São Mamede de Ribatua walkways: a new trail to discover the Tua Valley

Azeite a Norte Blog
Mar 4
3 min read

There are trails that are walked. And there are trails that are felt. Northern Portugal has known how to create the latter, and São Mamede de Ribatua has just gained another reason to be put on the map for those seeking authentic nature, fresh air, and landscapes that will stay in your memory.

A 3.5 km route between the Roman bridge and the Tua reservoir

On March 29, 2026, the Municipality of Alijó officially opened the Ribeira de São Mamede de Ribatua walkways to the public, a new nature tourism facility integrated into the Ribeira de São Mamede de Ribatua Environmental and Landscape Requalification project [1].

The approximately 3.5-kilometer-long route combines sections on elevated platforms with dirt footpaths—a solution that ensures accessibility and safety without compromising contact with the landscape. The starting point is located next to the Roman bridge of Ribatua, a historical landmark that alone justifies a visit, and the trail follows the river to the Tua River reservoir, where the valley opens up in all its magnificence [1].

What to see and feel along the walkways

Along the way, visitors are invited to discover a territory of rare beauty: dense riverside vegetation, local fauna, the sound of water, and the terraced vineyards that characterize this Transmontane landscape of ancient heritage—the same heritage that gave rise to an olive oil of unparalleled quality. The connection between nature, agricultural landscape, and history is total and unavoidable here.

The inauguration on March 29th coincides with the Tua Hiking Festival

The opening date is no coincidence. The inauguration coincides with the start of the 4th edition of the Tua Hiking Festival, promoted by the Vale do Tua Regional Natural Park and Portugal NTN, which begins in the municipality of Alijó on the weekend of March 28 and 29 [1,2].

The inaugural hike will be an 8-kilometer circular route, which includes crossing the new walkways — a special way to inaugurate the trail with community, movement and celebration of the territory. For those who want to combine the inauguration with the full festival experience, this is the right weekend to mark on the calendar.

Alijó, a territory that grows through routes and experiences

This new trail is now part of Alijó's municipal network of pedestrian routes, which already has 20 approved trails, distributed across the municipality's 14 parishes, along more than 200 kilometers of marked paths [1].

A territory designed to be experienced on foot, at the pace of the Tua Valley — where every bend in the road reveals a village, a centuries-old olive tree, an olive press, a flavor. The Azeite a Norte (Olive Oil in the North) has a natural destination partner here: Alijó is also a territory of olive oil and olive groves, and combining hiking with a visit to local producers is an experience that few territories in Portugal can offer with this authenticity.

Add to your itinerary: how to get there and when to go

Opening date: March 29, 2026
Length: ~3.5 km (walkways + dirt track)
Starting point: Ribeira de São Mamede, next to the Roman bridge of Ribatua, Alijó
Final destination: Tua River reservoir
Difficulty: Low to moderate — suitable for families and hikers of all levels
Context: Tua Valley Regional Natural Park