Orvalho Walkways – Discover Portugal’s Hidden Nature Trail with Waterfalls

In Beira Baixa region, Portugal, in the heart of Naturtejo Geopark and close to Estrela mountain, it’s one of Portugal’s many natural treasures: the Orvalho walkways inserted in the PR3 GeoRota and the Fraga de Água d’Alta Waterfall.

The Orvalho waterfall offers a stunning experience of almost untouched nature, combining serene trails alongside streams and viewpoints with spectacular views.

The Orvalho GeoRota is 5,6 miles long, non-circular, and allows visitors to find a set of monuments classified by UNESCO, exceptional rocky outcrops, and magical natural refuges next to streams with crystal clear waters.

The village of Orvalho, located close to Oleiros or even Castelo Branco, can be the starting point for visiting this hiking trail. The village is also near other tourist attractions, such as Piodão or Estrela Mountain. It is an area of ​​Portugal worth visiting for several days and if you can, stay in one of the many schist houses to relax and fully enjoy the calm and serene environment of a mountain village.

Fraga de Água d’Alta Waterfall

The Fraga de Água d’Alta waterfall is one of the places easily accessible from the Orvalho walkway. It is one of the iconic and most beautiful places on the route.

There are 25 m of difference in a succession of three turbulent waters and to get there you will have to face a huge staircase, but you won’t be able to resist.

If you only intend to visit the waterfall, as was our case, due to the presence of the youngest member of the family, it is possible to park close to the signs indicating the location where some wooden structures are located. To do this, simply follow the signs of Orvalho village and cross it completely before entering the road that leads to the Waterfall.

When to visit the Fraga de Água d’Alta waterfall

The route can be visited all year round, but you will need to be aware of the heat during the summer and the slippery surface during the winter and on humid days.

For those who want to enjoy a dip in the waters of the waterfall, we recommend a visit at the beginning of summer or spring, to see if the waterfall still has lots of water.

To complete the entire Orvalho GeoRota route, we recommend doing it on days with milder temperatures. The route passes through viewpoints and places with some unevenness, so doing it in the middle of summer may not be highly recommended.

Do I have to pay to visit the Fraga de Água d’Alta Waterfall and the Orvalho Walkways?

Unlike the Paiva Walkways, these are completely free, and there is no control over entry.

How to get to the Fraga de Água d’Alta Waterfall and the Orvalho Walkways

Orvalho village is located 15 miles from Oleiros via the N238 and N112 roads. From Castelo Branco it is 30miles. After arriving, you will have to cross the centre of the village and follow the cemetery street, continuing along CM1197. It is only 2 miles from the village to the Cascade.

The Orvalho Georota Walkways

A versão completa de todo o percurso da Georota do Orvalho têm um grau de dificuldade moderado e a extensão de 9 km não circular. Isto obriga a um planeamento prévio devido aos meios de transporte do ponto de partida para o ponto de chegada.

The complete version of the entire Georota do Orvalho route has a moderate degree of difficulty and is 5,5 miles long and non-circular. This requires prior planning due to the means of transport from the point of departure to the point of arrival.

The route starts at Orvalho church (you can take advantage and arrange a ride with a taxi driver for your arrival) with the closest point of interest being the Fraga de Água d’Alta Waterfall. Passing the waterfall, you will follow a route along the river to Otters lagoon. Afterwards, you will walk along several rocky outcrops, along a Roman sidewalk and arrive at the Cabeço do Mosqueiro Viewpoint with an impressive view over the mountains.

The route is not entirely carried out on walkways, as these only appear in some places that are more difficult to access.

Accommodation suggestions

In the small village of Orvalho, there are not many accommodation options as they are scattered throughout the mountains. The closest place with the most variety of accommodation is Oleiros.

See available accommodation below.

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What to do and visit near Orvalho village

Many places in the surrounding area are worth a visit. From river beaches to shale villages, there is plenty to choose from. The most prominent places are:

• Piodão: within walking distance is the most Portuguese village in Portugal and one of the most beautiful. Its schist houses with blue doors are a constant.
• Chãs de Égua: Another neighbouring village, with its schist houses and rural setting, providing an authentic view of mountain life.
• Oleiros: Visit the village of Oleiros, its Church and the River Beach.

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