Moorish Route
To the cave and the Moorish castle of the hill
The Moorish Trail climbs up to Cerro de Penhas Juntas to visit the Gruta das Tintas and the remains of a Moorish fortification, offering a 360° view over the mountain ranges of Portugal and Spain. The return journey takes you via Falgueiras, along well-maintained forest paths.
- Activity
- Percurso Pedestre
- Distance
- 14,1 km
- Elevation gain
- 456 m
- Elevation loss
- 461 m
- Altitude
- 566–830 m
- Estimated time
- 4h30
- Route type
- Loop
- Best season
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Waymarked
- Yes
- Code
- PPR20
Centre: Vinhais
Centred on the imposing Cerro de Penhas Juntas, this route recovers its historical and archaeological value. From Penhas Juntas, by the Chapel of S. Sebastião, it heads south past the parish church and the cemetery, towards the hill from the southeast. It climbs the crags to the Cave of the Tints ("Buraco dos Mouros"), thought to be the source of pigments for the painting of the Igreja Matriz de S. Pedro (easy access, but with high stone steps — a handrail is suggested). The top holds remains of a Moorish fortification from before the founding of Portugal; the cave–castle access needs clearing for a full visit. From the summit, the 360° view is extraordinary: Serra da Coroa, Manzaneda (Spain), Serra da Nogueira, Serra de Bornes and Serra do Alvão. The descent heads to Falgueiras, on well-kept chestnut-grove paths. The final stretch enters Penhas Juntas from the east, by the Charquinha do Funil, a leisure area with a public pool.Quick answers
How long is the Moorish Route route and how much climbing does it have?
14.1 km, with 456 m of elevation gain. It is a loop route.
How long does the Moorish Route route take?
About 4h30 (estimated time).
When is the best time to ride or walk the Moorish Route route?
Recommended season: spring, summer, autumn.
Where does the Moorish Route route start?
The route belongs to the Vinhais centre.
Is the Moorish Route route waymarked?
Yes, the route is waymarked on the ground.
Where can I download the GPX for the Moorish Route route?
The GPX track is available at https://naturasports.pt/percurso/rota-dos-mouros/export-gpx.