dossier

Heart of Portugal Walk

HEART OF PORTUGAL WALK - DAY BY DAY

**** Convento de Belmonte, Belmonte

The Convento de Belmonte is located on the panoramic slopes of Monte da Esperança. It has 24 traditional style rooms each with bath and shower, satellite television, minibar, direct dial telephone and air conditioning.

Day 1  Arrive in Belmonte

We meet you at Lisbon airport and take you to your **** hotel in Belmonte (2.5 hrs).

Day 2  Malceta Nature Reserve  12km/7mi/4hr

Today’s circular walk takes us though one of the last refuges of the Iberian  Lynx and the only breeding site in Portugal of the Black Vulture. After a gentle climb through open chestnut woodland, we then follow the river Coe (the old border with Spain) and a haven for wildlife - we often see short-toed eagles, bee eaters and golden orioles. Gorgeous picnic spots and good river swimming at the end of the walk.

Day 3  Zézère Valley  9km/6mi/4hr

Our path follows the line of traditional tiny farming communities strung out along the magnificent glacial valley, in the shadow of Portugal’s highest mountain, the Torre (1993m). En route are typical stone cortes (tiny farmhouses with thick granite walls and thatched rye roofs) and all around are dizzily steep, terraced
hillsides and meadows carpeted in bright mountain flowers. Down to the picturesque white village of Manteigas where there has been a settlement since Moorish times – lovely views down to the River Zézère - then lunch is at Jose’s bar (all local produce: sheep’s cheeses, black pudding, mountain wines).

Day 4   Macainhas Circuit  14km/9mi/5hr

The early part of today’s walk follows a pretty gurgling stream through a hidden valley and out past meadows carpeted with colourful wild flowers. We stop off at the tiny village of Monteiro where old ladies, dressed in black, sit on doorsteps crocheting, and farmers with donkeys continue to plough the land by hand. An old drovers route takes us along the ridge - fantastic views out over the Serra da Estrela -before heading back down to the stream and hotel.

Day 5  Free Day

It’s just a 30 minute stroll into Belmonte so we’ve left today free for you to explore it’s castle, Jewish Quarter (you’ll find the only synagogue in Portugal outside of Lisbon here), museums, Romanesque-Gothic church of Santiago. Lots of local restaurants for lunch. In the afternoon either laze by the pool or follow one of the independent circular walking routes provided.

Day 6  Three Villages Walk  15km/9mi/4hr

First the former major Roman city of Idanha-a-Velha, with its wonderful collections of columns, statues and tombs. Then onto the stunning Mediaeval fortress of Monsanto where life continues as it has for centuries - superb 360 degree views from the C11 castle, ruined Renaissance church and bell tower . We have lunch in the pousada here, sampling produce from their own vegetable garden, before a final stop in the lovely folkloric village of Penha Garcia.

Day 7  The Serra da Estrela  14km/8mi/6hr

The highest walking in Portugal: sparkling clear blue mountain lakes (perfect paddling!), rugged peaks and surprisingly easy walking. Beautiful alpine flowers are carpeted across vast areas and striking granite rock formations rise eerily from the lakes. Dunnocks, Dartford warblers and eagle owls inhabit the forests, and kestrels and goshawks circle and soar above the highest peaks. Peace reigns and there is not a soul in sight.

Day 8  Return Home

WALKING DETAILS

This is a typical 2 boot walk which follows good paths. In order that you see as much of this varied region as possible, minibus transfers are built in to the beginning / end of most walking days.