Great Leça Valley Hike

Our route begins at the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Assunção in Monte Córdova, one of the region’s most iconic sites, where the view already hints at the kind of day that awaits us.

We head toward the Monte Padrão hill fort, one of the most important protohistoric settlements in the north, inhabited since the 9th century B.C. and active until the Late Middle Ages. Walking there is like stepping into an ancient silence, where history still breathes among the stones. From here, we begin our descent from the mountains, passing through the Valinhas Picnic Area, until we reach one of the most impressive sights of the day: the Fervença Waterfalls. The path is technical, steep, and slippery, especially on wet days, but with patience and caution, we are rewarded with one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the region.

Upon reaching Ponte das Cabras, the trail changes character. We enter the forest and begin a demanding climb to an altitude of 500 meters. This segment is unmarked, a cross-country trek—tough, slow, and physically demanding—perfect for those who want to truly experience the mountain.

At the summit, we head west toward Monte de Pilar, where we are greeted by two unmistakable landmarks: the Air Force radar station and the Cristo Rei statue. On clear days, the horizon opens up in an epic panorama: Porto, the Atlantic coast all the way to Póvoa de Varzim, the Serra da Cabreira, and the Serra do Marão—all visible at a single glance. We then cross the plateau toward Citânia de Sanfins, one of the largest and best-preserved Castrejo settlements in the northwestern part of the Iberian Peninsula. A place that reminds us we are walking on centuries of history.

We descend to the source of the Leça River and head back to the starting point, returning to the Sanctuary.