural settings, connecting small villages and natural landmarks. This area provides opportunities for exploring both natural features like waterfalls and cultural elements such as granaries.
Best hiking trails around Vale
- The most popular hiking route is Trilho dos Burros Bridge loop from Vila Chã (Santiago), a 5.9 miles (9.6 km) moderate trail that takes 2 hours 47 minutes to complete, featuring a bridge crossing and scenic views.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Lima Escape Bar loop from São Jorge e Ermelo, an easy 3.2 miles (5.1 km) path. This route offers a gentle path with riverside views.
- Local hikers also love the Ermida Waterfall – Trilho dos Burros Bridge loop from Entre Ambos-os-Rios, a 10.0 miles (16.1 km) trail leading through a waterfall and a bridge, often completed in about 5 hours 13 minutes.
- Hiking around Vale is defined by river valleys, historic bridges, and varied elevation changes. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy family friendly hikes Vale to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Vale are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 700 reviews. More than 2300 hikers have used komoot to explore Vale's varied terrain.
Last updated: August 27, 2026
4.0
(65)
179
hikers
5.22km
01:26
80m
80m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(32)
103
hikers
15.9km
05:11
640m
640m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
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4.4
(9)
39
hikers
11.5km
03:24
340m
350m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(14)
29
hikers
13.5km
04:06
430m
440m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.5
(2)
26
hikers
9.38km
02:24
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A land worth visiting, its people are nice and friendly
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Very friendly and professional staff, you eat very well
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They were in the possession of the parish church until the creation of the Civil Registry, in 1911, published in the Official Gazette no. 41 of 20/02/1911. On this date, parishes were legally obliged to hand over the registers of baptisms, marriages, and deaths to the Civil Registry offices. Decree-Law no. 3286, of August 11, 1917, which creates the District Archive of Braga, stipulates in subsection i) of article 1 that the parish registries of the district must be incorporated therein, according to decree 1.630 of June 9, 1915. However, by ministerial order, and while the District Archive in Viana do Castelo, already created in 1965, was not yet installed, these archives were collected by their Braga counterpart. Finally, on September 11, 1985, the books and documents from the parish archives of the district were transferred from Braga to the District Archive of Viana do Castelo.
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A very interesting location with all the traditional granaries ("esquigueiros") clustered together on a large rock. The view from here is also very beautiful.
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The Espigueiros of Soajo are one of the most iconic symbols of northern Portugal and the Peneda-Gerês National Park. They are traditional granaries built of stone and wood, designed to store corn and other grains. They are raised on pillars with "mouse stones" (circular slabs) to prevent rodents from entering. They are covered with gabled roofs and topped with crosses, reflecting the religious influence on rural life.
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El PR-7 AVV – Caminhos do Pão e da Fé es un recorrido circular sesignizado que parte partir desde Soajo y se adentra en el Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês (Portugal), combina paisajes agrícolas, patrimonio religioso e historia rural.
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The official PR13 trail runs here on a path not shown in OpenStreetMap. Our old GPS PR-tracks led us straight into the brambles instead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Vale?
Vale offers a wide variety of hiking experiences, with over 50 routes available. These include 16 easy trails, 30 moderate, and 8 more challenging options, ensuring there's something for every skill level.
Are there easy hiking trails suitable for beginners or families in Vale?
Yes, Vale has several easy trails perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is the Lima Escape Bar loop from São Jorge e Ermelo, an easy 3.2-mile (5.1 km) path offering gentle riverside views.
What is the typical length and duration of hikes in Vale?
Hikes in Vale vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter, easy paths like the Lima Escape Bar loop from São Jorge e Ermelo, which is about 3.2 miles (5.1 km) and takes around 1 hour 25 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes, such as the Ermida Waterfall – Trilho dos Burros Bridge loop from Entre Ambos-os-Rios, can be up to 10 miles (16.1 km) and take over 5 hours.
Are there circular hiking routes in Vale?
Yes, many of the trails in Vale are circular, offering convenient starting and ending points. Examples include the popular Trilho dos Burros Bridge loop from Vila Chã (Santiago) and the Soajo Granaries loop from Vilar de Suente.
What kind of natural features or landmarks can I expect to see on hikes in Vale?
Hiking in Vale often leads you through diverse landscapes featuring river valleys, historic bridges, and natural monuments. You might encounter attractions like the Soajo Granaries, the Mezio Swing, or the serene Poço da Gola. Some routes, like the Ermida Waterfall – Trilho dos Burros Bridge loop from Entre Ambos-os-Rios, even feature waterfalls.
Are there any trails that pass by historical or cultural sites?
Absolutely. The region is rich in cultural heritage. For instance, the Soajo Granaries loop from Vilar de Suente takes you past the iconic Soajo Granaries, offering a glimpse into traditional architecture.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Vale?
The hiking trails in Vale are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 700 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of gentle and challenging terrain, and the opportunity to explore both natural features and cultural elements like historic bridges and granaries.
Are there any trails that offer unique viewpoints or attractions?
Yes, several trails provide unique points of interest. The Mezio Swing – Porta do Mezio Entrance loop from Anta do Mezio, for example, includes the popular Mezio Swing, offering panoramic views and a fun photo opportunity.
Can I find trails that follow rivers or offer waterside views?
Many routes in Vale traverse river valleys, providing beautiful waterside scenery. The Lima Escape Bar loop from São Jorge e Ermelo is a great example, offering gentle paths with pleasant riverside views along the Lima River.
What is the elevation gain like on trails in Vale?
The elevation gain in Vale varies considerably, reflecting the region's diverse terrain. Easy trails might have minimal ascent, while more difficult routes, such as the Ermida Waterfall – Trilho dos Burros Bridge loop from Entre Ambos-os-Rios, can feature over 600 meters (1,968 feet) of elevation gain, providing a good challenge for experienced hikers.
Are there any trails that feature bridges or unique crossings?
Yes, historic bridges are a characteristic feature of hiking in Vale. The Trilho dos Burros Bridge loop from Vila Chã (Santiago) is a prime example, incorporating a notable bridge crossing as part of its scenic route.
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