Álvaro stretches along a hillside overlooking the Zêzere River and the Barragem do Cabril reservoir. Two hiking trails start in the village. You can plan your trip around the waterside landscape, the religious heritage or a specific hiking route.

The Zêzere and Barragem do Cabril

Praia Fluvial de Álvaro is on the Zêzere River, while Barragem do Cabril lies at the foot of the village and is considered a place to swim. The view changes depending on where you are: from Álvaro’s hillside, you can look out over the river and reservoir; from the reservoir, the view stretches across gentle hills and mountains to Serra da Estrela. The riverside setting of Praia Fluvial and the wider panorama from the reservoir therefore offer different aspects of the landscape.

White villages and religious heritage

Álvaro is one of the white villages in the Rede das Aldeias do Xisto. Most façades are finished with white plaster, while the openings are painted in bold colours. The contrast between the plaster and the colourful openings illustrates the description of the village as white: alongside the light surfaces, bold splashes of colour shape the village’s appearance.

Álvaro’s religious heritage is also connected to the former presence of the Order of Malta. Igreja Matriz de Álvaro has medieval origins; in 1820, it was completely rebuilt as a church with five altars. Its medieval origins and the extensive rebuilding in 1820 thus mark different historical periods. Another way to explore the religious heritage is to follow the chapel trail.

Two hiking trails from Álvaro

You can choose between two hiking routes, both starting in Álvaro and rated as moderate. PR1 OLR Nos Meandros do Zêzere is 6.3 kilometres long, with an estimated duration of two hours. PR2 OLR Mui nobre villa is 7.3 kilometres long and is estimated to take two hours and 40 minutes. Compared directly, PR1 is one kilometre shorter and its estimated duration is 40 minutes less than that of PR2. The different distances and estimated times can help you weigh up how much time to allow; both routes have the same difficulty rating. On PR1, hikers can also see Ribeira de Alvelos at the Roman Bridge. Check the route information locally before setting off.

A connection between schist villages

Estrada Panorâmica connects the schist villages of Álvaro and Pedrógão Pequeno. Unlike the two hiking trails that start in Álvaro, this route runs between two villages and may be relevant when planning a cycling trip. Check the specific conditions for a bike ride before setting off.

Products from the shop

The Álvaro Aldeias do Xisto Shop sells aguardente, liqueur and medronho jam. If you plan to buy one of these products, check its current availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Idanha-A-Nova, Paul, Proença-A-Nova, Vila Velha De Rodão, Penha Garcia, Oledo, Belmonte, Unhais Da Serra

For the main travel overview: Castelo Branco.