Drave, the ‘Magic Village’
Portugal
Tucked away in the heart of the mountains, Drave is a hidden gem where nature and silence take center stage. Its traditional schist houses frame the white chapel, while winding paths, flowing streams, birdsong, and buzzing insects invite you to slow down and truly connect with the landscape.
Uninhabited since 2000, Drave has found new life through the efforts of the Portuguese Scouts Association. Since 1992, their restoration work has transformed the village into the National Base of the IV Section of the National Scouts Corps.
In 2012, Drave was awarded the prestigious SCENES certification (Scout Centres of Excellence for Nature and Environment), becoming the only site in the Iberian Peninsula — and one of just 13 worldwide — to earn this distinction.
Whether you’re hiking, camping, or simply seeking peace in a magical setting, Drave offers an unforgettable escape into nature and history.
