Come and discover the region on an electric bike. A unique experience where nature and culture meet!
WHEN: All year round (subject to availability)
WHO: Anyone who is comfortable on a bike and is over 1.5 m tall
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
KTM MACINA EBIKE BICYCLES
Tour From the lagoons to the mountains, 30 km
POINTS OF INTEREST Lima River Valley, Towns of Arcos de Valdevez, Ponte da Barca and Ponte de Lima, Agricultural plains, Protected Landscape of Bertiandos Lagoons and S. Pedro de Arcos, Quinta de Pentieiros.
Start of activity: Adventure Centre, Quinta de Pentieiros, 9:30 am or 2:30 pm
Quinta de Pentieiros, our starting point, is located in the area surrounding the Bertiandos Lagoons, a protected landscape located in the municipality of Ponte de Lima. The area is made up of valleys, forests and river basins originating from the Estorãos River and offers scenic trails crossing diverse ecosystems, including wetlands and forests. Several species of birds and unique plants can be observed.
Bertiandos Lagoons – Ponte de Lima + visit to the old town
Bike ride following the Lima River until reaching the beautiful town of Ponte de Lima. Ponte de Lima is one of the oldest towns in Portugal, dating back to Roman times. The town’s name comes from the Roman bridge that crosses the river, built in the 1st century AD under the rule of Emperor Augustus. A funny story from that time is that the Romans called the Lima River “Lethe”, which means the river of forgetfulness in Greek mythology. They believed that anyone who crossed the river would lose their memory and forget the past.
Ponte de Lima – Ponte da Barca – Arcos de Valdevez
The greenway route between Ponte de Lima and Ponte da Barca is very popular with walkers and cyclists. It runs along the River Lima, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills, vineyards and villages.
The historic centre of Ponte da Barca is situated along the banks of the River Lima, offering a peaceful atmosphere and beautiful scenery. It takes its name from the boat that transported people and goods from one bank of the River Lima to the other, mainly pilgrims from Santiago de Compostela. The 14th century saw the addition of the Bridge. First the stone one, then the name. The bridge was instrumental in the development of trade and Ponte da Barca became a key point connecting the interior.
Set in a valley surrounded by lush green landscapes and crossed by the River Vez is Arcos de Valdevez. This town has a strong medieval heritage, with cobbled streets, ancient buildings and a charming town centre. The town’s history dates back to Roman times and it was an important centre during the Middle Ages.
Transfer to Adventure Center
Route Lima Valley and Peneda – Gerês National Park, 25 km
POINTS OF INTEREST Ermelo Ecovia, Peneda-Gerês National Park, Touvedo Reservoir, Ermelo Village, Ermelo Medieval Monastery, Soajo Village, Soajo Granaries, swimming in the Soajo Lagoons (summer).
Start of activity: Bravães Kayak Park, 9:00 am or 2:00 pm (15 min from Peneda Ecofarm)
Bravães – Ermelo greenway
The greenway follows the slopes of the Serra de Soajo, providing explorers with stunning views and passing by streams with fast currents that feed the Touvedo Reservoir.As you approach Ermelo, the scenery changes, revealing signs of cultivation, vineyards and olive groves. Orange trees line the path, announcing the arrival at the charming village of Ermelo.However, long before it became an eco-path, it was already a Roman road, a passageway for pilgrims to S. Bento de Ermelo, and a passageway to the medieval town of Soajo. It is also an integral part of the Via Mariana today. As you walk along the stretch, in the upper part of the greenway, you will see terraces where the monks of the Ermelo Monastery once cultivated orchards. Of note are the orange trees that produce the famous Ermelo Orange, whose unique flavour is influenced by the microclimate provided by its proximity to the Lima River.
You cannot miss a visit to the Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria de Ermelo, classified as a National Monument and dating back to the 13th century. A local legend suggests the existence of a tunnel built by the monks under the Lima River, connecting the banks, although such a tunnel has never been found.
Ermelo – Soajo – visit to Soajo and natural lagoonThe village of Soajo is one of the most typical and authentic villages in the Peneda-Gerês National Park region. Known for its stone houses and its rural and peaceful atmosphere, the village offers a true immersion in the traditional life of the mountains of northern Portugal. The village is famous for its granaries, granite constructions used to dry corn, which are one of the most representative images of the region.During the summer months, the Soajo lakes are one of the favorite destinations for those who enjoy a good swim in the middle of nature. The crystal clear waters of the lakes, which form in mountain rivers, offer a pleasant refreshment and a unique experience. The surrounding landscapes are incredible, with lush vegetation and imposing mountains that make the place even more magical.
Transfer to Bravães
Route Discovering the dams of the Lima valley (circular), 30 Km
POINTS OF INTEREST Lima River Dams, connecting the historic town centres, running along the right and left banks of the Lima River and part of the right bank of the Vez River, always on the greenway, water mills of Ribeira, Medieval bridges of Ponte de Lima and Ponte da Barca
Start/end of activity: Bravães Kayak Park, 9:00 am or 2:00 pm (15 min from Peneda Ecofarm)
The Açudes do Rio Lima greenway crosses an area of great natural beauty, with diverse landscapes ranging from agricultural fields to forests and mountainous areas. The route was designed to allow access to the main points of interest, such as the dams, riverside towns and the rich vegetation that characterises this region. The mouth of the Vez River is the meeting point between the Vez River and the Lima River, located near the village of Arcos de Valdevez, in the Peneda-Gerês National Park. This is a place of great natural beauty and ecological importance, where the waters of the Vez River flow into the Lima River.
The water mills of Ribeira are an important part of the rural heritage of the Arcos de Valdevez region, where the tradition of grain milling has a long history. Located on the banks of the Vez River, these water mills have been an essential part of local life for centuries, harnessing the force of the current to grind cereals and produce flour.
Ponte de Lima is one of the oldest towns in Portugal and its famous medieval bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the region. The Ponte de Lima Medieval Bridge was built between the 14th and 15th centuries and spans the Lima River. This bridge, of great historical importance, has 24 arches and is an impressive example of medieval architecture. Over the years, the bridge has been restored and preserved, maintaining its original beauty.
The Ponte da Barca Medieval Bridge is another notable example of a medieval bridge in the region, located over the Lima River. This bridge also dates back to the Middle Ages and is made up of several stone arches. Its construction is of great historical importance, as it allowed people to cross the river, facilitating trade and the transport of people between regions.