알부페이라 데 빌라리뉴 다스 푸르나스 최고의 러닝 경로

The Chalcedony Trail (PR1 TBR – Trilho da Cidade da Calcedonia) is one of the most iconic routes in Peneda-Gerês National Park, located in Covide (Braga), within the municipality of Terras de Bouro. It leads to the ruins of the City of Chalcedony, an ancient pre-Roman hill fort high in the mountains. It offers panoramic views over the Homem River valley and the Gerês mountains. The trail passes through native forests, rocky areas, and natural viewpoints.

A spectacular rocky section where granite boulders rise like "sleeping giants" all around you. The trail ascends towards the peak of Curvaceira, at 919m, and offers panoramic views of the deep Covide Valley.

Beautiful, but crowded in July. There are nicer, less crowded swimming spots nearby.

fantastic area to enjoy

Campo do Gerês is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park. It is renowned as an ideal starting point for hiking and outdoor activities, offering access to trails, waterfalls and breathtaking views. The village itself retains a traditional atmosphere, with granite houses and a museum documenting local history, including Roman remains of the Via Nova (Geira).

The Calcedonia Crack is one of those passages that seems to have come straight out of an old fairy tale: a monumental crack between two granite giants. For those who like a challenge, the route involves climbing and jumping between huge blocks fitted together at the base. Going up is easier than going down: there is more support, more traction, and less hesitation. There is no need to cross it (the trail elegantly skirts the crack) but, for the more adventurous, facing this crack is almost a ritual: a mix of adrenaline, vertigo and raw landscape that leaves its mark on those who pass by.

As you climb, the granite blocks grow around you like sleeping giants. To the south, the Curvaceira rises up at 919 metres. To the north, the Covide valley stretches out below, green and deep. Here, the barrosãs roam freely among the rocks, but those who run know: this is the hard part. Tapered trails, serious ramps and rock that sometimes begs for a handhold on the ground. This is the mountain in its purest form, above 800 metres. Raw, beautiful and unforgettable.

We hiked the Covid loop (yellow and red lines) clockwise. The ascent was OK. The rocky landscape was spectacular. The Slut was also impressive, but considering the many rocks, it was just another somewhat more exclusive highlight among many. The descent, however...described in Komoot as well-maintained hiking trails, no special skills required. It's an overgrown trail with (very) high steps and scree sections. Very good fitness and surefootedness are required to safely navigate it. The less than three hours for the loop is also very ambitious. At the end of the descent, there was a dog park with some very aggressive dogs running loose on the trail; we felt like we barely made it through unscathed. Next time, I'd turn around at the Slut and take the same route back. Be sure to bring plenty of drinks. Great scenery, very tiring.