Walking Holidays, Guided and Self-Guided Walks Abroad, from Walks Worldwide Walking and Hiking Holidays in Europe and Worldwide

Undiscovered Portugal

8 days, Self-Guided for 2 people or more, Seasonal Weekly Departures.

The Sao Mamede Natural Park, on Portugal's frontier with central Spain, is widely recognised as one of Europe's most beautiful and unspoilt areas. A mystical region of wooded hills, rocky crests and fertile valleys crisscrossed with mediaeval tracks and archaeological remains - a region where time has simply stood still. Life has changed little in the picturesque whitewashed villages where bread, cheeses and regional wines are still produced in traditional ways; local produce feeds the communities and farmers will stop for a chat. It is also a fascinating area for botanists and birdwatchers with many resident and migratory birds including the Bonellis Eagle, the Park's emblem.

Starting from the old castle town of Castelo de Vide, ancient stock tracks lead you towards the Pico Sao Mamede, past tranquil lakes (good for swimming), through vineyards and orchards and on, along the 'Smugglers' Route', over the border into Spain! Enjoy leisurely picnic lunches of 'pesticos', local tapas such as acorn fattened black 'jamon iberico' and goat cheese whilst vultures and eagles soar above on the thermals.
From a converted convent hotel, pass back into Portugal through rocky countryside carpeted in wild flowers to the mediaeval walled town of Marvao, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a day here exploring the castle and nearby Roman ruins at Ammaia. Finally, with views over wild landscapes towards the Estrela Mountains, descend through olive groves back to Castelo de Vide and one last evening to reflect on your journey back in time.
Few tourists have discovered this secluded and very beautiful part of Portugal and it is rare to meet many other walkers on the trails so why not discover this corner of Europe, so close to England yet a million miles away in terms of peace, solitude and nature.
Day 1. Outbound
Fly to Lisbon and transfer to Castelo de Vide with its old Jewish quarter and lively restaurants.
Days 2 and 3. Revelados and Quinta Soutinha
Walk along a mediaeval route, past a rock perched church to the village of Carreiras. Continue to Revelados passing huge cork and chestnut trees. Follow a pretty lakeshore and beyond, into the heart of the Sao Mamede hills. Lunch at a tavern caught in a time warp before reaching the Quinta Soutinha, nestled amidst the vineyards beneath the highest hill in the range.
Day 4. Into Spain
The Smugglers' Route to Spain! Passing cherry orchards and a small slate quarry (still hand extracted) walk over the Serra Fria into Spain. Once a busy smugglers' track it is now the domain of grazing animals. At Los Mellizos you can see 7000 year-old dolmens whilst above, birds of prey nest in the surrounding rocky cliffs. Tonight, after a long day's walk of 22km, you sleep in a converted convent hotel.
Days 5 and 6. Marvao
Cross back into Portugal through attractive rugged countryside bedecked with wild flowers and farmhouses. This region is renowned for its prolific birdlife including Blue rock thrush, Golden oriole and Crag martin. Follow the steep mediaeval track up to Marvao and enter through one of its two ancient gateways. The following day you can relax and enjoy the delights of this characterful town set on a high rock, its white walls dominating the surrounding scenery. Walk the two kilometre castle walls or visit Roman Ammaia.
Day 7. Back to Castelo de Vide
Descend to the Vale de Rodao through chestnut and oak woods, small farms and olive groves before joining another mediaeval track leading you back into Castelo de Vide. This shorter 14km walk should bring you back in time to enjoy a last afternoon exploring the old town. Or you can try the 'challenge' walk taking you from the heights of Marvao down through a wild and rocky landscape over pine clad hills to climb a rocky crest back to Castelo de Vide!
Day 8. Homeward
Transfer back to Lisbon and fly home.
Spain

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  • Tour grade: B.
  • Cost per person: From £995.
  • Single supplement: On request.
  • CO2 offset cost: £2.64.
  • What is included: Flights, transfers, accommodation, most meals, maps and route notes, local contact.
  • Accommodation: Hotels, rural 'casas'.
  • Departure dates:
    Saturdays,
    mid-March to mid-June,
    late September to end of November.

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