Socalcos – Relva Velha

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This interpretive circular path with directional signs starts near Mata da Margaraça creek in an area called Porto Cerejeiro and there it crosses the waterline next to an old mill. Its main interesting points are Mata’s creek, the view of Margaraça Forest, the terraces, several traditional agricultural structures and the village of Relva Velha. Much of the route passes through the largest area of agricultural terraces of Serra do Açor Protected Landscape: the village of Relva Velha. Each year, since its construction, was testimony of the work that is developed there by the season’s rhythm. At Açor mountain there are several marks of the people’s struggle for survival. Thus, the terraces or “quelhadas”, on sloping and poor terrain, represent a titanic and persevering effort to win and keep some topsoil. The many “levadas” carried water, crossing the mountains, channeling the precious liquid to villages and “quelhadas” through steep slopes and inaccessible valleys. Along the way there are several interesting elements: terraces supporting walls, “canadas” (lined schist channels walls for the cattle move without access to agricultural land), “cortelhos” to housed cattle and the houses of agricultural support, among others. Almost all the way you can enjoy a privileged view on Margaraça forest enriching this route.