AROUCA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Into the Tungsten Veins: Regoufe’s War-Era Mines and a Mountain Walk to Drave
A guided, four-hour exploration that pairs a visit to the WWII-era Complexo Mineiro de Regoufe with a hike through the Montanhas Mágicas and a finish at the restored, remote Aldeia de Drave—this guide orients you to the route, history, and practical needs.
Into the Tungsten Veins: Regoufe’s War-Era Mines and a Mountain Walk to Drave.
The experience begins beneath the pines and schist of Arouca, at the Complexo Mineiro de Regoufe — a tungsten (volfrâmio) concession that played a strategic role during World War II — and unfolds as a compact loop of subterranean history, mountain track and a concluding visit to the remote, recently restored village of Drave.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Regoufe: A Wartime Tungsten Complex
Regoufe was an important tungsten site during the Second World War, concessioned to Allied forces for its strategic mineral; the mine complex is the principal historical anchor of the outing.
Hike Through the Montanhas Mágicas
After the mine visit the itinerary leads onto a beautiful pedestrian route through the Montanhas Mágicas, offering a sustained mountain walk that connects the historical site with the village endpoint.
Aldeia de Drave: Remote and Recovered
The route finishes at Drave, a remote, depopulated village that has been recovered and maintained by scouts — a quiet, pictorial terminus to the day’s exploration.
What the day feels like
What to Expect
This guided outing condenses industrial archaeology and mountain walking into a focused four-hour program: an onsite visit to the Regoufe mine complex, the option for adventurous participants to enter portions of the mine, a scenic pedestrian stretch through the Montanhas Mágicas, and a final visit to the restored, isolated Aldeia de Drave.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this outing suits — and who should take care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The guided program runs approximately 4 horas.
Meet at Avenida 25 de Abril (Estacionamento Turístico).
Wear comfortable clothing and bring sun protection (sunscreen).
This experience is offered under the title Complexo Mineiro de Regoufe e Aldeia Mágica de Drave by local operator NaTour Way.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 horas.
Where is the meeting point?
Meeting location is Avenida 25 de Abril (Estacionamento Turístico).
Can participants enter the mine?
For the more adventurous, mine entry is suggested as an option during the visit.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing and sunscreen.
What is the status of Aldeia de Drave?
Drave is a remote, depopulated village that has been recovered by scouts and serves as the itinerary’s endpoint.
Who runs this experience?
The experience is offered under the official title Complexo Mineiro de Regoufe e Aldeia Mágica de Drave and organized by NaTour Way.