F12

Poços do Rio Teixeira

Description

Considered one of the best preserved rivers in Europe, the Teixeira river has some of the most beautiful natural pools of Portugal, called “wells” (poços) in the region. Right under the bridge on the Teixeira is located a large well, tightened between the narrow gorge carved out on the rock by erosion of the river in the last 2 million years. Upstream, on the border between São Pedro do Sul municipality and Vale de Cambra municipality, and at the Agualva’s river mouth, into the river Teixeira, is the cascade of the Two Rivers, which can be accessed from the A13, following the path of Cercal for Teixeira’s small dam. On the way to Paraduça village, right next to the bridge over the river Paraduça, is another magnificent well with azure water reflections.

Natural Patrimony

The biodiversity of these wells is surprising and, by its scarcity and originality, more emphasis must be given to the adernal forest that, in about 3 km lenght, has an almost continuous cover embracing this reliquial formation of subtropical forests that once covered the region. Taking refuge in the embedded valley of the Teixeira river, we can find green olive trees, myrtle, strawberry tree, common holly, narrow-leaved mock privet, mediterranean buckthorn, bay laurel, laurestine, tutsan and occasionally europe an chain fern. Among the invertebrates, stand out the river cruisers dragonfly (protected dragonfly) and the foxy emperor, the largest butterfly of Portugal. On the river, it is easy to see the restless white-throated dipper and on the banks, the eurasian nuthatch and the great spotted woodpecker can be heard singing. The iberian paradise lily, rare usual mountain plant is further downstream, one of the only favorable habitats in the region.

Cultural Patrimony

The Paraduça path connects the village of Paraduça with São João da Serra, crossing mountains, valleys and borders to establish commercial relations between these villages and sharing both the same river Teixeira. Even today it is said that in gone by times that was the way to take the cow to the ox. Today almost no one goes that way, but still keeps in their stones old memories and gives us an unparalleled view over the river Teixeira valley.

Localization

Technical information

  • Level of Dificulty Medium
  • Type of Route Wavy
  • Access Car/Pedestrian