The best MTB trails around Janarde

small town but very welcoming

In charming Arouca you will find the Arouca Monastery, an architectural and historical landmark, and the picturesque streets and squares that exude ancient charm. The local gastronomy, in particular the conventual sweets, is an attraction in itself. The Arouca Geopark is famous for its Paiva Walkways, offering spectacular trails and views over the Paiva River, as well as trilobite fossils, highlighting an important geological and natural heritage.

Cruzeiro de Albergaria Standard  This monument dates back to the 17th century and constitutes an important historical landmark in the municipality of Albergaria-a-Velha. It is currently located in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Socorro, but was once located at the southern entrance to the town, having been moved to this hill in the mid-19th century. It consists of a quadrangular base with three steps and a granite cross with large arms, resting on a parallelepiped plinth with the following inscription, now very worn: "AQUI COMES A ABERG(ARI)A DE POBRES E PASAG(EIR)OS DA (Queen) D TAREZA"

Albergaria da Serra, formerly Albergaria das Cabras, is a village located in Serra da Freita, belonging to the union of parishes of Cabreiros and Albergaria da Serra. The name “Albergaria” comes from the fact that there was an inn or hostel there, founded by Queen D. Mafalda, which her granddaughter, Queen Santa Mafalda continued. It is a typical village, with narrow alleys and granite houses, many of them with slate roofs. However, crossing the village can be done by car. The Main Church is dedicated to Our Lady of the Assunção, patron saint of the parish, whose festival takes place on August 15th. This festival brings together hundreds of people, many of them who have traveled to other lands or abroad and who, at this time, return to their origins to satisfy their homesickness and revive traditions.

Detrelo da Malhada viewpoint, one of the most beautiful in the Freita mountain range and with magnificent views

Arouca Convent or Rainha Santa Mafalda Convent, as documented since the 17th century. X, this Arouca monastery, exclusively female since 1154, established itself especially from the 19th century onwards. XIII, when D. Mafalda, daughter of D. Sancho I, buried here, entered there. Few traces remain of the earlier phases, due to the major renovation works of the 17th – 18th centuries, which defined the current appearance. The church was built between 1704/1730 with designs by Carlo Gimac. When the liberal wars interrupted everything at the beginning of the 19th century, only two wings of the cloister were built, combining the chapter, refectory and kitchen, to the east and south. In 1886, with the death of the last nun, the Monastery was extinguished and all its assets were transferred to the Public Treasury.

GR60 Merujal Arouca part of the great route, very technical and difficult to descend along the trail

Small forest where you can have a good time relaxing and having a picnic