サブガル周辺のおすすめ交通量の少ないサイクリングルート

Sabugal, a town that deserves a visit to its castle and the entire surrounding area, especially the magnificent river beach on the Côa River.

On the outskirts of Sortelha, in the granite foothills of the Serra de Opa, nature seems to have played sculptor. Among the most famous boulders are the "Pedra do Beijo" (Kissing Stone) and the "Cabeça da Velha" (Old Woman's Head), granite blocks that human imagination completes as if they were intentional works. But with a little exploration, you'll discover many other curiously shaped rocks, each with its own enigma.

The origin of this village's name is divided: some say it comes from the Arabic Mamona, meaning "fertile valley"; others, from the Roman anthroponym Mioma, owner of an ancient villa. What is certain is that the place has been inhabited since the Bronze Age, as evidenced by the star found with engravings of warriors. Interestingly, the Meimoa dam is named after the stream... but the water only spreads through the Meimão region.

At the Meimoa Dam, the serene waters reflect the Malcata Mountains. Between shale hills and forests of strawberry trees, oaks, and chestnuts, wildlife lurks: from the soaring of golden eagles to the song of nightingales that shatter the silence of the mountains.

Soito, also called Souto, is now a village, a title it acquired in 1999. The name comes from the chestnut trees that once graced the local landscape. As early as 1527, according to the Royal Register, this was the most important center of the municipality, with 160 residents.

In the heart of the municipality of Sabugal, stands the small village of Torre. Today, few people live here, mostly people who keep the tradition of agriculture and livestock alive. In August, however, the village takes on a new life: the grand festivities in honor of Our Lady of Fátima fill the streets with color, faith, and celebration.

Among the secret corners of Portugal, the Côa River is a discreet treasure. It rises in Fóios and flows through valleys and hills until it joins the Douro River in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Even here, where it flows gently and seems like just a trickle, the valley reveals all its magic. It's the ideal place to rest for a moment, cool your feet, and let yourself be enveloped by the river's serenity before resuming your journey.

Belmonte, one of the twelve Historic Villages of Portugal, is the home of Pedro Álvares Cabral and guardian of the country's largest Jewish community, a legacy that endured centuries of Inquisition. Between walls and memories, mystique and history abound, with the Serra da Estrela on one side and the Malcata Reserve on the other. The food completes the enchantment: Jewish flavors like fried offal coexist with broths, migas, esparregados, and traditional Beira sweets: rice pudding, papas de carolo, and filhós. Here, the landscape and the food merge into a delightful experience.