grande rota do zêzere trail

active nature
Grande Rota do Zêzere trail

grande rota do zêzere trail

370km from source to mouth of one of the wildest rivers in Portugal. A sporting challenge on foot, by bike or canoe. A deep immersion in the natural and cultural diversity that makes the Zêzere river valley a unique landscape in the country.

Presentation

The valley of the River Zêzere is one of the terrains that make up the Aldeias do Xisto area and one of the most environmentally diverse natural landscapes in the country. Nature in an almost wild state, combining in perfect harmony with human occupation that, throughout the ages, has adapted to the passage of the river, living from it and with it. The creation of the GRZ- Grande Rota do Zêzere trail (GR 33) was designed to allow users to enjoy closer contact with this natural and cultural heritage. The 370km long GRZ passes through 13 counties, bringing together important national brands: Serra da Estrela, Aldeias do Xisto, Castelo de Bode and the River Tejo.

On foot, by bike or canoe

The route is designed to be intermodal, and can be carried out on foot, by bike or canoe. It can also take place in a continuous and 
linked way, in sections or even in multimodal circuits, using more than one modality. There are complementary routes, such as the Schist Paths routes, around the GRZ. And off-shoots from the main route that take users to nearby geographical areas and places of interest, such as the Aldeias do Xisto, the river beaches, the viewpoints (link viewpoints), the reservoirs and dams, among others.

GRZ Ambassadors

In 2015, climber João Garcia, canoeist Emanuel Silva (silver medal at the London Olympics), canoeist Francisca Laia (silver medal in K1 200 at the under-23 canoeing World Championships), Olympic mountain biking athlete David Rosa, form some of the renowned national athletes who joined the launch event of the Great Zêzere Route becoming ambassadors of the route.

Wild waters 

In spring, the wild waters of the Zêzere River guarantee the most experienced canoeists an incredible challenge. A surprising even for those who already know the world and have walked many trails, as is the case of the GRZ ambassadors, who point out that this is a complete and enriching life experience. The stretch between Silvares and the Aldeia do Xisto of Barroca annually hosts a canoeing event. Keep an eye on our agenda.

how to use the route?

The route is divided into nine distinct parts, which reflect the characteristics of the river and its surroundings. Each of these units includes several stages, duly signposted and supported by information boards which provide the most important information about the route.

explore

restaurants
Fugas Restaurant
Fugas Restaurant
restaurants
As Beiras
As Beiras
Pampilhosa da Serra
restaurants
D. Sesnando Restaurant
D. Sesnando Restaurant
Penela
restaurants
Museu da Chanfana
Museu da Chanfana
Miranda do Corvo
restaurants
Sabores da Aldeia Restaurant
Sabores da Aldeia Restaurant
restaurants
O Pascoal Restaurant
O Pascoal Restaurant
Fajão
restaurants
Bem Me Quer
Bem Me Quer
Martim Branco
restaurants
Safra Restaurant
Safra Restaurant
restaurants
João Brandão
João Brandão
Oliveira do Hospital
lodging
Casa Lausus
Casa Lausus
Talasnal
lodging
Aqua Village Health Resort & SPA
Aqua Village Health Resort & SPA
Caldas de São Paulo
lodging
Casa do Caminheiro Hostel
Casa do Caminheiro Hostel
Talasnal
lodging
Mountain Whisper
Mountain Whisper
Gondramaz
lodging
Aldeia Oliveiras
Aldeia Oliveiras
Proença-a-Nova
lodging
Casa do Talasnal
Casa do Talasnal
Talasnal
lodging
Casa Cova do Barro
Casa Cova do Barro
Janeiro de Cima
lodging
Casas de Água Formosa
Casas de Água Formosa
Vila de Rei
lodging
Casas da Serra do Açor
Casas da Serra do Açor
Casal Novo, Arganil
tour
The Tagus Route - Souto Rest Area > Cabeça Gorda Rest Area - GRZ on Foot: Stage 4
The Tagus Route - Souto Rest Area > Cabeça Gorda Rest Area - GRZ on Foot: Stage 4
heritage
Igreja Matriz de Aldeia das Dez
Igreja Matriz de Aldeia das Dez
offer
Starlight Journey at the Geoscope (Fajão)
Starlight Journey at the Geoscope (Fajão)
village
Benfeita
Benfeita
heritage
Religious tour in Pedrógão Pequeno
Religious tour in Pedrógão Pequeno
village
Comareira
Comareira
heritage
Chapel of São Sebastião
Chapel of São Sebastião
offer
Night Canoeing I Starlight Journey
Night Canoeing I Starlight Journey
offer
Astrofotografia no Observatório do Porto da Balsa - 30 de julho
Astrofotografia no Observatório do Porto da Balsa - 30 de julho
village
Martim Branco
Martim Branco
tour
Mining Territory - Cabeço do Pião > Barroca - GRZ on Foot: Stage 2
Mining Territory - Cabeço do Pião > Barroca - GRZ on Foot: Stage 2
tour
Just You and the River - Atalaia Norte > Atalaia Sul - GRZ on Foot: Stage 4
Just You and the River - Atalaia Norte > Atalaia Sul - GRZ on Foot: Stage 4

next events

event
XIII Festival Gastronómico da Chanfana
XIII Festival Gastronómico da Chanfana
14 feb 2025 - 23 feb 2025, 12:30
Lousã
event
Woodfiring & Shino Glazes
Woodfiring & Shino Glazes
19 feb 2025 - 28 feb 2025, 10:00
Cerdeira
event
Aldeias do Xisto Geotour 2025
Aldeias do Xisto Geotour 2025
21 feb 2025 - 23 feb 2025, 09:00
Fundão
event
Inauguração da Rota da Picha e do Resineiro
Inauguração da Rota da Picha e do Resineiro
22 feb 2025, 14:00
Picha
event
Carnival is on the Porto de Vacas Schist Walking Trail
Carnival is on the Porto de Vacas Schist Walking Trail
01 mar 2025, 09:30
Porto de Vacas
event
Exposição de fotografia "Máscara de Cortiça"
Exposição de fotografia "Máscara de Cortiça"
01 mar 2025 - 31 mar 2025, 10:00
Góis
event
Traditional Carnival in the Aldeias do Xisto of Góis
Traditional Carnival in the Aldeias do Xisto of Góis
02 mar 2025, 08:30
Aigra Nova, Pena
event
Serra da Estrela Cheese Festival
Serra da Estrela Cheese Festival
08 mar 2025 - 09 mar 2025
Oliveira do Hospital
event
Nautical Winter - Canoeing on the Rapids of Ribeira de Pera
Nautical Winter - Canoeing on the Rapids of Ribeira de Pera
08 mar 2025, 10:00
Mosteiro
event
Moonlight Talasnal
Moonlight Talasnal
14 mar 2025 - 05 dec 2025, 20:30
Talasnal