
Covelo de Paivó
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
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking

Covelo de Paivó
Best Time
Pleasant temperatures for hiking
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.
"A truly magical escape into nature and history, with breathtaking trails leading to an abandoned village."

🥾 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
Covelo de Paivó
A traditional village with a rich history, Regoufe is a charming starting point for exploring the Arouca Geopark's natural wonders.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Trails
Village Charm & Connectivity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 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.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps of the area downloaded before you set off.
🚗 Parking at Regoufe
Park near 'O Mineiro' restaurant or at VVH9+J5P for the Drave trail.
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!
💧 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.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Mobile signal can be unreliable. Ensure you have offline maps of the area downloaded before you set off.
🚗 Parking at Regoufe
Park near 'O Mineiro' restaurant or at VVH9+J5P for the Drave trail.
✨ Embrace the Magic
Drave is known as a 'Magical Village.' Take your time to soak in the atmosphere and history.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Public transport options are limited and infrequent. It's highly recommended to have your own vehicle for flexibility and to reach trailheads easily.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Poço Verde is a natural attraction and does not have an entrance fee. Access is free as part of the natural landscape.
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.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
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.
📸 Photographers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Hiking to the Magical Village of Drave
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.
Discovering Poço Verde
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.
The Charm of Traditional Villages
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.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit