Piódão Village (Arganil)

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We opted for the enchanting village of Piódão, nestled in the heart of Arganil municipality, for a refreshing escape from our daily routine – a perfect weekend getaway. If you haven’t had the pleasure of visiting it yet, brace yourselves for a truly immersive experience in a world of timeless beauty, captivating culture, and charming architecture. Join us as we uncover the hidden treasure that lies within the ‘Nativity Scene Village’.

A world of timeless beauty, captivating culture, and charming architecture.

The return to Piódão happened with great anticipation and anxiety. It was about 20 years ago when we first visited the village, an experience that was both frightening and beautiful.

The access roads were different at the time, or at least in worse conditions, and on top of the Serra do Açor, a dense fog fell upon us. Combined with the lack of GPS signal, the journey became somewhat troubled. At that time, there were also very few parking spaces available, and cars were left on the access road, causing chaos when entering and leaving the village, especially on weekends.

This time, the journey went very smoothly, on a sunny day, and the village has undergone improvement works that greatly benefited its residents and visitors. Now, the circulation is done in a circular manner, with well-defined parking spaces. We had no trouble finding parking on a Saturday afternoon in July.

Nestled in the Serra do Açor, Piódão is a beautiful village, as if it came straight out of a fairytale. Its remote location has contributed to its preservation, making it one of Portugal’s most remarkable treasures.

The first thing that stands out upon arrival is the unique layout of the village’s houses. Piódão is known for its traditional schist houses, built with local slate roofs, which blend harmoniously with the natural landscape. These stone houses, with doors and windows painted in blue, create a stunning contrast with the lush green scenery that surrounds them.

We enter the village through Cónego Manuel Fernandes Nogueira Square, where the main church stands out, built in the 17th century on the site of an older building dating back to the 16th century.

A peaceful stroll through the stone streets leads to the heart of the village, always accompanied by the sound of water flowing in the shale masonry channels, used for irrigating the crops.

The river beach refreshes the local inhabitants and visitors on the hottest days of the year. The clear and fresh water of the stream is a magnet for many families who build fond memories here.

From Piódão, you can also embark on a journey of discovery the Serra do Açor, exploring waterfalls, river beaches, and idyllic villages along two hiking trails that start from the village.

The “PR2 AGN – Hiking Trail Os Povos das Ribeiras de Piodam” is a circular hiking trail that connects Piódão to Chãs d’Égua and Foz d’Égua. Take a deep breath and admire the incredible landscapes overlooking the terraced slopes of Ribeira de Piodão Valley and Ribeira de Chãs d’Égua Valley.

The “PR3 AGN – Hiking Trail Açor” is also a circular hiking trail that leads to the village of Poisos, offering fantastic views of the Piódão Valley and Serra de Açor.

But today wasn’t a day for long hikes. We returned to the main square to have a coffee before checking in at the hotel. Three dining spots and stalls selling handicrafts and local products add color and liveliness to this gateway to the village.

While the sunset bestowed a magical glow upon the last hours of the day, we took the opportunity to make a dinner reservation.

For those seeking authenticity, tranquility, simplicity, and a dive into history and traditions, Piódão is a destination to discover. Let the timeless beauty and spirit of the village guide you on a truly unforgettable journey in the heart of Portugal.

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