The PR1 trail in Santo Tirso is one of the best-known hikes in the municipality, and it quickly became one of our new favorites. Interestingly, I’m from Santo Tirso, and this route passes very close to where I spent my childhood… and yet, I had never done it before. It’s amazing how we often go out exploring the world and forget to discover the little paradises we have right on our doorstep.
The Pre-Industrial Historic Trail is a circular route of 7.1 km (4.4 miles), with moderate difficulty (rated 3 out of 5). It takes us on a journey through time and the natural landscape of Santo Tirso. Over approximately 3 to 4 hours, we follow paths that reveal the region’s historical, environmental, and cultural richness.
In this article, we’ll share all the details about PR1 STS – Pre-Industrial Historic Trail, including practical information, points of interest, and tips to help you make the most of this hike that blends history, culture, and stunning scenery.
Pre-Industrial Historical Trail – General information
- Name: PR1 STS – Pre-Industrial Historic Trail
- Start: Carvalhal de Valinhas, next to the chapel
- End: Carvalhal de Valinhas, next to the chapel
- Distance: 7.1 km (4.4 miles)
- Estimated time: 3 to 4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to difficult, especially due to the steep ascent near the waterfall
- Max/min elevation: N/A
- Elevation gain: N/A
- Type: Circular
- Waymarking (1–5): 4
- Highlights: Pereiras Hydraulic System; Valinhas Watermills; Fervença Waterfalls; Monte Padrão Hillfort; Leça River
- Download the trail brochure here.
Our Experience on the Trail
We rarely hike in large groups, but this one was an exception. We did this trail during the April 25th celebrations, organized by the Santo Tirso City Council. One of these days, we’ll definitely return—it’s close by and well worth the visit!
The trail starts in Carvalhal de Valinhas, where you’ll find a lovely picnic area with tables and plenty of shade. It’s also quite remarkable during the summer, making it one of the nicest outdoor spots in the municipality. There’s also an information board marking the start of the route.
Since this is a circular trail, you can do it in either direction, but we’ll describe it the way we did it — counterclockwise.
In this direction, the hike begins with a descent through rural and forest paths until you reach Ponte das Cabras, the first significant bridge over the Leça River. It’s about 1,000 meters (0.6 miles) of descent, but it’s a pleasant and easy walk.
This bridge marks the end of the Fervença Waterfalls and the point where the Leça River becomes much calmer. Before reaching the bridge, you must turn left onto the riverbank. From here, you begin to climb along the edge of the Leça and enjoy the long Fervença Waterfalls.
Although relatively unknown, the Fervença Waterfalls are spectacular, especially after a few days of rain. This succession of small waterfalls (between 5 and 10 meters / 16 to 33 feet) results from a geological fault in the Leça River.
Fortunately, the trail runs along the river, so you can admire the various falls from different angles. Midway, there’s even a bridge where you can cross and enjoy both upstream and downstream views.
Climbing past the waterfalls is the most challenging part of the hike, technically and physically, but probably also the most beautiful. After the falls, the trail veers slightly away from the river and continues to climb, though more gently, until you reach Pereiras, home to the hydraulic sawmill.
The Pereiras Hydraulic Sawmill is a remarkable example of pre-industrial architecture. It was used to saw wood for industrial and domestic purposes and was powered entirely by water.
The trail then leads through rural paths in Monte Córdova until you reach the well-known Monte Padrão, where you’ll find the hillfort, an interpretive center, and a small chapel. The center is open and provides information about the area’s historical occupation.
Monte Padrão Hillfort is the highest point on this trail. In addition to the ruins, which date back to the Late Bronze Age, the site offers fantastic views over the region. Monte Padrão has been classified as a National Monument since 1922.
From Monte Padrão, we descended via the alternative forest route back to Carvalhal de Valinhas. Even though it’s a fairly long descent, it’s technically and physically easy.
The official route is slightly longer, as it continues descending before climbing again to return to Valinhas. Although it’s the marked trail, it doesn’t add much to the experience, so we recommend taking the direct path down to Valinhas. Both paths are clearly marked, and the options are on the trail brochure.
In conclusion, this is a relatively short trail, but full of striking points of interest — both natural and historical. Along the way, you’ll be surprised by the beautiful Leça River, an impressive waterfall, the ancient Monte Padrão Hillfort, and the ingenious hydraulic sawmill and old watermills that highlight the region’s traditional water use.
Best Time of Year to Hike This Trail
This trail can be done year-round, but it does require some precautions depending on the season.
Summer is a good time to hike here since much of the trail is shaded, which helps mitigate the summer heat. However, during this season, the Fervença Waterfalls usually have very little water, which takes away from their spectacular appearance.
In winter, it’s likely to be quite cold, and you might encounter frost or a lot of water along the trail. The waterfalls will flow strongly, but the climb can become slippery and potentially dangerous due to wet and muddy terrain.
In spring, the waterfalls typically still have plenty of water, but temperatures are milder. If you choose the right day, you can enjoy sunny weather and make the most of this hike.
Who Can Hike This Trail?
Overall, the trail isn’t very long or challenging, but the climb near the Fervença Waterfalls is quite steep and can even be dangerous for those who aren’t agile or used to mountain trails.
With that in mind, we recommend this hike for people accustomed to walking or hiking and advise extra caution near the waterfalls. That said, when we did this hike as part of a group, there were around 200 people, and everyone completed it without incident.
What to Bring
This is a relatively short trail and can easily be done in a morning or afternoon, so there’s no need to bring too much.
- Water (around 1 liter per person)
- Snacks
- Comfortable hiking shoes
- Comfortable clothing
- Rain jacket (in winter)
- Sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen (in summer)
- Camera and phone – there are plenty of great photo opportunities. Your phone can also be useful as a GPS.
- A small backpack to carry everything
As always, please don’t litter. Take everything you brought with you back home.
How to Get to the Trail
The starting point of the PR1 trail is at the Parque de Lazer de Nossa Senhora de Valinhas, near the chapel with the same name. Both are visible from the road and easy to spot. There’s also a parking lot with several spaces.
Santo Tirso is about 25 km (15.5 miles) from Porto, and you can get there via the A3 highway or the N105 national road.
To reach the trailhead, head towards Santo Tirso and follow the signs to Monte Córdova, then continue on to Valinhas. If you’re coming via the N105, you don’t need to enter Santo Tirso itself – you can turn toward Monte Córdova earlier and find the Valinhas park on your right.
- Coordinates: Latitude: 41.305067; Longitude: -8.449997
- [Click here to go to the trailhead at Parque de Lazer de Valinhas]
Where to Stay in Santo Tirso?
As mentioned above, Santo Tirso is quite close to both Porto and Braga, so it’s perfectly possible to stay in either city and do this hike in just a morning or afternoon. However, if you’d like to explore other attractions in Santo Tirso, it’s best to stay in town.
- The most well-known and reputable hotel in Santo Tirso is Hotel Cidnay, located in the city center. It’s a charming, very comfortable boutique hotel and our top recommendation for those who want to stay there. [Check photos and book here.]
- If you’re looking for a slightly more budget-friendly alternative to Hotel Cidnay, consider Solar S. Bento. It’s located by the Ave River, just outside the city center, near the urban park and the Monastery of São Bento. [Learn more and book here.]
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