top of page
CASTELO DE BODE LAKE TRAILS
Downhill mountain biker at Castelo de Bode Lake in Ferreira do Zêzere, Portugal.
A girl watches the sunset overlooking Castelo de Bode Lake in Vila do Rei, Portugal.
Hiking boots close-up at dawn, Castelo de Bode Lake, Ferreira do Zêzere, Portugal.
Downhill mountain biker at Castelo de Bode Lake in Ferreira do Zêzere, Portugal.
1/4
Discover the Beauty of Portugal's Castelo de Bode Lake Trails
Immerse yourself in the lush greenery of the forest and the serene blue of the Castelo de Bode Lake waters, where nature's vibrant beauty reigns supreme. As you gear up for adventure, explore the thrilling hiking, mountain biking, and canoeing trails highlighted below.
TRAIL PR1 (FZZ) - DORNES, VIGIA DO ZÊZERE
Dornes-Sentinela do Zêzere trail starts at the Tourism Office, goes through the village centre (Pentagonal Tower and Nossa Senhora do Pranto Church), and continues, at the same time as the Grande Rota do Zêzere (GR33), towards Vale Serrão. Skirting the Aguilhões Mountain, it continues to the village of Rio Cimeiro, and to the "Ilhas" (Islands). Back on the walk and following the forest track to Peralfaia, you can see a curious rock formation, locally known as "Penedos Amarelos". Shortly after crossing the village, there is the option of returning to Dornes or continuing along the forest path towards Moinho de Guilherme, lined with eucalyptus, pine trees, as well as some oak, chestnut, and arbutus. Whatever route you take, you will enjoy an extraordinary panoramic view over the Dornes Peninsula and the blue Castelo de Bode Lake. If you decide to visit Moinho de Guilherme, the return to Dornes will be done through the "Biodiversity Trail," a forest path that follows the S. Guilherme river right near its mouth in Dornes.
Type of trail: Small route / Circular
Departure and arrival: Dornes
Distance-to-go: 19,4 Kms
Duration: about 5h00 to 6h00
Minimum and maximum quotas: 120m / 246m
Accumulated slopes: + 632m / - 637m
Difficulty level: Medium (not suitable for children)
Advisable season: All year
TRAIL PR2 (FZZ) - LAGAR VELHO
Lagar Velho trail runs through some of the most wonderful places in Ferreira do Zêzere. Along the trail, there are stunning landscapes. It is possible to see the villages of Pombeira, Zaboeira, Alcamim and the blue crystal clear waters of Castelo do Bode Lake. One can also see historical places such as the Chapel of São João Baptista and Santo António. Along the path, the richness and diversity of the flora and fauna are visible, and the following species can be observed: Acacias, brooms, eucalyptus, arbutus, olive trees, pine trees, water buttercups, cork oaks, gorse, and heather. Round eagle wing, butterflies, owls, turtles, wild rabbits, owls, crows, cuckoos, squirrels, hawks, gulls, terns, waterhens, herons, wild boars, lizards, dragonflies, badgers, blackbirds, kestrels, black grouse, woodcocks, woodpeckers, foxes, frogs, and weasel.
Type of trail: Small route / Circular
Departure and arrival: Lagar Velho
Distance-to-go: 3,1 Kms
Duration: about 1h00
Minimum and maximum quotas: 160m
Accumulated slopes: + 139m / - 133m
Difficulty level: Easy
Advisable season: All year
TRAIL PR3 (FZZ) - POMBEIRA
Pombeira Trail goes through some of the most wonderful places in Castelo de Bode Blue Lake. You can observe our landscape and environmental richness, which will provide you with tranquilly and direct contact with nature. Throughout the trail, you will pass through breathtaking landscapes where you can see the villages of Pombeira, Zaboeira, and Alcamim, as well as the wonderful Castelo do Bode Lake and its clear blue waters. The perimeter of Castro includes S. Pedro de Castro and its chapel, as well as Aldeia do Maxial. We also observe the historical wealth of the Chapel of S. João Baptista, Santo António, Azenha do Regato, and Ribeira da Cabrieira. Fauna and Flora: Throughout the route, you can observe the richness and diversity of the region's fauna and flora. Acacias, carqueja, eucalyptus, broom, medronhos, olive trees, pine trees, water buttercups, cork oaks, gorse, and heather. Round-winged eagles, butterflies, royal owls, terrapins, wild rabbits, owls, crows, cuckoos, weasels, squirrels, hawks, jays, gulls, waterhens, grey herons, wild boars, lizards, dragonflies, partridges, woodpeckers, foxes, turtle doves, lizards and badgers.
Type of trail: Small route / Circular
Departure and arrival: Lagar Velho
Distance-to-go: 8,8 Kms
Duration: about 3h00
Minimum and maximum quotas: 496m
Accumulated slopes: + 390m / - 392m
Difficulty level: Medium (not suitable for children)
Advisable season: All year
TRAIL PR4 (FZZ) - CASTRO
The Castro Trail stretches across some of the most beautiful landscapes in the municipality of Ferreira do Zêzere, also including classified heritage sites (São Pedro Castro Chapel), the High Cross, and the Municipal Forestry Area. Most of its route is of low difficulty, but there is, however, a small section of medium difficulty. Along the Castro Trail, we can observe several animal species. In quiet moments, we may spot round-winged eagles, kestrels, kingfishers, crows, partridges, cuckoos, jays, blackbirds, peregrine falcons, butterflies, the eagle owl, the waterhen, and woodpeckers. We may also be surprised by the most common reptiles to be found in this region, the lizards and the common lizard, also known as the sardão. It is the traces of footprints, marking territory, feeding trails, and droppings that lead us to the presence of the few species of non-flying vertebrates, such as the wild rabbit, the fox, the squirrel, the badger, the marmoset, the weasel, the hedgehog, and the wild boar. When we approach places refreshed by Castelo de Bode blue lake waters, in addition to the exceptional landscape that is presented to us, we can also delight ourselves with the sight of the common frog, the green frog, the otter, the terrapin, and the dragonfly. This trail is all made in shades of green. It is the green tone of the pines, the eucalyptus, and the olive trees. The green mixed with yellow in the acacias and again the green of the heather, gorse, broom, and carqueja bushes.
Type of trail: Small route / Circular
Departure and arrival: Castanheira
Distance-to-go: 13 Kms
Duration: about 3h00, 4h00
Minimum and maximum quotas: 408m
Accumulated slopes: + 445m / - 437m
Difficulty level: Easy
Advisable season: All year
TRAIL PR5 (FZZ) - LAGO AZUL
Lago Azul Trail stretches across some of the most beautiful landscapes in Castelo de Bode Blue Lake, also including classified heritage sites (São Pedro Castro Chapel), the High Cross, and the Municipal Forestry Area. Most of its route is of low difficulty, but there is, however, a small section of medium difficulty. Along Lago Azul Trail, we can observe several animal species. In quiet moments, we may spot round-winged eagles, kestrels, kingfishers, crows, partridges, cuckoos, jays, blackbirds, peregrine falcons, butterflies, the eagle owl, the waterhen, and woodpeckers. We may also be surprised by the most common reptiles to be found in this region, the lizards and the common lizard, also known as the sardão. It is the traces of footprints, marking territory, feeding trails, and droppings that lead us to the presence of the few species of non-flying vertebrates, such as the wild rabbit, the fox, the squirrel, the badger, the marmoset, the weasel, the hedgehog, and the wild boar. When we approach places refreshed by the Castelo de Bode Lake waters, in addition to the exceptional landscape that is presented to us, we can also delight ourselves with the sight of the common frog, the green frog, the otter, the terrapin, and the dragonfly. This trail is all made in shades of green. It is the green tone of the pines, the eucalyptus, and the olive trees. The green mixed with yellow in the acacias and again the green of the heather, gorse, broom, and carqueja bushes.
Type of trail: Small route / Circular
Departure and arrival: Castanheira
Distance-to-go: 12,8 Kms
Duration: about 3h00, 4h00
Minimum and maximum quotas: 408m
Accumulated slopes: + 395m / - 392m
Difficulty level: Easy
Advisable season: All year
TRAIL PR6 (FZZ) - SACRED ZÊZERE
The Zêzere Sacred Trail leads us to the discovery of three churches classified as being of public interest: Nossa Senhora da Graça-Areias; Santo Aleixo - Beco, Nossa Senhora do Pranto-Dornes and the natural heritage of Ferreira do Zêzere. Start in Dornes, where we highlight the Quay, the Pentagonal Tower, and the Sanctuary. Continue, via the Tourist Office, along the PR1 (FZZ) and the Biodiversity Trail until you reach the Lagar de S. Guimarães. near the Lagar de S. Guilherme. Here the paths separate, with the latter following Paio Mendes (S. Vicente Church and Solar dos Cotrins). Vicente and Solar dos Cotrins), Penas Alvas, Ereira, and Aldeia dos Gagos. In Areias (Nossa Senhora da Graça Church), follow the fountain of Poço de Ordem until the forest area, passing through Carril (Monteiro Mor manor house and secular ash tree), Quintas, and S. Gonçalo. From the Beco (Santo Aleixo church and manor houses) to Dornes, the unevenness is generous, providing excellent views over the Zêzere Blue Lake and over this old village of Dornes.
Type of trail: Medium route / Circular
Departure and arrival: Dornes
Distance-to-go: 25,9 Kms
Duration: about 6h00
Minimum and maximum quotas: 408m
Accumulated slopes: + 800m / - 786m
Difficulty level: Easy
Advisable season: All year
TRAIL LAGO AZUL - PENEDO FURADO
Leaving Castanheira heading south, pass the Lago Azul Nautical Club, enter the second branch of the river on the right at the Ribeira de Codes, continue straight ahead until you pass Conheira dos Fornecos, continue ahead until you reach the Ribeira do Milreu and reach Penedo Furado. Go back along the Ribeira de Codes until you meet the river Zêzere, turn right and head north until you reach the starting point, Castanheira.
Type of trail: Loop
Departure and arrival: Castanheira
Distance-to-go: 22,6 Kms
Duration: about 7h00
Difficulty level: Moderate
Advisable season: All year
TRAIL LAGO AZUL - RIBEIRA DAS TRUTAS
Leaving Castanheira in a northerly direction, pass the Lago Azul fluvial beach, enter the first arm of the river on your right, the Ribeira das Trutas and continue to the end of the arm. Stop for a rest and enjoy Castelo de Bode Lake landscape, the silence and the observe the wildlife. Go back along the same route until you enter the Zêzere River again, turn left and go south passing again by the river beach until you reach the starting point.
Type of trail: Loop
Departure and arrival: Castanheira
Distance-to-go: 5,9 Kms
Duration: about 1h30
Difficulty level: Easy
Advisable season: All year
-
Always follow the signs. Never abandon the defined route!
-
Avoid making noise.
-
Do not leave any trash behind.Take it with you to the nearest bin.
-
It is forbidden to light fires.
-
Keep nature intact. Do not pick up plants, animals, or rocks.
-
Take photographs; they will be an excellent souvenir.
-
Wear a hat and comfortable and appropriate clothes and shoes.
-
Don't forget to take water with you. Keep yourself hydrated.
In case of an accident, fire, or other emergency, contact the following organisations:
bottom of page