The municipality of Oleiros spans 471 km², divided across 10 parishes and home to 5,721 residents. Nestled in a mountainous setting, Oleiros is embraced by the Zêzere River and crossed by numerous streams and brooks that weave through deep valleys — occasionally tumbling over rugged terrain to form dramatic rock waterfalls.
Aldeia de Xistos de Álvaro & the Chapel Trail
The village of Álvaro, part of the Schist Villages Network, stretches gently and sinuously along a ridge overlooking the Zêzere River. While schist features in its construction, many of the houses are whitewashed and painted, reflecting Álvaro’s noble past as a historic town and former municipal seat with over eight centuries of history.
Its Chapel Trail offers a unique way to explore this deeply spiritual and architecturally rich village, inviting visitors to discover a heritage shaped by faith, resilience and the surrounding natural beauty.
Parish Church of Oleiros (Igreja Matriz de Oleiros)
Often referred to as the “Crown Jewel” of Oleiros, this church is a Listed Building of Public Interest. Dedicated to Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, it was originally built in the 16th century and has undergone several renovations throughout its history, reflecting the layers of devotion and architectural evolution over time.
Geomonuments of the Naturtejo Geopark – UNESCO Global Geopark
Fraga da Água d’Alta Waterfall
A stunning geomonument and one of the Naturtejo Geopark’s most iconic sites, this waterfall features a 25-metre drop, cascading in three spectacular tiers of foaming water.
It is also home to the largest patch of Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese laurel) on the Iberian Peninsula — a rare relict forest of continental Laurissilva, a type of vegetation that once covered southwestern Europe before the Ice Ages. Today, only isolated remnants survive, and this site is one of the last strongholds of this unique biodiversity, including species like the folhado (Viburnum tinus) and one of the *world’s largest populations of Portuguese laurel.
River Beaches
Açude do Pinto
This river beach takes its name from the Ribeira do Pinto, which flows through the village. It’s a pleasant and well-shaded space with grassy areas and two swimming pools — one shallow for children and another deeper for adults.
Facilities include a bar and terrace, changing rooms, playground, picnic area, two barbecue stations, and designated parking spaces. A campsite has also been developed nearby, making this an ideal spot for a nature-filled getaway.
Long-Distance Hiking Trails
International Appalachian Trail – GR38
Featuring 38 climbing routes, this long-distance walking trail celebrates the quartzite ridges of the Muradal mountain range and traces the ancient geological heritage of the supercontinent Pangaea.
Often described as “the world’s longest human footprint trail,” it connects Muradal in Portugal to its geological counterparts across Scotland, Greenland, and North America, creating a truly global route through deep geological time.
Message from the Mayor
Fernando M. Jorge
Wine holds both cultural and economic significance that dates back to prehistoric times. Its influence can be seen across all civilisations. Often described by the people as a "gift from God", wine even features in the first miracle of Jesus at the wedding in Cana, where he famously turned water into wine.
Today, in Portugal, wine occupies a prominent place — contributing substantially to the national economy through production, commercialisation and tourism appeal. From wine served at the table to tastings paired with regional products, from seminars and courses to wine tourism and wine routes, the value and merit of wine are clear. It supports development across multiple sectors — from agriculture (primary) to industry (secondary), tourism and commerce (tertiary), and even the knowledge economy.
Here in Beira Interior, thanks to the leadership of the Beira Interior Regional Wine Commission (CVRBI), initiatives are being developed that contribute meaningfully to regional development and the fight against depopulation in this part of Portugal. The dynamic promotion of our wines by the Commission is truly commendable.
While Portuguese wines such as Madeira, Port, Pico, Colares, Douro and Alentejo are already internationally recognised, it is time the exceptional wines of Beira Interior also gain the global visibility they deserve. We produce white, red, rosé and sparkling wines of remarkable quality, including rare native grape varieties — such as the Callum grape from the municipality of Oleiros, a truly distinctive green wine of superior character still unknown to most Portuguese consumers.
The Beira Interior Wine Route, being implemented by the CVRBI, will undoubtedly bring new strength and visibility to the wines of this region, attracting more visitors and energising the municipalities involved.
I congratulate and thank Eng. Rodolfo Queirós for the excellent initiatives and tireless dedication shown by the CVRBI team.
Well done — and thank you.
