Full article about União das freguesias de Granja Nova e Vila Chã da Beira
Arouquesa beef, October chestnut fairs and ridge-top trails above Tarouca’s hidden plateau villages
Hide article Read full article
The lay of the land
Granja Nova began as a single stone granary on a ridge 667 m above the Douro’s southern tributaries; today its cottages and smallholdings share a parish council with Vila Chã da Beira, the “flat village” that stretches across the plateau. Together they occupy 13½ sq km of chestnut-shaded grazing land and are home to 429 people.
What to eat
The beef on every grill is Arouquesa DOP, from tawny cows you’ll see cropping the slopes. Chestnuts arrive in October—look for the Soutos da Lapa DOP sacks at the fair. Taberna o Firme (Vila Chã; +351 254 671 283) cooks the beef over vine embers and serves it with hand-cut chips; open Fri–Sun, lunch and dinner—book on Friday or you’ll eat standing.
What to do
PR5 “Sever Loop”: 8 km, 2½ h, yellow-and-red waymarks. Start at Granja Nova’s bandstand, climb through the Vale de Lobo chestnut grove, then drop to the Sever stream—bring water, there’s no bar. In July the Santa Helena da Cruz procession drapes the route with marigolds and wild lavender.
When to come
Mid-October for the Feira da Castanha in Vila Chã’s square—roasting nuts, aguardiente and chestnut-cream pastries. Winter brings sharp frost and hill fog; carry chains if snow is forecast.
Where to stay
Casa da Cerca, Granja Nova—four double rooms from €70, firewood included, no television. Check-in by 8 pm and stock up first; the nearest restaurant is 12 km away in Tarouca.