Top 3 Natural Monuments around Gralheira

A bridge over the Paiva River that can be crossed by bicycle. On the Vila Nova village side, there is a very steep climb.

A bridge over the Paiva River connecting the banks between the villages of Reriz and Vila Nova.

At Portas de Montemuro, the landscape stretches out without limits. Here, tables and benches invite you to take a break and enjoy the view, while the national road 321, popular with cyclists, marks the 1,215 metres of altitude. The highest peak of the Montemuro mountain range, at 1,381 metres, is nearby, to the east. Nearby, the ruins of the Wall of Portas de Montemuro preserve echoes of a distant past. Mentioned in the Inquiries of 1258, they reveal traces of an ancient fortified settlement from the Iron Age, possibly linked to the Castro culture. Later, the site was reused by the Romans and, at the time of the Reconquista, by D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.

On the vast plateaus of Montemuro, time can be seen in stone. Between moss-covered mounds, solitary menhirs and ancient sacred circles, the landscape tells stories that date back to prehistoric times. Near the wind farm, this ancient presence lives on. The Marco da Jogada and the tombs next to the chapel of São Pedro do Campo are just some of the landmarks that unite past and present.

At Portas de Montemuro, the landscape stretches out without limits. Here, tables and benches invite you to take a break and enjoy the view, while the national road 321, popular with cyclists, marks the 1,215 metres of altitude. The highest peak of the Montemuro mountain range, at 1,381 metres, is nearby, to the east. Nearby, the ruins of the Wall of Portas de Montemuro preserve echoes of a distant past. Mentioned in the Inquiries of 1258, they reveal traces of an ancient fortified settlement from the Iron Age, possibly linked to the Castro culture. Later, the site was reused by the Romans and, at the time of the Reconquista, by D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.

This path descends through the valley of the River Bestança along one of the old roads that lead to the Prado area. The Bestança rises at Portas de Montemuro and flows into the Douro: 13.5 kilometres of crystal-clear water, it is one of the purest rivers in Europe. Its ecological balance sustains otters, trout and genets, while since ancient times, mills scattered throughout the valley have used its waters to grind cereals, especially corn, preserving a valuable rural heritage.

On the imposing plateaus of Montemuro, the landscape bears traces of human presence over the centuries. Here, among the first stone constructions in the region, there are prehistoric tombs, solitary menhirs and ancient sacred sites, such as cromlechs. Here, near the wind farm, these traces of the past still echo. The Marco da Jogada and several mounds near the chapel of São Pedro do Campo are testament to this heritage. Interestingly, the sacred remains in these heights, where modern chapels stand not far from these ancient necropolises.

A beautiful discovery on the edge of the EN222. Easily accessible natural pools with fresh running water (so-called wells). On foot it is possible to advance up the river to a waterfall. There is a picnic area nearby and a drinking fountain in the parking lot on the opposite side of the road.