Hidden deep inside the Serra do Açor you find the slatestone village of Piódão. Without doubt one of the most beautiful villages of Portugal. Almost all houses in this historic village are made of this typical slate stone.
In previous times many of the houses were plastered, this to cover the slate stone that was also known as the poor man’s stone.
From 1978 onwards the houses were restored to their original state. In 1978 Piódão was named Portugese national heritage and therefore protected. From Porturama you can reach Piódão in 45 minutes via a beautiful windy mountain road.
The dark grey village looks glued to the mountain, with all houses close together for protection against the wind. The doors and window frames are of an eye catching blue colour. The story goes that on one day the villagers found a big barrel of blue paint in the isolated village.
Gratefully they used this to protect the wooden parts of their homes. Since then the blue colour has become a tradition and part of the heritage.
Visiting Piódão means “climbing” through small alleys and over stone steps. Everywhere you see colourful flowers and beautiful views. There are several bars and small restaurants with nice terraces where you can enjoy the panorama and a refreshment. Two of the terraces overlook the entrance of the small village church that really stands out.
This because of its complete white colour. From Piódão you will find several hiking trails. One of them leads to Foz d’Égua and Chàs d’Égua, the village of the Portugue
se “Indiana Jones”. This man built bridges, walkways, stone steps and a chapel including a large statue. It’s really amazing. If you’re not up to the 2 km walk through rough terrain, it’s a 10 minute drive from Piódão.
The Fraga da Pena is a must for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. It’s a very impressive canyon of slate stones from which several waterfalls originate.
Fraga da Pena is situated inside the national protected area called Mata da Margaraça.
This area houses rare mushrooms, trees and flowers. Since 1982 it has state protection. If you follow the trail for a few hundred metres you find a nice area with stone picnic tables and a great natural basin, filled by a waterfall, that attracts many local swimmers in the hot summer months.
From here several hiking trails, up to 12km, find their way into the hills following the streams and waterfalls and lead you to several old ruins of watermills.
About 20 km (33 min) by car from Porturama.
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