The mariolas or bruxas (witches) are structures of stone that serve to mark the paths and guide the shepherds. On the plateau of Arada, still today serve as reference to hikers and shepherds, having been recovered three of these, near the village of Arada. On the other side of the mountain range, near Fragoselas village, is another mariola along the path that connects the village to Covas do Monte. These structures in stone can reach more than 5 meters in height, and are stacked with great skill and ingenuity. Among them there are also chairs and shelters made in stone to protect the pastors in the days of storm or the rovers who venture into these hills.
The Arada plateau is rocky and arid, with gorse and heather dominating the heathland and rocky germander occupying the large rocky outcrops. This is the ideal habitat for the snub-nosed viper and the common rock thrush, remarkable species difficult to observe. In the rivers that descend to the Vouga, the lote tree takes place in mountain riparian galleries,riparian galleries, while the white-throated dipper feeds in the higher turbulence areas of the river. Next to Arada you can observe the Carvalhais’ tectonic basin geosite, wide depression that descends into the 400-450 meters, starting from the Arada plateau 950-1000 meters above.
The typical village of Fujaco is encased in the hillside of the Arada, at the bottom of a very rocky valley. The houses are all of schist and the roofs of slate, which harmonizes completely the village with the surrounding nature. The inhabitants dedicate themselves, above all, to agriculture (corn, potatoes, beans, vineyard), livestock (sheep and goats), and also to beekeeping.