Mata da Margaraça Walk

Duration: 5 Hours

Circular walking route of about 8 km. During the walk, the guides will interpret this natural sanctuary from a botanical and human-settlement perspective, within the Serra do Açor Protected Landscape.

Includes a visit to the reserve’s Interpretation Centre, the Casa da Eira (a museum about traditional economic activities), the forno de refugo (used in the process of making traditional basketry) and the Quinta mill. In the village of Pardieiros, you can watch the artisanal production of wooden spoons.

You will also visit Fraga da Pena (the largest waterfall in the region).

Mata da Margaraça is considered the last remnant of the native forest that once covered the whole Beira Serra region, made up mainly of oaks and chestnut trees, but also well represented by traces of the ancient Laurissilva forest that dominated the country before the last ice age. The ground is uneven in places.

A reasonable level of physical fitness is advisable.
Recommended season: spring, summer and autumn. The gradients are moderate.

Included

• Insurance,
• Wooden spoon workshop
• Guide
• Complimentary photographic report of the activity.

Good to know

What to bring: You should bring water and a light packed lunch (sandwiches and fruit).

We recommend clothing and footwear suited to the weather conditions of each season, namely light, thermal and breathable clothing, a waterproof/windproof jacket and comfortable hiking boots, a hat to
protect you from the sun and trousers that allow freedom of movement.

There may be snow in the highest part of the route.

Meeting point

D’Aqui e d’Acolá – Pardieiros