4.6
(210)
1,517
hikers
28
hikes
Easy hiking trails around São Martinho das Moitas e Covas do Rio offer access to the natural scenery of Portugal's Viseu district. The region is characterized by diverse landscapes, including mountainous terrain and river valleys, providing varied options for outdoor activities. While specific features within the parish are not extensively detailed, the broader area is known for its rich flora and fauna. Nearby attractions like the Passadiços do Paiva, with its wooden walkways along the Paiva River, hint at the…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.5
(51)
349
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
80
hikers
3.48km
01:02
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(3)
19
hikers
5.43km
01:52
290m
290m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
13
hikers
4.28km
01:13
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
15
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Starting point A is not safely located. It leads through impassable terrain or over non-existent paths. We aborted our descent from the bridge (Highlight 1) to starting point A and, thanks to the friendly guides at the bridge, were able to use it for the safe return to our car. Anyone who wants to do the whole loop should book a ticket for crossing the bridge in advance. Attention: limited ticket contingent per day.
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Pay attention to the opening hours and online payment if you want to use the footbridge.
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Drave is a small and very pretty village. Access is quite difficult, even on foot, as the path is very uneven and covered with large stones. The exit is equally difficult, or perhaps even worse. Physical fitness is required!
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Hidden between the Freita and São Macário mountains, Drave is an uninhabited village that looks like something out of a mythical tale. The only way to get there is on foot, usually from Regoufe, and the first view of the village along the trail is breathtaking. Amidst the dark schist houses, the small chapel of Nossa Senhora da Saúde stands out for its whiteness. Surrounded by imposing mountains, the stone walls were built to tame the sloping land and sustain the life that once existed here. In the valley, the Palhais river runs through the village, offering an irresistible invitation to take a refreshing dip on hot days.
1
0
Small river beach, quick cooling off possible before climbing up to the suspension bridge.
1
4
Impressive landscape, hiking trails partly signposted
2
0
If you cross the bridge at Alvarenga and then take the wooden walkway along the Rio Paiva to Espiunca, you should remember that you will need a taxi from there back to the starting point. A later return via the Arouca bridge is not possible. However, if you just want to walk across the bridge and back, this is no problem with your ticket booking (online). The Alvarenga side is recommended for people who want to avoid the many wooden steps and just want the pure bridge experience.
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There are 7 easy hiking trails specifically curated for the São Martinho das Moitas e Covas do Rio area, offering accessible options to explore the natural scenery. In total, the region features 28 routes across various difficulty levels.
The easy hikes in São Martinho das Moitas e Covas do Rio typically feature varied terrain, often including river valleys and natural landscapes. While the broader Viseu region can be mountainous, these specific easy routes are designed to be accessible, with manageable elevation changes.
Yes, many of the easy trails are suitable for families. For instance, the 516 Arouca Bridge loop from Alvarenga is a shorter 3.5 km path, perfect for a family outing to experience the Arouca Bridge and surrounding nature.
While specific regulations can vary, generally, many trails in natural areas like São Martinho das Moitas e Covas do Rio are dog-friendly, especially if your dog is kept on a leash. Always ensure to clean up after your pet and respect local signage.
The region is known for its natural scenery and river valleys. Many easy routes offer views of the Paiva River and the impressive Arouca 516 Suspension Bridge. You can explore highlights such as the Paiva Walkways and 516 Arouca Suspension Bridge or the Gola do Salto (Rio Paiva).
Yes, several easy routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Paiva Walkways – Arouca 516 Suspension Bridge loop from Site of Community Importance Rio Paiva, which is a 4.8 km loop.
The easy trails in São Martinho das Moitas e Covas do Rio are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 180 reviews. Hikers often praise the accessible paths, beautiful natural scenery, and the opportunity to experience iconic features like the Paiva Walkways.
The Viseu district, where São Martinho das Moitas e Covas do Rio is located, offers pleasant hiking conditions during spring and autumn when temperatures are milder. Summer can be warm, but early mornings or late afternoons are still suitable for easy walks. Winter offers a different, often quieter, experience.
Absolutely. For a shorter, easy walk, consider the Arouca 516 Suspension Bridge loop from Site of Community Importance Rio Paiva, which is approximately 3.0 km and can be completed in about an hour.
While specific parking details vary by trailhead, popular access points for trails, especially those leading to attractions like the Paiva Walkways and Arouca 516 Suspension Bridge, typically have designated parking areas to accommodate visitors.
The region is part of a broader area that caters to visitors. While specific establishments directly on every trailhead might be limited, you can often find cafes and restaurants in nearby villages and towns like Covas do Rio or Alvarenga, which serve as starting points for some routes.
The diverse natural beauty of the Viseu region, including its river valleys and varied landscapes, suggests a rich flora and fauna. Hikers might spot various bird species, small mammals, and a wide array of plant life typical of Portuguese inland natural areas.


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