Guarda: Nature, History and Special Routes

Guarda combines impressive landscapes, prehistoric traces and historic sites with varied routes through the Guarda District. For planning your trip, you can therefore focus on different themes: nature experiences along the Côa and Mondego, culture in Guarda and the historic villages, or winter activities in the higher areas of the Serra da Estrela.

Between the Côa Valley and Serra da Estrela

The Côa Valley Archaeological Park extends across approximately 200 km² in the municipalities of Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Pinhel and Mêda. The prehistoric rock art sites in the Côa Valley and Siega Verde are located along the banks of the Águeda and Côa, tributaries of the Douro. They document continuous human settlement since the end of the Paleolithic. This makes the landscape interesting not only for hikers, but also for families who want to combine nature with an engaging journey through time.

In Serra da Estrela Natural Park, valleys shaped by the Ice Age, Covões and around 25 natural lagoons define the landscape. In the highest areas, frequent snowfall makes winter sports possible. Those looking for accommodation for a trip with varied interests can take these different landscapes into account when choosing their personal base.

Hiking Trails for Different Day Plans

The PR1 “Meandros do Côa” route is a nature trail that takes hikers as close as possible to the Côa River. Another route idea is offered by the Passadiços do Mondego: the approximately 12-kilometre trail runs along the Mondego and its tributaries and begins near the Barragem do Caldeirão dam. The Trilho da Calçada do Tintinolho, in turn, connects the historic centre of Guarda with the agriculturally oriented Mondego Valley. It follows an old route paved with large stone slabs.

Your journey can also be combined with regional orientation. The Estrada Nacional 332 (EN 332) runs for almost 86 kilometres entirely within the Guarda District; a large part of its route lies in the border region and in Douro Internacional Natural Park. The tourist route along the Estrada Nacional 221 (EN 221) connects Miranda do Douro and Guarda over a distance of approximately 184 kilometres.

History, Craftsmanship and Regional Specialities

Guarda was founded in 1199 by D. Sancho I and elevated to an episcopal see with a cathedral. The former bishop’s palace was converted into the Museu da Guarda. The seminary was one of the important buildings constructed in the 16th century under Bishop D. Nuno de Noronha. The Museu dos Descobrimentos, or the “À Descoberta do Novo Mundo (DNM)” Interpretation Centre, focuses on the Portuguese discoveries, particularly the arrival in Brazil.

For historic townscapes, there are further discoveries to be made. Sortelha is surrounded by ring-shaped walls and dominated by a castle above it dating from the 13th century. The castle has been classified as a national monument since 1910. Castelo do Sabugal is a Gothic military complex with a doubly fortified citadel, barbican and an irregular pentagonal outer wall. Marialva consists of three distinct areas: the citadel, or the village within the castle, the Arrabalde outside the walls, and the Devesa to the south extending to the Ribeira de Marialva stream. Devesa occupies the site of an ancient Roman town.

At the weaving museum in Meios, a weaving workshop operates functional looms. It is located in a former factory for Cobertores de Papa, founded in 1954. The culinary specialities mentioned for Sortelha include Papas de milho doce. As a change from culture and hiking, Praia Fluvial de Aldeia Viçosa has bathing facilities, including a bathing area accessible to people with reduced mobility.

Choose the Right Base for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday apartment in Guarda, it is worth first deciding on your preferred mix of activities. Those interested in nature can focus on routes along the Côa, the Mondego or in the Serra da Estrela. For culture-oriented days, Guarda, the castles and the rock art sites offer different themes. If you are travelling with children, your holiday can also be varied between active sections of trails, historic discoveries and a stay at Praia Fluvial de Aldeia Viçosa. A holiday apartment serves as a base for your chosen focus; you should check specific distances and travel times to your destinations before booking.

Further Places and Areas

For further regional orientation, you can also look at the following places and areas: Valezim, Vale Da Igreja, Manteigas, Cavadoude, Vila Nova De Foz Côa, Aldeia Viçosa, Vilar Formoso, Aldeia Do Bispo, Valhelhas, Quinta De São Gervásio, Gouveia, Vila Nova De Foz Côa, Vale De Amoreira, Trancoso, Seia, Figueira De Castelo Rodrigo, Celorico Da Beira, Santo Estêvão, Aguiar Da Beira, Marialva, Fornos De Algodres, Figueiró Da Serra, Vilar Torpim, Alfaiates, Mêda, Pinhel, Almeida, Guarda, Sabugal and Vide.

For the higher-level travel overview: Portugal.