Covelo de Paivó Village - Image 1
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Covelo de Paivó

4.6
·491k reviews·Arouca, Portugal

Discover the 'Magical Village' of Drave and the emerald waters of Poço Verde. Hike through stunning mountain landscapes in the Arouca Geopark.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant temperatures for hiking

CrowdLow
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Covelo de Paivó Village - Image 1

Covelo de Paivó

Best Time

Spring & Autumn mornings

Pleasant temperatures for hiking

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the 'Magical Village' of Drave and the emerald waters of Poço Verde. Hike through stunning mountain landscapes in the Arouca Geopark.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A truly magical escape into nature and history, with breathtaking trails leading to an abandoned village."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 Essential Hiking Gear

Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the trails to Drave and Poço Verde. Pack layers and rain gear!

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Hydration is key on the trails. There are limited places to refill, so carry more than you think you'll need.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Aldeia Mágica de Drave

Aldeia Mágica de Drave

Near Covelo de Paivó

A captivating abandoned village, Drave offers a glimpse into the past amidst stunning natural beauty. Explore its stone houses and feel the magic.

Poço Verde de Drave

Poço Verde de Drave

Near Drave village

Discover this enchanting emerald-green pool, a hidden gem fed by the Ribeira de Palhais. Perfect for a refreshing dip on a warm day.

Regoufe Village

Regoufe Village

Covelo de Paivó

A traditional village with a rich history, Regoufe is a charming starting point for exploring the Arouca Geopark's natural wonders.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Trails

Covelo de Paivó is a hiker's paradise. Prepare for moderate to challenging trails, especially the popular route to Drave. Wear sturdy hiking boots and pack plenty of water, as amenities can be scarce along the paths. Check weather forecasts before you go, as conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.

Village Charm & Connectivity

While Covelo de Paivó offers a serene escape, mobile signal can be spotty. Download offline maps and any essential information before you arrive. Embrace the tranquility and disconnect to truly appreciate the natural beauty and the traditional villages like Regoufe and Drave.

Best Times

When
Spring & Autumn mornings
Why
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Cool off at Poço Verde
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Ribeira de Palhais - Drave (Aldeia Mágica) - Covelo do Paivó - Arouca http://aroucageopark.pt/pt/explorar/o-que-visitar/aldeias-tradicionais/drave/ #ribeiradepalhais #aldeiamagica #drave #arouca #covelodopaivo #montanhasmagicas #aroucageopark #portugal #portugaldenorteasul #sharing_portugal #discoverportugal #portugaltravel #aldeiasdeportugal #percursospedestres #trilhosdeportugal #Trekking...
caminheirogastronomico
5 likes • 95 views

🥾 Essential Hiking Gear

Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the trails to Drave and Poço Verde. Pack layers and rain gear! Instagram+1

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Hydration is key on the trails. There are limited places to refill, so carry more than you think you'll need. Instagram

Poço Verde Serra da Arada União de freguesias de Covelo do Paivó e Janarde Concelho de Arouca #portugal #nortedeportugal #arouca #aveiro #aveiroportugal #aroucageopark #natureza #naturezaperfeita #nature #naturelovers #water #waterfall #cachoeira #cascata #cascatasdeportugal #bestofportugal
joao.campos.39545
37 likes • 626 views
Depois de fazermos o trilho do Covelo de Paivó a nossa recompensa foi este sítio lindíssimo 💚 #olhosnotrilho . . #river #viagem #viajar_emportugal #rio #covelodepaivo #drave #portugaldenorteasul #vacation #van #vanlife #explore #mountains #outdoors #hiking #hikingcouple #wild #travel #roadtrip #adventure #nature #love #beautifull #naturelovers #outdoor #backpacking #backpackingcouple #decathlon ...
olhosnotrilho
38 likes • 1.5K views

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Mobile signal can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps of the area downloaded before you set off. Reddit

🚗 Parking at Regoufe

Park near 'O Mineiro' restaurant or at VVH9+J5P for the Drave trail. Instagram

🌳Sugestão de férias do nosso associado Rodrigo Prieto. 🏡Regoufe é uma aldeia tradicional do Arouca Geopark e fica situada na serra de Arada, na União de freguesias de Covelo de Paivó e Janarde, nas denominadas Montanhas Mágicas. A história de Regoufe já vem da pré-história, devido à presença de mamoas. Também os visigodos deixaram a sua marca, principalmente na toponímia, como é o caso do nome da ...
lad.associacao
9 likes • 269 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🥾 Essential Hiking Gear

Sturdy hiking boots are a must for the trails to Drave and Poço Verde. Pack layers and rain gear! Instagram+1

💧 Bring Plenty of Water

Hydration is key on the trails. There are limited places to refill, so carry more than you think you'll need. Instagram

🗺️ Download Offline Maps

Mobile signal can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps of the area downloaded before you set off. Reddit

🚗 Parking at Regoufe

Park near 'O Mineiro' restaurant or at VVH9+J5P for the Drave trail. Instagram

✨ Embrace the Magic

Drave is known as a 'Magical Village.' Take your time to soak in the atmosphere and history. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the magical, abandoned village of Drave and the stunning natural beauty of Poço Verde. The hiking trails are a major draw, offering a rewarding experience for nature lovers. Some note the challenging terrain and limited amenities, emphasizing the need for preparation.

What People Like

Magical Drave village
Beautiful Poço Verde
Scenic hiking trails

What People Dislike

Limited amenities
Challenging terrain

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Covelo de Paivó is best accessed by car. It's located within the Arouca Geopark in northern Portugal. From Porto, it's approximately a 1.5-hour drive. Consider using GPS coordinates for precise navigation, as rural roads can be winding. Instagram+1

Public transport options are limited and infrequent. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle for flexibility and to reach trailheads easily. Reddit

The most popular way to reach Drave is via a marked hiking trail (PR14) starting from Regoufe, near Covelo de Paivó. This is a linear trail, approximately 8 km each way. Instagram

Driving directly to Drave is not recommended or feasible for most vehicles due to the nature of the access paths. The trail from Regoufe is the primary access. Instagram

While not explicitly advertised for Covelo de Paivó itself, local tour operators in the Arouca region may offer guided hikes to Drave or other points of interest within the Geopark. It's worth checking with local tourism offices. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Covelo de Paivó, Regoufe, or the abandoned village of Drave. Access to the natural areas and trails is free. Instagram+1

Drave is an abandoned village and is accessible at any time. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the surroundings. Instagram

Parking in the village of Regoufe, near the trailhead for Drave, is generally free. However, always be mindful of local signage and designated parking areas. Instagram

Poço Verde is a natural attraction and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free as part of the natural landscape. Instagram

The Arouca Geopark is a vast natural area with many attractions. Most natural sites like Drave and Poço Verde are free to access. Specific visitor centers or museums within the park might have fees. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Covelo de Paivó is primarily a gateway to incredible natural landscapes and hiking trails. The main attractions are the hike to the magical village of Drave and the beautiful Poço Verde waterfall. Instagram+2

The hike to Drave is a moderate, linear trail of about 8 km each way, taking around 1.5 hours per direction. It involves some uphill sections and offers stunning mountain scenery. Instagram

Drave is an abandoned village, often referred to as a 'Magical Village.' It's a fascinating place to explore its old stone houses and imagine life there in the past. Instagram+1

Poço Verde is a stunning natural pool with emerald-green waters, located near Drave. It's a picturesque spot, perfect for photos and a refreshing dip if the weather permits. Instagram+1

Facilities are very limited. There might be a restaurant near the Regoufe trailhead ('O Mineiro'). Drave itself is an abandoned village with no services. Bring all your supplies. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The abandoned village of Drave offers incredibly atmospheric shots with its stone houses and natural surroundings. Poço Verde is also a highly photogenic spot with its vibrant green water. Instagram+2

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful golden hour shots, especially in the natural landscapes. Midday can be harsh but still works for capturing the unique character of Drave. Instagram

While drone footage can capture the scale of the Arouca Geopark, be aware of any local regulations regarding drone usage in natural parks. Many stunning shots can be achieved with a standard camera. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and the village of Drave. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of Poço Verde. Instagram

The trails themselves offer numerous viewpoints. As you approach Drave, the village unfolds beautifully. The area around Poço Verde provides excellent vantage points for capturing the waterfall and pool. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families, the hike to Drave might be a bit challenging for very young children due to its length and moderate difficulty. However, the allure of an 'abandoned magical village' can be a great motivator. Consider carrying younger children or opting for shorter walks within the Regoufe area. Poço Verde offers a beautiful natural spot, but supervision is essential around water. Instagram

Packing plenty of snacks and water is crucial, as amenities are scarce. The adventure of exploring the old stone houses in Drave can spark imagination, making it a memorable experience. Ensure everyone wears comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for uneven terrain. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts

Covelo de Paivó is a dream destination for hikers. The PR14 trail to Drave is a must-do, offering a rewarding journey through stunning mountain landscapes. For those seeking more, the Arouca Geopark boasts numerous other trails, including those leading to waterfalls and viewpoints. Instagram+1

Be prepared for varying terrain and weather conditions. Carrying a good map, compass, or GPS device is advisable, as mobile service can be intermittent. The opportunity to explore unique natural formations like Poço Verde and discover abandoned villages like Drave makes this region a true gem for outdoor adventurers. Instagram+1

📸 Photographers

The visual appeal of Covelo de Paivó and its surroundings is immense. Drave, with its ancient stone structures set against a natural backdrop, offers incredible photographic opportunities, especially for those interested in abandoned places and atmospheric shots. Instagram+1

Poço Verde's vibrant emerald waters provide a stunning contrast and a unique subject. The surrounding mountain scenery and traditional villages like Regoufe also offer picturesque scenes. Golden hour light can enhance the beauty of the landscapes, making early mornings and late afternoons ideal for capturing the best shots. Instagram+1

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Hiking to the Magical Village of Drave

The trek to Drave is a highlight for many visitors to Covelo de Paivó. This popular trail, often designated as PR14, is a linear route of approximately 8 kilometers each way, typically taking around 1.5 hours to complete in each direction. The path is considered moderately difficult, with some initial uphill climbs that require a reasonable level of fitness. Along the way, hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Serra da Arada mountains and the lush Portuguese countryside. Instagram

As you approach Drave, the landscape transforms, revealing the unique charm of this abandoned village. Its stone houses, some remarkably preserved, stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. Exploring Drave feels like stepping back in time, offering a profound sense of peace and discovery. It's crucial to wear sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain can be uneven, and to carry sufficient water and snacks, as there are no services available within the village or along most of the trail. Instagram+1

Discovering Poço Verde

Nestled within the natural beauty surrounding Covelo de Paivó, Poço Verde is a truly enchanting destination. This natural pool, fed by the Ribeira de Palhais, is renowned for its striking emerald-green waters, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers alike, offering a serene and picturesque setting. Instagram+1

The journey to Poço Verde often complements the visit to Drave, as they are located in the same general area within the Arouca Geopark. The natural beauty of the area makes it ideal for a refreshing dip during warmer months, though caution is advised as the rocks can be slippery. The vibrant color of the water is particularly captivating, making it a must-see for anyone exploring this region of Portugal. Instagram+1

The Charm of Traditional Villages

Covelo de Paivó is part of a region dotted with traditional Portuguese villages, each with its own unique character and history. Regoufe, for instance, is a notable village within the União de Freguesias de Covelo de Paivó e Janarde. Its history stretches back to prehistoric times, with evidence of ancient settlements, and it also bears the mark of Visigothic presence. Instagram

These villages, often nestled within the 'Montanhas Mágicas' (Magical Mountains) of the Arouca Geopark, offer a glimpse into rural Portuguese life. They are characterized by their stone architecture, tranquil atmosphere, and deep connection to the surrounding natural environment. Visiting these villages provides a cultural counterpoint to the adventurous hikes, allowing visitors to appreciate the heritage and enduring spirit of the region. Instagram+1

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