Trails
Vereda das Voltas
Down the old zigzag road from Eira do Serrado to Curral das Freiras
The place
Vereda das Voltas is a 2.1 km walk down an old road from the Eira do Serrado viewpoint to Curral das Freiras, the village in the valley below. It takes about 70 minutes at a moderate level, and it drops down the valley side from start to finish.
Starting at the viewpoint gives you the valley from above before you reach the village. The old road that links the two places is what gives the walk its character, and it is a different way to arrive in Curral das Freiras than by road. Because the walk is one way, it works as a descent rather than a loop, so think about how you will get back up before you start. It suits walkers with reasonable fitness rather than a short stroll.
Highlights
- The route follows an old road that once linked the viewpoint with the village below.
- Starting at the Eira do Serrado viewpoint, you see the valley from above before you walk down into it.
- At about 70 minutes it is a manageable outing, although downhill walking is hard on the knees.
When to come
Go in the morning, so you have the whole day to walk down and arrange your way back up to Eira do Serrado.
Getting there
Start at the Eira do Serrado viewpoint and walk down to Curral das Freiras, where the route ends.
Worth knowing
- Allow about 70 minutes for the 2.1 km walk, plus time for photographs and stops.
- The difficulty is moderate, so the walk suits people with reasonable fitness.
- The walk runs one way and downhill, so plan how you will get back up to Eira do Serrado.
- Wear shoes with good grip, since old road surfaces can be uneven.
- Carry water and a snack for the walk.
- Download an offline map before you set out, since mobile signal can drop in the mountains.