Top 5 Natural Monuments around Balança

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.

A beautiful hiking area with breathtaking rock formations.

The Brufe Viewpoint, nestled in the Terras de Bouro region, is one of Portugal's best-kept secrets. This privileged vantage point, located in the heart of the Peneda-Gerês National Park, offers visitors panoramic views of breathtaking natural scenery. Surrounded by lush nature, the viewpoint allows visitors to contemplate majestic mountains, verdant valleys, and crystal-clear waterways, an experience that transcends mere observation, inviting a deep connection with the natural environment.

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.

As the climb progresses, the granite boulders become increasingly imposing, sculpting the landscape with impressive shapes and dimensions. To the south, Curvaceira rises, the highest point in the area, at 919 metres above sea level. To the north, a wide view opens up over the Covide valley. Here, Barrosã cows roam freely across the hills, while the mountain landscape reveals itself in all its grandeur above 800 metres. But this is also the most challenging part of the climb: narrow trails, a steep incline and some rocks that require a bit of climbing.

Today we decide to take the designated hiking trail PR 1. We walk it anti-clockwise, which turns out to be a good decision. The ascent is much steeper this way, but in our opinion it is easier to go up than down - especially the smaller climbs over the large boulders. The descent is then longer, but also flatter and quite easy to walk. A head for heights, surefootedness and good footwear are a must! - As are long trousers; no matter how warm it is! The trail is very narrow in places and overgrown with blackberries and nasty gorse on the left and right.