Corgo Greenway

The Ecopista do Corgo recovers part of the old Corgo railway line, which linked Régua to Chaves. Today it starts at Abambres, in the municipality of Vila Real, and heads north through Vila Pouca de Aguiar to Chaves, where it connects with Verín, in Spain, by way of the international Tâmega and Corgo greenway. Infraestruturas de Portugal lists it at about 64 kilometres.

It is a panoramic route. The Corgo river keeps the traveller company, with the Marão and Alvão mountains and the Aguiar valley as a backdrop, and farmland, vineyards and fruit trees whose colours change through the seasons. In the municipality of Vila Pouca de Aguiar alone the path covers about 23 kilometres and passes through several villages.

The path can be used on foot, by bicycle or on horseback. Old stations survive along the way, including those of Vila Pouca de Aguiar and Pedras Salgadas, the latter now a welcome centre for the greenway. The spa towns of Pedras Salgadas, Vidago and Chaves, known for their thermal waters, make natural stops, and the route also crosses the Portuguese Interior Way of St James.

The greenway took third place in the Excellence category of the 12th European Greenways Award. It can be joined at Abambres, just outside Vila Real, or at any of the former stations further north.