Trail of the Gaios

Category: Culture and Entertainment > Theme Park

District: Coimbra > Tábua > Midões > Vale de Gaios

Location:

The Gaios Trail is located in the Vale de Gaios area, which is part of the locality of Midões, in the municipality of Tábua. This area is set in a rural landscape characteristic of the Beira Alta region.

The path primarily runs along the bed of the Cavalos River, a tributary of the Mondego River. Its proximity to the small village of Vale de Gaios and its river beach marks a convenient access point, especially for those wishing to explore the trail's most famous section, renowned for its boardwalks.

A Path of Nature:

Walking the Gaios Trail means experiencing the region's natural environment up close. The path traverses forested areas where green dominates, offering an immersive experience with the scents and sounds of nature.

Along the river, vegetation forms dense riparian galleries, creating wetlands important for local biodiversity. In these environments, it is possible to observe a variety of plant species and avifauna, such as riparian birds that find shelter and food here.

The Disappearing River and the Boardwalks:

One of the most unique elements of the Gaios Trail is the behavior of the Cavalos River. In certain sections, the river flows between large granite rock formations and appears to disappear beneath them, with only the murmur of the water being heard.

To allow exploration of this riverside scenery, wooden boardwalks were constructed. These elevated paths, notable for their varied colors, follow the river, sometimes along its banks or even above the water and rocks, providing distinct perspectives on the landscape. Along the boardwalks, small waterfalls and tranquil water areas can be observed.

Footprints of Rural History:

The Gaios Trail also preserves traces of the region's history and traditional activities. Along the course of the Cavalos River, ancient watermills and traditional water-powered structures can be found.

These structures, now disused, are testaments to the river's past importance for local communities, reflecting rural ingenuity in harnessing water power. Also present in the landscape are old bridges that tell the story of connections and crossings throughout the centuries.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt