THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Discover the history and natural beauty of Arouca through a tour of a WWII tungsten mine, scenic montanhas, and the charming village of Drave with NaTour Way. Experience the thrill of underground tunnels and panoramic views in one memorable adventure.
Discover the history and natural beauty of Arouca through a tour of a WWII tungsten mine, scenic montanhas, and the charming village of Drave with NaTour Way. Experience the thrill of underground tunnels and panoramic views in one memorable adventure.
Book with NaTour Way
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by NaTour Way · Arouca, Arouca
Situated in Portugal’s Arouca region, NaTour Way offers a compelling journey through the area’s layered history and stunning natural beauty. Their signature experience combines a walk through the Complexo Mineiro de Regoufe, a significant tungsten mine from World War II, with a scenic trek through the Montanhas Mágicas and a visit to the charming village of Drave. This multi-faceted adventure immerses you in the region’s industrial past while showcasing its rugged, untouched landscapes.
The mine tour begins inside the tunnels of the former tungsten site, where guided exploration reveals the rock’s metallic veins and the historic significance of the mine during wartime. It’s a vivid reminder of how this remote corner of Portugal played a strategic role in 20th-century history. Following the underground adventure, hikers ascend into the Montanhas Mágicas—an area characterized by jagged limestone formations and lush native flora, often dusted with mist in the early morning. The aroma of pine and moss fills the air as you traverse these dramatic peaks, with sweeping vistas framing the horizon.
Completing the experience, a short hike leads to the restored village of Drave, a picture-perfect slice of rural Portugal. Stone cottages, cobblestone streets, and engaging local stories breathe life into this quiet settlement, making it an ideal spot to reflect on the day’s journey.
NaTour Way seamlessly weaves history, geology, and nature into one well-rounded adventure. Their trips stand out in the Arouca outdoor scene because they offer more than just scenery—they tell the story of the land. Whether you’re interested in the region’s wartime past, its impressive geological formations, or simply want to immerse yourself in authentic local culture, this experience provides a balanced, enriching perspective.
Overall, it’s a must-do for those craving a physical challenge paired with cultural immersion in Portugal’s lush rolling landscapes. It’s a trip that keeps you engaged and grounded, with enough depth to satisfy adventurers and history buffs alike.
moderate.
4–6 hours.
Participants should be in average physical condition, comfortable with mixed terrain and some elevation change.
No prior experience is required; the tour is suitable for most visitors with basic physical fitness.
The entire experience typically lasts between 4 and 6 hours, including transit, touring, and hiking.
Participants should be at least 10 years old due to tunnel exploration and uneven terrain.
Bring sturdy footwear, layered clothing, a flashlight, sun protection, and water.
Meals are not included, but there are local cafes in Drave for refreshments afterward.
The hike involves moderate elevation and terrain but is manageable for most outdoor enthusiasts.
The mine at Regoufe was a key tungsten supplier during WWII, supporting wartime efforts across Europe.
NaTour Way emphasizes minimal environmental impact through guided trails and responsible tourism practices.
NaTour Way is an outdoor adventure operator based in União das freguesias de Canelas e Espiunca, Aveiro. The company organises a wide range of river and land experiences focused on the Paiva and Douro corridors, the Serra da Freita and local geosites. NaTour Way offers Stand Up Paddle (SUP) and kayaking on the Paiva and Douro Rivers, including canoe rentals and beginner lessons for those new to paddling. Water-based programmes include canoe-rafting (3–3.5 hours), rafting with varying difficulty levels, paddle-rafting, tubing-rafting and paddle-focused activities suitable for different ages and skill levels. Several experiences pair river time with a Jeep transfer to notable geosites such as the Garganta do Paiva. On land, NaTour Way runs Jeep tours through Montanhas Mágicas and Vale do Paiva, visits to the Complexo Mineiro de Regoufe and Roman mining sites, and guided walks at the Passadiços do Paiva and Ponte 516 Arouca. Motorised options include CAN‑AM buggy experiences in 60, 90, 120 and 180 minute formats and moto adventure routes across scenic viewpoints. Adventure offerings extend to canyoning, rapel, espeleologia (caving), BTT (mountain biking), trotinetes elétricas and historical guided visits in the Centro Histórico da Vila de Arouca. Local and expert guides feature in multiple itineraries, and many experiences include on-site equipment, safety briefings and interpretive information about geology, mining heritage and regional landscapes. NaTour Way presents options for short excursions and longer immersive outings, serving families, small groups and experienced outdoor enthusiasts.
Book with NaTour Way