If you’re looking for a peaceful escape surrounded by nature and tradition, Sistelo —often called the Portuguese Tibet —should be on your travel list. This small village, located in Arcos de Valdevez, in the heart of Peneda-Gerês National Park, offers breathtaking landscapes and a deep connection with Portugal’s rural heritage.
We had the chance to visit Sistelo in June 2018, and in this post, we want to share our personal experience exploring this peaceful and picturesque place.
Why is Sistelo Known as the Portuguese Tibet?
As we approached the village, the landscape slowly transformed into something truly special—terraced fields carved into the hillsides, creating a view that immediately reminded us of the landscapes seen in Tibet. These terraces were built by local farmers over generations, making it possible to grow crops even on the steep slopes of the region. It’s a beautiful example of how humans and nature can work together in harmony.
First Impressions of Sistelo
Sistelo is a small village, and that’s part of its charm. Everything feels quiet, natural, and untouched. There’s only one restaurant, a small church, a castle (which was closed when we visited), and the famous granaries (espigueiros). From every corner of the village, we could enjoy stunning views of the surrounding green hills and valleys.
Hiking Trails and the Famous “Trilho dos Passadiços”
Sistelo has become popular for its hiking trails, attracting both locals and tourists. One of the most well-known is the “Trilho dos Passadiços”, a wooden walkway trail of around 2 kilometers that follows the Vez River.Unfortunately, we arrived in the village a bit late and the weather was extremely hot, so we decided not to do the trail. Still, we read that it’s best done in the early morning, as there are shaded areas that make the hike more comfortable.
Miradouro da Estrica
One of our favorite moments was visiting the Miradouro da Estrica, a viewpoint just a few kilometers from the village. The view was absolutely breathtaking. On the way there, we were surprised (and delighted) by cows grazing freely by the roadside. They seemed completely used to seeing tourists and didn’t mind our presence at all!
Is Sistelo worth visiting?
Yes, definitely!We truly enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the village, walking through its quiet streets, relaxing by the river, and just soaking in the nature around us. Sistelo is the perfect place if you’re looking to disconnect from busy everyday life and enjoy a slow, authentic travel experience in the Portuguese countryside.
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