Campia offers a range of reasons to stay: stands of Loendro alongside a stream, a river beach on the Rio Alfusqueiro, and traces of the area’s early history. Viewpoints and historic buildings add to these natural attractions. If you want to experience the main Loendro flowering season, May and June can serve as a guide when planning your trip.
Loendro, Stream and Trails
The Percurso do Cambarinho runs partly alongside the Ribeira de Cambarinho stream and passes stands of Loendro. In Cambarinho, Campia, the Reserva Botânica de Loendros was established on 25 August 1971. Hiking and interpretive trails run through the protected area year-round. The main Loendro flowering season is in May and June.
These nature destinations offer different points of interest: the Percurso do Cambarinho focuses on the stream and stands of Loendro, while the trails through the Reserva Botânica de Loendros offer a chance to explore the protected area on foot. Early summer is the right time to see the blossom; the hiking and interpretive trails through the reserve are open year-round.
By the Rio Alfusqueiro
Praia Fluvial do Porto da Várzea lies between Campia and Cercosa, on both banks of the Rio Alfusqueiro. Its recreation area includes a picnic area, barbecue facilities, a children’s playground and a bar-restaurant. So, alongside the riverside scenery, the river beach has practical amenities for a break.
Barbo-comum, Boga-comum, brown trout, Escalo do Norte and Bordalo can be observed in the Rio Alfusqueiro at Praia Fluvial. Those interested in nature by the water will find a different focus here than on the trails among the Loendro stands: at Porto da Várzea, the riverbank, recreation area and observable fish species come together.
Archaeology, Church and Local History
The Castro do Cabeço do Couço is located at Crasto in Campia and is classified as an “Imóvel de Interesse Público” (Property of Public Interest). The site probably dates from the Late Bronze Age and remained inhabited during the Iron Age. The inner defensive wall and structural remains of three round houses have survived. The dating is a probable attribution, while the settlement during the Iron Age is also part of the site’s history.
The Igreja Paroquial de Campia features gilded carvings on its main altarpiece and pulpits in the Rococo style. These artistic details offer a contrast with the defensive remains of the Castro. Numerous watermills and several fulling mills are also documented in the parish of Campia in the 18th century.
Traditional crafts are also part of the cultural heritage of the wider municipality: weaving combines wool and linen with the reuse of other textiles. Baskets and pannier baskets are also made in the municipality.
Viewpoints and Landmarks
Miradouro Cruzeiro was built in Campia in 1940. From there, you can look out over Campia and the surrounding area. The viewpoint is reached by a staircase of approximately 300 steps—a practical factor to consider when planning your visit.
Monumento Ă Virgem Milagrosa de Campia was inaugurated on 31 August 2013. It is approximately 15 metres tall and stands on a hill overlooking the village. Behind the monument is the large Miradouro Lagoa lagoon. Cruzeiro and the monument offer two different views: one over Campia and the surrounding area, and the other from the hill across the village.
More Nature-Based Activities
The Reserva Botânica de Cambarinho area includes a picnic area, a children’s playground, a football pitch, a hiking trail and an interpretive trail. These facilities add more specific recreation options in the natural setting to the trails and river beach.
Discover more destinations: Queirã, Fataunços, Vouzela, São Miguel Do Mato, Figueiredo Das Donas
Go to the main travel overview: Vouzela.
