Around Avô
In the heart of Central Portugal (Beiras), in a valley of the pretty Alva river, lies the beautiful village of Avô.
Avô
The region is know for its green valleys (olive trees, pine trees, fruit trees) in between many hills, surrounded by the Serra da Estrela mountains, the Serra do Caramulo and Serra do Açor.
An ideal environment for people looking for nice walks, take a swim in one of the little rivers, horseback-riding, or just enjoy the quiet every day village-life.
In Avô the river Alva and the Ribeira coming from Pomares come together in the center of the village and created a little island O Picoto. A very popular place to swim for many local and foreign visitors in the summer.
Fraga da Pena
The village has a few small supermarkets, bars, restaurants, a post office, a health center and a bank with cash point.
Oliveira do Hospital (10 km) is the nearest bigger town with supermarkets etc.
The island of Picoto, the little streets, the old houses, the ruins of the old castle and the river with its typical bridges, make Avô into a very picturesque nice little village you will not easily forget.
In the region are many nice places to visit. Like as:
Coimbra: beautiful old town with the eldest university of Europe
Parc of Buçaco: parc with very special unique trees from all over the world. The parc has been created by monks, visiting the old monastry for centuries.
Piódão
Piódão: national monument, village totally created out of slate.
Fraga da Pena, waterfalls, part of the national park Mata da Margaraça.
Nossa Senhora das Preces, 12 little chapels reminding the catholic traditions in Portugal.
How to get in Avô?
Links to sites about the region
www.portugaltravelguide.com
www.portugalwalks.com