Sistelo
A mountain village nicknamed the 'Little Tibet of Portugal', with layers of stone terraces spreading along the Vez River valley; once named one of Portugal's Seven Rural Wonders.
Sistelo lies north of the town of Arcos de Valdevez, on the western foot of Mount Peneda. On the slopes on both sides of the Vez River valley, layers of stone terraces have been cultivated, lush and green, earning it the nickname 'Little Tibet of Portugal'. It was named one of Portugal's Seven Rural Wonders in 2017, and its terrace landscape has been listed as a national cultural landscape. The village has small castle-like mansions built by emigrants returning in the 19th century, along with stone houses and granaries. You can take in the full panorama from the terrace viewpoint. The Vez Greenway, a riverside walking path along the Vez River, passes through the village and suits easy hiking. It is about 1.5 hours' drive from Gerês town and can be reached from the direction of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Sanctuary of Our Lady of Peneda
- Lindoso Castle & Granaries
- Castro Laboreiro
- Vilarinho da Furna
- Geira Roman Road
- Albergaria Forest
- Portela do Homem Waterfall
- Junceda Viewpoint