Drave won the 2025 Five-Star Regions Award for being the antithesis of practically everything we’ve come to expect from daily life. It has no electricity, no running water, no cell service, and not a single café in sight—and that is precisely why it was voted by Portuguese consumers as a national icon in the Villages and Small Towns category. The secret isn’t such a secret anymore.
A village frozen in time, but not stagnant
Drave is located at an altitude of about 600 meters and consists of houses made of schist and slate stone that retain their traditional design, surrounded by terraces and fields that once fed the families who lived there. To find the first historical reference to Drave, we must go back to the reign of King Dinis in the 13th century. Although the village has been uninhabited since the early 2000s, it is far from forgotten.
One of the latest developments comes from the National Scout Corps, which has maintained its National Headquarters here since 2003: in October 2025, the village granary was rebuilt with the aim of transforming it into a Book Exchange Library. Every stone that was removed was carefully treated and meticulously replaced, preserving the original lines of the Minho-style granary, while the interior now houses wooden bookshelves open to all visitors. A space that is now, quite literally, food for the mind.
How to get there: get ready to walk
It’s impossible to get there by car. The most common starting point is Regoufe, where a roughly 4-km hike begins along the PR14 Trail (the “Magical Village”), a well-marked path that is part of the Arouca Geopark network. Bring plenty of water, something to eat, and, of course, footwear suitable for the terrain. There is no lodging in Regoufe, but there is a café and a restaurant where you can park. Note: parking spaces are limited.
The waterfalls and natural pools
Once the hike is over, the Ribeira de Palhais welcomes you with cool water and natural pools perfect for a dip or a picnic in the shade. On hot summer days, there are few better rewards.
Where to stay
There is no lodging in Drave. It is possible to camp on-site, as thousands of scouts do throughout the year, or Arouca is the best option: it is just over 20 km from Regoufe, offers a variety of options, and it is advisable to book in advance, especially on weekends, as accommodations sell out quickly due to the popularity of the Paiva Walkways and the Arouca 516 Bridge.
Useful information and how to get there
Starting point: Regoufe (Arouca)
Distance from Porto: ~ 1 hour by car
Trail: PR14 Magical Village, ~4 km on foot (one way)
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