페나마코르 최고의 사이클링 경로

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

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.

The ancient Roman road that connected Augusta Emerita (Mérida) to Bracara Augusta (Braga) passed through here, crossing the river on a bridge that has now disappeared, of which only the foundations remain. Over these bridges stands the current granite Ponte Velha, whose appearance harks back to ancient times but which, in fact, is a Philippine work, dating from the 17th century or later.

The Historic Village of Idanha-a-Velha preserves the soul of an ancient Roman civitas in its modest streets. Within walls that have seen temples, baths, Visigoths, Muslims, and Templars, time has left its mark on every corner. Today, almost in the heart of the International Tagus Natural Park, the village blends history, silence, and flavors: from bread baked in the communal oven to the sweet aroma of borrachões (draught beer). In this place, the past still breathes in the present.

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.

Built on the Côa River, its main function is the production of hydroelectric energy and, to a lesser extent, the water supply and regulation of the river flow. Completed in 2000, its creation gave rise to a reservoir that is partially located within the Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve, a protected area of great ecological importance

Here you cross a small asphalt bridge that connects the two banks of the river surrounded by vegetation and enter the Serra da Malcata nature reserve.