The gateway to Minho, Vila Nova de Famalicão offers verdant landscapes, rural paths and riverside areas that can be discovered on foot. In 2021, the municipality launched a network of nature trails that invite visitors to explore rocks, natural viewpoints and the heritage of several villages.
Discover Famalicão on foot
The Municipal Network of Nature Trails of Vila Nova de Famalicão, launched in 2021, invites you to explore four signposted circuits that total 62.3 km, equipped with green landscape, pasture areas and the charm of the villages. The first of the four routes, “PR1 – Portas da Vila” begins in one of the city’s main green urban spaces, Parque da Devesa, on the banks of the Pelhe river.
First, explore the 26 hectares of the park, crossed in its entirety by the Pelhe River. Here the municipality intends to promote coexistence, environmental education and sustainability. Highlights are the lake, centuries-old oaks, sequoias and other large trees, as well as granite boulders.
After exploring the park, we set off to discover the 17.5 km circular route, with a high level of difficulty, which passes by the Romanesque Church of Antas and includes climbs to Penedo da Moura, Monte do Facho and the natural viewpoint of Santa Catarina. On the way back to the gates of Vila Nova, the path crosses the eco-trail built on the old Ramal da Póvoa, which connects the mountains and rural interior of Vila Nova de Famalicão to the Atlantic beaches of Póvoa de Varzim, a total length of more than 28 kilometers.
Another trail that intersects with the ecopista is the “PR4 – Walking in the Middle East“, but further along the eco-trail route near the town of Gondifelos, which the visitor follows for around a third of the walk. This 15 km circular route connects Gondifelos and Gemunde and highlights the local religious and archaeological heritage.
To travel in harmony with the rivers, we suggest the “PR2 – Vale do Este Este” and the “PR3 – Caminhos do Ave“. The first route, 14 km long, can be started next to the Nine Railway Station, or at the Arnoso Monastery Leisure Park. The trail passes through cultivated fields between the valleys of the Este and Guisande rivers, through the old Arnoso monastery, the Buraco do Olheiro and the Lordelo threshing floor and granary.
The second trail, measuring 15.8 km, is circular and begins and ends at the Church of Riba de Ave. It leaves the town crossing the river Ave via the bridge next to the market and offers excellent views over the territory of Riba de Ave.
Camillian Route
This Green Tour was carried out in partnership with Kia – Boa Cama Boa Mesa Official Car
Vila Nova de Famalicão is closely linked to Camilo Castelo Branco and from São Miguel de Seide, the place where the writer lived, loved and died, the visitor has the possibility of experiencing the Cangosta do Estêvão Trailwhich starts (or ends) at Casa de Camilo. On this walk that connects Casa de Camilo to the Monastery of Landim (or vice versa), we are invited to discover not only the landscapes that inspired the author of “Amor de Perdição”, but also his own inner universe.
The route pays homage to the Ribeira de Pena pedestrian path portrayed in the soap opera “Maria Moisés”, rescuing the rural spirit that so fascinated the writer. In addition to the obvious literary tourism, this is a route of contemplation and physical exercise, two habits that Camilo would probably classify as “useless, but recommended”.
Between the green fields and the granite walls, the visitor is invited to walk inside the words. For around two and a half hours, it crosses places related to Camillian life and fiction, such as Azenha da Maria Moisés (protagonist of the homonymous work), Casa de Passelada (where Ana Rosa Correia, Camilo’s daughter-in-law, lived), Quinta do Pregal (where Leonor Correia Machado is said to have lived, who inspired the creation of “Marta”, the protagonist of «A Brasileira de Prazins»), the house of António José Pinto Monteiro (from «The Blind Man of Landim») and, finally, the Church of the Monastery of Landim, a monastery that was owned by António Vicente, a close friend of the writer, who would have a room reserved for Camilo.
The activity takes place by prior arrangement, from October to May at 9:30 am and 2:30 pm and, in the summer months (June, July, August and September) it is also possible to participate in a night version at 9 pm, ideal for those who want to add some mystery to the tour. Prices vary between €7 and €10 per person (the latter for groups), with a minimum number of 10 people and a maximum of 40.
But be careful, the walk is subject to weather conditions – if it weren’t for rain one of the usual characters of the colder seasons in Minho – and it is recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, water, lots of curiosity, some breath and, perhaps, a copy of one of the writer’s works, to read during contemplative breaks.
Paths of faith
This Green Tour was carried out in partnership with Kia – Boa Cama Boa Mesa Official Car
The Caminhos de Santiago in Vila Nova de Famalicão date back to Roman times. This route was once part of the main road network of the Roman Empire heading to Braga and when the cult of Saint James and the pilgrimages to Compostela emerged, this route was followed by many pilgrims. Currently it is no longer among the favorite routes, because the road has been corroded by time, but the 20 km that connect Lousado to Portela are full of corners and natural charms.
Sustainable mobility: official Boa Cama Boa Mesa car is KIA
Initiatives and products
Also read
Passeio Verde has the support of To Portugal – Boa Cama Boa Mesa Official Car which, weekly, throughout the year 2025, will showcase natural spaces, experiences and activities in nature. “This project is supported by sponsors, with all content created, edited and produced by Boa Cama Boa Mesa/Expresso (see code of conduct), without external interference.”