From the village of Besteiros you walk through a rolling landscape flanked by eucalyptus and pine forests in the direction of the Spanish border. In the valley of the Ribeira do Soverete there is a small colony of griffon vultures in the quartzite slopes. At the turning point of the route is the chapel of Nossa Senhora Da Lapa. This old chapel hides behind the altar, the entrance to a cave where it is possible to view murals from a few thousand years ago. The griffon vultures that fly under you and the view give this place an extra dimension. The way back goes to the Mouro valley and past meadows with grazing goats.
Distance: 10 km.
Time: 3h30.
Grade: Moderate.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: No.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed.
Height gain: 395 meters.
Trail: 100% unpaved.
Marking: Yellow - red and signs PR1-PTG.
Hiking shoes recommended.
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Following the pilgrims.
From the village of Besteiros you walk towards the Spanish border, walking up and down hills covered with forests of cork oak, eucalyptus and pines. In the valley of the Ribeira do Soverete there is a small colony of griffon vultures in the quartzite slopes. Notre Senhora Da Lapa chapel stands at the turning point of the route, almost with one foot in Spain. The route back goes up and down hills, through pine and eucalyptus forests to the valley of Mouro. Further down the cork oaks give way to meadows grazed by goats.
Take enough drinking water along.
POI 1 - Nossa Senhora da Lapa.
The Santuário da Senhora da Lapa sanctuary shows baroque and Filipino influences. The sanctuary was built in the second half of the 17th century on the rocks where, according to tradition, the Blessed Virgin appears. Inside you will notice a wooden statue of the Virgin and a valuable silver collection, donated by King D. Pedro II. There are also ex-votos of silk from the 17th and 18th centuries, donated by students from Coimbra and Salamanca. Nearby is a large building, the former college built by the Jesuits. The building is connected to the sanctuary by a corridor and has a granite base.
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