Couple builds nature tourism and grocery business in Côa valley

Samuel Ribeiro and Marta Simões left city life to settle in Vale da Senhora da Póvoa, Penamacor, building two ventures rooted in the Grande Vale do Côa: Beir'Aja, a nature tourism business founded in 2020, and Mercearia da Saudade, a grocery Marta opened in 2024 in her family's former shop. Samuel trained as a nature guide with Rewilding Portugal, becoming one of three guides authorised to lead visits in its rewilding areas. Both are now part of the Rede Côa Selvagem network, incorporating sustainable practices and community activities such as environmental volunteering and senior fitness classes into their work.