The Jugueiros Levada Trail was one of the pleasant surprises of this year. Located in Felgueiras, this route is full of greenery, shade, flowing levadas alongside the path, and even waterfalls!
The trail, officially called PR3 Felgueiras, is about 8.3 km (5.2 mi) long and takes roughly 3 hours to complete, without significant challenges. There are some elevation changes, but nothing too daunting — it’s actually quite manageable for anyone used to hiking.
Starting and ending at Largo do Assento in Jugueiros makes things really convenient — there’s parking nearby, and it immediately gives you the urge to begin the adventure. Although not very well-known, we discovered that this is one of those trails that’s truly worth exploring, and it has become one of our favorites in northern Portugal.
Besides the levadas and waterfalls, the trail passes by the Medieval Bridge of Travassós and the old Calçada das Barrias — a perfect mix of history and nature in Felgueiras, all in one walk.
Jugueiros Levada Trail – General Information
- Name: Levada dos Jugueiros – PR3 Felgueiras
- Start: Largo do Assento, Jugueiros
- End: Largo do Assento, Jugueiros
- Distance: 8.3 km (5.2 mi)
- Estimated time: About 3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Max/Min altitude: 291/152 meters (955/499 ft)
- Altitude gain: 392 meters (1,286 ft)
- Type: Circular
- Signage (1-5): 5 — except for one or two spots, where the markers are hard to see
- Highlights: Calçada das Barrias, Barrios Waterfall, various levadas, Travassós Bridge
Our Experience on the Trail
The Jugueiros Levada Trail is a circular route, just over 8 km (5 mi), and can be done in either direction. The official guidance recommends going counterclockwise, but we went clockwise, and that’s how we’ll describe the hike.
Honestly, we followed this direction by chance — we got distracted and started the trail that way, and then didn’t want to turn back. The steepest section ends up being uphill, which is more tiring, but also less slippery than if it were downhill. We have no regrets and even recommend trying it this way, even though the official guidance suggests otherwise.
Leaving Largo do Assento, facing the information board, we turned right toward the Rio Ferro Bridge. Those who want to follow the official route should turn left and follow the trail markers.
Once at Rio Ferro, we crossed the modern bridge and followed the riverbank for about 1 km (0.6 mi) until reaching the Medieval Bridge of Travassós. This section is straightforward and pleasant to walk, though not particularly scenic.
After the bridge, we continued along rural and forest paths, starting a long—but gently inclined—climb up to the Parish Church of Jugueiros. There’s a café here where you can grab drinks and snacks. Turning left, we reached the Levada das Barrias, which was perhaps our favorite part of the trail.
It’s nearly 2 km (1.2 mi) walking along the levada, with some boardwalks in trickier sections, ending at the picnic area near Barrias Waterfall. At this time of year, the waterfall had little water, but the levadas still carried some flow.
The picnic area is roughly halfway through our walk, making it the perfect spot to rest, have a snack, and rehydrate.
Continuing, we reached the most challenging section of the trail: the medieval cobblestone path, followed by a stretch of dirt track. It’s less than 500 meters (0.3 mi) but fairly steep. Uphill isn’t a problem, but downhill, you need to be careful not to slip.
From there, we walked a few hundred meters along the Levada do Lourido before starting a steep descent to the Levada do Assento. In this section, you’ll come across some gates that must be opened and then closed to prevent animals from getting out.
The Levada do Assento runs parallel to the Bugio River for about 1.5 km (0.9 mi). It’s a flat, delightful, and scenic stretch, which could have been the highlight of the trail if it weren’t for the stunning Levada das Barrias we did earlier.
After the levada ended, we quickly entered the village and reached the endpoint (which is also the start) of this hike.
As we mentioned in the introduction, this trail really pleasantly surprised us. The sections along the levadas are long and beautiful, and there’s also a waterfall, a medieval cobblestone path, and a historic bridge along the way. Without a doubt, one of the best trails we’ve done this year.
Best Time of Year to Hike the Trail
The Jugueiros Levada Trail can be hiked year-round. Much of the trail goes through forest, which protects you from the sun, making it an excellent option for summer — as long as it’s not one of those 104°F (40°C) days.
We did this trail in summer on a particularly hot day, but since we started early and there was plenty of shade, it was enjoyable.
In winter or during rainy periods, be cautious when walking on the levadas, as there will likely be more water, and we recommend wearing hiking boots. Spring is probably the ideal season for this trail, as the levadas and waterfalls carry a lot of water and look spectacular.
Who Can Hike the Trail?
This is a trail with a relatively low difficulty level. There are two steeper climbs, but they are short and not technically challenging. Some attention is needed on the levada sections, as they are narrow and slipping or falling is possible.
It is therefore suitable for anyone used to hiking and without mobility or flexibility issues. It’s also perfectly possible to do with children, as long as they’re used to this kind of activity.
What to Bring
There’s at least one small café along the trail and another near Largo do Assento at the start/end. Still, we recommend bringing everything you might need. Specifically:
- Water (about a liter per person)
- Snacks
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Comfortable clothing
- A rain jacket in winter
- Swimwear, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen in summer
- Camera and phone, as there are lots of opportunities for great photos; the phone can also be used as a GPS.
- A small backpack to carry everything
As always, please don’t litter. Take everything you bring with you.
How to Get to the Trail
The trail starts and ends at Largo do Assento in Jugueiros, Felgueiras. There you’ll find the trail information board and a few parking spaces. There aren’t many, but it’s unlikely the trail will be crowded.
Largo do Assento in Jugueiros is about 60–65 km (37–40 mi) from Porto and less than 40 km (25 mi) from Braga. From Porto, the easiest way is to go to Felgueiras and take the national road 101. Before reaching Rio Vizela, there’s a sign for Largo do Assento/Jugueiros.
From Braga, head toward Guimarães, then take the same national 101, now toward Felgueiras. After crossing Rio Vizela, turn toward Largo do Assento/Jugueiros.
Where to Stay When Doing the Jugueiros Levada Trail
This is a half-day trail, so you only need to stay nearby if you want to. It’s perfectly possible to do a round trip from Porto, Braga, Guimarães, Viana, etc.
Still, if you want to stay close to the trail, the map below shows the nearest accommodations and prices.
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