LUGAR SÃO SALVADOR DE MONSANTO
Our suggestions for 3 days in Monsanto
1
Take a walk to explore Monsanto
Walking through Monsanto feels like stepping into a setting where history and nature intertwine in a unique way.
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Its narrow streets, carved between boulders and rocky outcrops, lead you through a stone labyrinth that holds centuries of memories.
Stroll through the village to discover its various points of interest. During your visit to the Castle, after passing through the False Gate, return by the left path to explore the surroundings. You’ll find the arch of the Chapel of São João, the Stone of the 13 Little Bowls, the Joined Boulders, until you reach the village again.
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Relax. Enjoy the sunset from our terrace or a warm drink on winter days. For dinner, see somo suggestions on where to eat, or if you’ve prepared something yourself, you can dine at Lugar São Salvador de Monsanto.
2
Water refuges, trails, and walking routes
On a typically hot summer day in Beira Baixa, there's nothing better than diving into its refreshing waters.
See below our suggestions for water refuges.
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If the weather isn’t warm, or if you prefer to enjoy the early mornings, we recommend one of the two hikes we love most:
PR 5 – Rota dos Barrocais and
Descend from Monsanto to Lagar de Junho.
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See below our suggestions for trails and walking routes.
3
Discover the neighboring villages
Leaving Monsanto and taking the Egitânia road to Idanha-a-Velha (11 km from Monsanto):
Pass through Relva, then turn right towards Lagar de Junho / Lagar Maria Martins. Continue straight and turn left when you see the sign for Estrada da Egitânia. Stroll through the village and visit the Pillory, the Main Church, the stepping stones over the Pônsul River, the Traditional Olive Oil Mill, and the Millenary Olive Tree.
Also visit Penha Garcia (12 km from Monsanto) and follow the Fossil Route, a walk among geological traces millions of years old, passing by artisan houses until you reach the Praia Fluvial do Pego. From the Castle, you can spot Monsanto in the distance, find the Bufa Swing, and enjoy the view from this scenic lookout. You can also go horseback riding with "A Cavalo na Raia".
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If you enjoy spas or thermal waters, visit Termas de Monfortinho (Thermal Baths).
Unforgetable trials and paths
PR 5 - Rota dos Barrocais
Duration: 2h/ Dificulty: medium
At the end of our street, Rua da Sarça, go down towards São Pedro de Vir-a-Corça.
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On your left, you’ll find the Chapel and the old Bell Tower. Return along the path to the right of the Quinta and continue until you reach the Roman Road.
When you come to a crossroads with a stone cross, take the path to the right and re-enter Monsanto through the Santo António Gate / Monsanto Cemetery.
You can also start the route from other points in Monsanto and complete the full trail. Explore some guides:
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From Monsanto to Lagar de Junho
Duration: 3 hours/ Difficulty: Medium
Start at the School and GNR Station in Monsanto. Walk down the cobbled path toward the village of Lagar de Junho.
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Cross through the village. When you reach the main road, turn right. Turn right again when you see a sign indicating São Pedro de Vir-a-Corça.
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Climb the Roman Road until you reach the Santo António Gate / Monsanto Cemetery.
Historical trails
Fresh water retreats
Praia Fluvial do Pego - Penha Garcia
12 km from Monsanto
It is the closest water refuge to Monsanto. Located in Penha Garcia (Idanha-a-Nova), it is a small natural pool fed by the Rio Pônsul (river), with a small waterfall and framed by granite rocks that preserve fossils estimated to be around 480 million years old. A peaceful atmosphere and a scenic setting along the Rota dos Fósseis.
Barragem Marechal Carmona - Idanha-a-Nova
30 km from Monsanto
The Marechal Carmona Dam, located about 8 km from the town of Idanha-a-Nova, was built on the Pônsul River between 1935 and 1946. It is a gravity dam that created a large reservoir near the granite gorge of the Campinas de Idanha-a-Nova.
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The Boom Festival, held every two years on the shores of the Marechal Carmona Dam, is described by visitors and the media as an immersive and transformative cultural experience, far beyond just a music festival.
Cortes do Meio - Covilhã
69 km from Monsanto
Considered the capital of natural swimming pools in Portugal, with dozens of magnificent pools to explore. In Cortes do Meio, on the slopes of Serra da Estrela, lie true natural treasures: clear river pools that offer a refuge of freshness and pure beauty, where nature remains almost untouched.
Praia Fluvial do Meimão - Penamacor
37 km from Monsanto
he Meimão Dam, in Penamacor, is a serene body of water surrounded by lush green landscapes, ideal for those seeking tranquility, water sports, or simply a deep connection with nature. It offers a spacious area with good infrastructure, including a bar, shaded zones, and easy access facilities.
Useful information
Supermarket
Mini Mercado Adelina (Relva)
Supermercado Talho (Relva)
Fairs
Security/ Pharmacy
GNR - Posto Territorial de Monsanto