Quinta Prio Mendes

Let’s face it, this isn’t a place that you’ve come to in order to do loads of stuff – it’s likely much of your time will be spent chilling out around the nature reserve and sliding in and out of the river. Riverside walks are certainly an option though – pack up a picnic and set off for a peaceful walk to local villages and pretty spots including waterfalls and natural whirlpools. For next-level river outings, have a chat with the folks at Trans Serrano in Góis, who can set you up with an aquatic hike from nearby Ponte do Colmeal, with bridge leaps, rock scrambles and tunnels to traverse along the way. Other outdoorsy trip options from Góis include canoeing, canyoning, mountain biking and climbing. A little further flung but worth the trip are the abandoned schist villages of Talasnal, Candal and Cerdeira (roughly an hour’s drive); while you’re over that way, take a look at Lousã Castle and drop in on the residents of the Serra da Lousã animal sanctuary.