The central part of Portugal has a rich architectural, gastronomical, and natural heritage. For holiday activities there are the inland river beaches, tennis courts in the villages, sign-posted walking and cycling routes, sailing excursions, and even 4x4 rides. The local tourist offices provide information about where to practise water sports, and about sightseeing routes, visits, restaurants, and natural parks.
The Serra's first point of interest concerns the network of historical Schist Villages (see website www.aldeiasdoxisto.pt). They are 24 traditional villages, which are scattered on the mountain sides and valleys, and they are all remarkable. They are unique in the sense that either they offer traditional products or services, or they have made the natural wonders into their cultural heritage. A river becomes canoe route, a forest turns into walking trails, an ancient tradition is made into a unique cultural event There are river beaches wih pure water, monuments, castles, and museums, to visit absolutely. The whole area is an invitation to meet the locals and share their traditions, crafts and history. You can either follow the marked routes, or venture around according to your inspiration.
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Candal |
The area is a mountainous landscape with mainly schistic rock formations. like the Lousã and Açor mountain range; it is crossed by several rivers like Alva, Ceira, Zêzere. The area is not densely populated, flora is dominated by eucalyptus, oak, pine and chestnut trees.
Rio Zêzere is one of the rivers flowing down from Serra Estrela. It springs there at an altitude of about 1900 m, and its stream follows an ice age valley. It is a tributary of the river Tagus, and their waters merge at the Constância confluence, after a 200 km course. River Zêzere and River Mondego (which flows into the ocean at Figueira da Foz) are the only two rivers in the country which are entirely portuguese.
Janeiro de Baixo is one of the 24 schist villages in the historical network. Its Parish Church is worth visiting for its beautiful wood altarpieces. There are several chapels in the village, and watermills. Water sports are available, as well as a number of outdoor activities like escalade or rappel. You can take a rest on the beach by the river or visit the Santa Luzia dam, which was built from 1930 to 1942 to produce electric power, and which has a 246 hectare artificial lake.
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Barragem Santa Luzia |
Praia do rio Zêzere |
