PR8 ETR - Percurso de Fermelã

The PR8 ETR - Fermelã Trail takes place in the Fermelã area, in the municipality of Estarreja, crossing an agricultural landscape strongly influenced by its proximity to the Ria de Aveiro. The main defining feature of the trail is the bocage, a mosaic of small agricultural fields separated by living hedgerows and artificial water channels. This landscape organisation results from the need to manage the presence of water, allowing excess water to drain during wetter periods and helping retain it during the dry season. Along the route, it is possible to observe farmland, wet areas and places where the relationship between rural activity and the control of salt water associated with the ria is clearly visible. In the surrounding fields, Marinhoa cattle are frequently seen, an autochthonous breed from the region, historically used in agricultural work and also to help pull the nets used in traditional arte xávega fishing. With approximately 10 km in length, the trail links the Carregal area, in Fermelã, to Ribeiro de Canelas, crossing a rural landscape marked by water, living hedgerows and the region's traditional agriculture.