Highlights of this trip
Step into the Côa Valley, where nature is reclaiming its space and ancient landscapes pulse with new life. This three-day journey invites you to witness the magic of rewilding in action – where wild herds roam freely, rivers carve through untouched valleys, and the rhythms of traditional life blend seamlessly with conservation.
Highlights of Your Adventure:
- Meet the Wild Herds: Stand in awe as Sorraia horses and Tauros cattle, symbols of Europe’s lost wilderness, graze in the open landscapes of Ermo das Águias.
- Taste the Wild Côa: Savor a picnic lunch by the river, crafted from fresh, local ingredients sourced from the Wild Côa Network—where every bite tells a story of the land.
- Hands-On Conservation: Dive into a beekeeping workshop and connect with the region’s heritage through its indigenous animals, all while staying at the eco-friendly Côa Honeycomb.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spend your final morning in the Paul de Toirões area, where a guided visit and wildlife observatory offer a chance to spot the valley’s elusive inhabitants.
This is more than a trip – it’s an immersion into the heart of rewilding, where every moment deepens your connection to the land. Are you ready to experience the wild soul of the Côa Valley?
Photogallery
what does this journey look like?
Day 1: Arrival & Settling In
Arrive at Côa Honeycomb in Vale de Madeira (Pinhel) for check-in from 15:00. For those arriving early, we recommend exploring the charming town of Pinhel and enjoying dinner at Deep Taste, a local favorite. Overnight at Côa Honeycomb, where the sounds of nature welcome you to the valley.
Day 2: Rewilding & Local Flavors
Start your day with breakfast at Côa Honeycomb before heading to the Ermo das Águias rewilding area. Here, you’ll learn about Rewilding Portugal’s conservation efforts, explore the region’s rich biodiversity, and witness herds of Sorraia horses and Tauros cattle roaming freely in their natural habitat.
Return to Vale de Madeira for a picnic lunch on the river beach, featuring fresh, local products from the Wild Côa Network. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in a beekeeping workshop and spend time with the region’s traditional domestic animals at Côa Honeycomb.
Dinner in Pinhel, followed by another restful night at Côa Honeycomb.
Day 3: Wildlife & Departure
After breakfast, journey to the Paul de Toirões area for a guided visit and a chance to observe wildlife from a dedicated observatory. Midday marks the end of your adventure, as you depart with memories of rewilding, local flavors, and the untamed beauty of the Côa Valley.
Practical information
Dates
This private experience is available year-round, for groups of between 1 and 16 people.
Costs (Included & Excluded)
€690 per person
Included:
- Two nights accomodation including breakfast
- Lunch and Dinner on Day 2
- Guided nature visits on the mornings of Day 2 and 3
- A beekeeping workshop
Excluded:
- Transport to/from Vale de Madeira
- Travel insurance
- Dinner on Day 1
- Personal expenses
Logistics / Transport
Arrival and departure point is the Côa Honeycomb in Vale de Madeira, Pinhel. This is a 2,5 – 3 hour drive from Porto (Portugal),
All internal transfers are included in this journey.
Accommodation
Nights are spent in a private en-suite room in the Côa Honeycomb.
Food
Meals are local. Expect bread still warm from the oven, soups that change with the season, and at least one dish you cannot pronounce but will miss deeply afterward. Special diets are respected, though curiosity is encouraged.
Safety
You will be accompanied by local guides from the Greater Côa Valley.
Testimonials
Local guides
Fernando Romão
Fernando's life has always been linked to nature conservation, natural history and ecotourism, and he was an activist in an environmental Portuguese NGO. His knowledge of the area has also allowed him to be involved in designing touristic routes and trails.
Passionate about biodiversity, he has endeavours to get to know and photograph the species of Portugal’s biological heritage. This is one of the ways he has found to promote knowledge and conservation of biodiversity through photography.