Percurso Homologado - Federação Campismo e Montanhismo de Portugal
Route
The Envendos Path could just as easily be called the Viewpoints Route — and for good reason. This is one of the most demanding trails in the municipality of Mação, where effort and perseverance are rewarded with breathtaking views, such as those from Castelo Velho da Zimbreira or Moita da Asna. Every ascent reveals scenery that truly takes your breath away.
Although the Pego da Rainha is the most well-known highlight of this trail, all the landscapes along the route are truly striking and deserve to be discovered and appreciated just as much.
Starting and finishing at Praça da República, in the very heart of Envendos, and passing through several villages in the parish — namely Zimbreira — this circular route is especially suited to experienced, courageous and adventurous hikers.
Natural Heritage
This area is rich in crystal-clear streams and waterfalls that plunge into refreshing natural pools, inviting moments of contemplation and rest. The riverbanks support a diverse range of plant life, including alders, common buckthorn, as well as various species of ferns and mosses, which thrive in the shaded and humid areas.
In the flatter sections, it is still possible to spot some of the region’s wildlife, such as wild boar (Sus scrofa), badgers (Meles meles), and foxes (Vulpes vulpes), moving among pine trees, cork oaks, oak trees, and Galician juniper.
The landscape is dominated to the east by an extensive quartzite ridge rising above the horizon. It is in a fault within this mountain range, overlooking the Ocreza River, that the Pego da Rainha is located. The surrounding cliffs are frequently overflown by majestic griffon vultures (Gyps fulvus), which nest nearby and fill the skies with their imposing presence.
Cultural Heritage
With approximately 15.7 km in length, the Envendos Route offers hikers an outstanding opportunity to discover the cultural, geological, landscape and natural heritage of this territory.
One of the most memorable experiences along the trail is the ascent to Castelo Velho da Zimbreira, where visitors are rewarded with extraordinary views over the meanders of the Ocreza River. Another highlight is the panoramic view over the vast Pracana reservoir, framed by the surrounding mountain ranges, lending the landscape an indescribable sense of scale and strength.
From an architectural perspective, the traditional housing, influenced by both the Upper Alentejo and Beira Baixa regions, is also worth noting, as is the remarkable richness of birdlife present throughout the entire route.