about Cerva Camp
Cerva Camp
Our Story
A Shared Dream, Deep Roots in Cerva
We are Luís and Pedro. Father and son.. For a long time we’ve dreamed of sharing this heritage land from our ancestors, with friends and visitors. Cerva Camp was born from a desire to share the raw, untouched beauty of the Alvão region with those who seek a different kind of journey. We believe that true travel isn’t just about the destination, but about the connection you make with the land and the silence you find along the way.
A Sanctuary Between the River and the Mountains Located only 50 meters from the crystal-clear Póio River and framed by the majestic Serra do Alvão. Cerva Camp is a private, off-grid refuge where nature, sustainability and adventure live side-by-side. We’ve build this space to be small and exclusive, ensuring that every guest can enjoy the peace of our “laidback” atmosphere.
The Off-Grid Experience Living off-grid doesn’t mean disconnect—it means connecting with what matters. Powered by the sun and inspired by local traditions, we promote genuine experiences. Whether you are using Cerva Camp as a base for a “nature workation,” exploring the hills on an e-bike, or cooling off in the river after a day of hiking, you are part of a project that respects the environment and celebrates the local nature and culture.
Adventure is our Backyard From adrenaline-filled 4×4 trails and e-Bike rides to the quiet rhythm of the Póio River night sounds, there is a world to discover right outside your door. Just 7km from the A7 highway, we are the bridge between the convenience of the highway and the wild soul of the North.
We are preparing everything for our grand opening in Spring 2026. Join us where the road ends and your story begins.
Alvão & Cerva: A Land of Giants and Hidden Waters
Discover a territory where the raw power of the mountains meets the crystal-clear secrets of the valley.
The Alvão Natural Park is a landscape of extremes. From its soaring granite peaks to the deep, emerald valleys of Cerva, this is a sanctuary for those who seek nature in its most authentic and powerful form.
The Icons: Fisgas de Ermelo & Maronesa Heritage
No visit to Alvão is complete without witnessing the majesty of Fisgas de Ermelo, one of Europe’s largest and most stunning waterfalls. As you explore the high plateaus, you will encounter the Maronesa cattle—the prehistoric-looking, dark-coated kings of these mountains. These majestic animals are the living heritage of our land, roaming freely in a landscape that has remained unchanged for centuries.
The Secret: Rio Poio & The “Cai d’Alto”
While the peaks command your attention, the Rio Poio captures your heart. Hidden near the village of Cerva, this river is a paradise of granite canyons and emerald-green lagoons. Its crowning glory is the Cai d’Alto, a breathtaking waterfall that plunges into a deep, pristine pool. It is a wild, vertical masterpiece, offering a level of serenity and adventure that only the locals know.
Your Gateway at Cerva Camp
Strategically located between the thundering Fisgas and the secret lagoons of the Poio, Cerva Camp is your ultimate basecamp. Whether you are here to photograph the Maronesa cattle at dawn or to dive into the icy waters of Cai d’Alto after a summer hike, we provide the perfect rustic retreat to reconnect with the wild.
From the heights of the Alvão to the depths of the Poio. Your adventure starts here.
Póio River
Rio Poio: An Unspoiled Sanctuary of Purity
The Rio Poio is one of the few places in Europe where water still retains its primal soul—pure, icy, and teeming with life.
Descending from the heights of the Alvão, the Poio is a river of exceptional quality. Its waters, filtered by ancient granite, are so clear they seem liquid glass. This purity isn’t just a sight to behold; it is the lifeline for a fragile and magnificent ecosystem that finds its last refuge here.
The Guardians of the Current
The crystal-clear pools and rushing rapids are home to species that only exist where the environment is flawless:
- Wild Trout: Native brown trout dart through the currents, their presence a testament to the river’s oxygen-rich and unpolluted flow.
- Golden-Striped Salamander: Hiding among the moss-covered stones, this endemic gem of the Iberian Peninsula thrives in our humid, pristine riverbanks.
- The Iberian Desman (Toupeira-de-água): A rare and shy prehistoric survivor, this small semi-aquatic mammal is a true bio-indicator—it only lives where the water is perfectly clean.
A Botanical Haven
The air around the Poio is thick with the scent of wild mint and ancient forests. As you walk the “Cai d’Alto” trails, you are surrounded by Centenary Oaks, giant ferns, and rare riverside flora that have remained undisturbed for generations. It is a place where nature doesn’t just survive; it reigns supreme.
Pure Connection at Cerva Camp
At Cerva Camp, we believe in “Leaving No Trace.” We invite you to experience this purity—to drink in the silence, to swim in the emerald lagoons, and to witness these rare species in their natural habitat.
Respect the water. Feel the life. Be part of the sanctuary.
Heritage & Culture
Heritage & Culture: The Soul of the Mountains
In Cerva, history isn’t found in books—it is carved into the granite walls, arched over our rivers, and felt in the warmth of our traditions.
Beyond the wild landscapes, there is a human story that has been whispered for thousands of years. Choosing Cerva Camp means immersing yourself in a living heritage where ancient Roman paths still lead to the heartbeat of a resilient mountain community.
Echoes of Rome: The Bridges of Poio
Centuries ago, the Romans recognized the strategic beauty of our valley. Today, you can walk across their legacy. Our Roman bridges are architectural marvels that have survived floods and ages, standing as silent witnesses to the gold seekers and shepherds who once traversed these mountains. They are the perfect spots for contemplation, where the stone arches frame the eternal flow of the river.
The Rhythm of the Mills
Along the riverbanks, you will discover the traditional water mills (moinhos). These small granite structures were once the vital centers of our village, turning the river’s power into flour for our daily bread. Many remain as echoes of a time when life followed the rhythm of the seasons and the force of the currents—a reminder of the sustainable ingenuity of our ancestors.
Living Traditions & Local Flavors
The culture of the Alvão is best experienced through its people and its crafts. From the unique Linen of Cerva (Linho de Cerva), woven with techniques passed down through generations, to the legendary Maronesa gastronomy, every encounter is an invitation to authenticity.
- The People: Meet the guardians of the mountain—shepherds and artisans who welcome travelers with genuine hospitality.
- The Stones: Explore the schist and granite villages that blend seamlessly into the mountain slopes.
A Legacy to Protect
At Cerva Camp, we are proud to be part of this story. We encourage our guests to explore our heritage with respect and curiosity, ensuring that the soul of Cerva remains vibrant for generations to come.
Step into the past. Enrich your present.
