Discover Revelhe: Reservoir, Hiking Route and History

Revelhe combines a waterscape, rural paths and regional history in an unusual way. The Albufeira da Barragem da Queimadela reservoir is located within the area of Revelhe. The 11-hectare Albufeira is fed by the waters of the Vizela River, creating a particular focus for anyone who wants to combine experiences in nature with physical activity.

Experience the reservoir and river landscape

The Praia Fluvial da Barragem da Queimadela is located at the Albufeira da Queimadela. There is free, orderly parking as well as an accessible footpath to the beach. Since 2021, the Albufeira has carried the Blue Flag. These specific facilities help you plan your day: you can deliberately plan your visit to the water as a separate excursion while choosing between relaxing at the beach and making further discoveries in Revelhe.

There is also a camping and caravan park in the vicinity of the reservoir. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house in Revelhe, your own travel plans are therefore particularly important: Would you like to focus on the reservoir, go hiking or get to know cultural features?

The Rota dos Tanques e das Tachas

One of the most distinctive ways to get to know Revelhe is the Rota dos Tanques e das Tachas. The route follows agricultural and forestry paths through several places in Revelhe. Each of these places has a characteristic washing basin. At approximately 11.9 kilometres, you should take the route into account when planning your day.

The path combines landscape and everyday history. The washing basins along the route were formerly used exclusively by women to wash their clothes. They have high social and historical value for the municipality and the local community. The Tachas are also among Revelhe’s distinctive details: they were used to fasten wooden shoes. Such individual details make the hike more than just a route and give the places along it their own character.

The climb to Penedo da Pegadinha leads to the highest point of the route. Later, on the descent, you can see the waterfall at the dam and the Vizela River. The route also leads to the Igreja Paroquial de Santa Eulalia on the village’s oldest street. It therefore offers a variety of impressions within a single day: agricultural and forestry paths, historic evidence of village life, a viewpoint and waterscapes.

Culture, festivals and traces of the past

Revelhe is also shaped by its local traditions. The Festa do Senhor takes place annually on the second Sunday in August and is a popular festival. Anyone wishing to include this date in their travel plans can arrange their stay accordingly. According to the Fafe municipality, Revelhe is also considered a pioneer in the introduction of scouting in the Município de Fafe.

A fortified settlement is said to have been built in this area on Monte do Crasto. Fragments of smooth and coarse pottery point to this. This cautious tradition is part of the history of the place, as is the sculpture “Rosa dos Ventos”. It was created as part of a residency by the German artist Volker Schnüttgen in Aldeia do Pontido. The sculpture can be reached via the footpath along the shore of the reservoir and can therefore be combined with a walk by the water.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans

When looking for accommodation in Revelhe, it is worth first deciding on your preferred travel rhythm. The Rota dos Tanques e das Tachas appeals to travellers who want to combine a longer day of hiking with cultural discoveries. The reservoir and the Praia Fluvial da Barragem da Queimadela, by contrast, offer a different focus. Anyone wanting to experience both should make sure when choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house that their personal daily schedule and desired excursions fit together well.

Other places to include in your search

For further orientation, you can also view the listings for Anjos, Vila Nova De Famalicão, Aldreu, Arnozela, Morgado, Celeirós, Gondoriz and Aboim Da Nóbrega.

To the overarching travel overview: Braga.