Rock Climbing and Canoeing in Central Portugal with Rock and River

Portugal Resources

Holiday Focus Portugal

For the outdoor enthusiast Central Portugal presents vast opportunities to explore a rich and varied landscape. Unlike many European destinations, Portugal is as yet unhindered by access issues, offering unlimited areas of natural beauty.

For a climber and paddler there are endless crags to scale and waterways to explore. The river Mondego begins as a spring in the Serra da Estrella and winds its way to figeira da Foz , via Coimbra to the Atlantic. It has been dammed and offers a current less deep water way along pine and eucalyptus forests.

Rock and River Legend has it that there once was a Moorish princess who lived on the mountain. She fell in love with and married a passing French knight, Diego. By order of the French King he left to defend his homeland and never returned. Pining for his return the Moorish princess cried a river; and thus its name, ‘Mon Diego’.

For miles and miles it is a silent, tranquil landscape. Best of all it is peopleless. Drifting along, it is possible to see red and black kites nesting in the tree line; their screeching cry makes for an excellent soundtrack. There are herons that fish and nest. In the late afternoon it is possible to find wild boar wallowing in water pits. The canoe offers a perfect viewing platform and binoculars and a camera are a must. The banks offer places to swim and sunbathe, rocks to jump from and excellent picnic spots.

Due to the process of damming, the Mondego has swelled and the ruins of the farms where people once resided can be found all along its banks. These fascinating crumbling granite remains are beautiful and some can even be entered with a canoe. There are few rivers left which can boast real tranquillity and wilderness. Here in Central Portugal I have found one.

Rock climbing has a reputation of danger and as a pastime for the muscle bound adrenaline junkie. It is anything but. In Rock and River Central Portugal it is possible to practice this balance and movement based sport at venues to suit all abilities. There is even a small guidebook published on many of the areas, complete with grades of difficulty. With the security of ropes and learnt safety systems, risk is removed to reveal a peaceful, natural activity which rewards with breathtaking views. There are few sports which take place in such dramatic scenery. Central Portugal has an abundance of granite walls all in glorious sunshine and once again without the crowds. Many climbing venues in Europe suffer the intimidating atmosphere of hundreds of climbers jostling for a turn on the rock. They are not places to try your first turn on a route. Here in Central Portugal only the odd goat herd will look curiously on from a distance.

With a little training it is possible to access some great locations here, learn a new skill and have some fantastic experiences….. Get out there!