In the North of Portugal, you find a small village called Sistelo, also known as the Portuguese Tibet. We visited this village in June 2018 and, on this post, we will talk about our visit to this special place in Portugal.
Located in the heart of the National Park of Peneda-Gerês, in the county f Arcos de Valdevez, our ride was full of dazzling natural landscapes. The approach to the village was announced by the characteristic landscape, land in terraces, that gives this town the name of Portugese Tibet. These terraces are the result of the interaction between man and nature. ver the years, the farmers shaped land in terraces in order to counter the slopes. This way, they were able to increase the aviable space for their crops.
Sistelo is a small village and it is in perfect harmony with nature. There is only one restaurant, a Castle (which was closed when we visited Sistelo), a small church and the famous granaries. From all these places, we can always enjoy the natural views.
Currently, Sistelo is much visited by numerous tracks worshiped by young and old. These have different degrees of difficulty, the most well known being the “Trilho dos Passadiços”. It is a 2km course, along the banks of River Vez. We chose not to make the track because we arrived a late in the village and it was very hot! Although the track has many areas of shadows, the ideal is to make it early in the morning.
Miradouro da Estrica
A few kilometers from Sistelo, we find Miradouro da Estrica, where you can admire a panoramic view of the surroundings. On the way to the Miradouro, we were surprised by the grazing cows, which are already used to the tourists.
Is Sistelo worth visiting?
In our opinion, yes! In Sistelo, you can stroll in the quiet streets of the village, picnic in the calm of nature, dive in Rio Vez and discover the numerous tracks. If you want to escape the routine of everyday life, this is the perfect match for you.
Like this post? Pin it!
