Uncover the quieter, more rural side of the Algarve on a journey through the historic municipalities of Alcoutim, Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António as you follow the Guadiana river along the Spanish border. This is a protected landscape, recognised for its rich biodiversity and abundance of wildflowers – best experienced by taking to the backcountry roads where you can experience the magical qualities of Portugal’s rural idyll firsthand. Wherever the route takes you, you’re never far from the water on this route with trails that border the sea, lakes streams and river on your way along the Guadiana waterway.
7 nights
66 mls (km)
Southern Portugal
Easy to Moderate
Mar to Jun, Sep to Oct
£705
Exploring Portugal’s Wild Side
Explore the Amazing Medieval Walled Town of Mértola
Beautiful Riverside Routes in the South of Portugal
Soak up the Warm Waters of the Algarve’s Beaches
Routes that Take You Through Picturesque Rural Villages
Witness the Wildlife and Flowers of the Guadiana Valley
The Guadiana Valley remains a hidden gem of the Iberian Peninsula, far less visited than the neighbouring Algarve but, thanks to this relative obscurity, the Guadiana Valley is abundant with impressive archeological remains that give the area its timeless quality. Making your way along the route, you’ll encounter the medieval hilltop castle of Castro Marim, the medieval town of Alcoutin, the 12th century Moorish Mosque in the walled town of Mértola and the Roman ruins that are found on the third day of your journey on the way to the charming farming village of Junquiera. Venturing out of the cobbled streets of the historic towns and villages you visit en-route, your trail brings you out among the magical atmosphere of the Guadiana Valley National Park as well as the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve – the latter being a popular spot for birdwatchers with sightings of flamingos, spoonbills, avocets and black-winged stilts.
The Path
The Guadiana Valley area is vast plateau over a deep canyon where the river runs; where you follow the backroads through cultivated olive groves, citrus orchards, foothills and tangled forests. Between the many historic towns and villages that you visit on each night of your journey, your route takes you through the Guadiana Valley and along the Spanish border to the coast at Castro Marim. Discover some of Portugal’s most quiet and compelling stretches of natural scenery along the Guadiana River, following old smuggler routes and Roman roads with ample opportunities to stop and take in the landscape before you from the many high-level vantage points stationed along the way. Even in an area as undeveloped and quiet as the National Park, you’ll find good signage and well-maintained paths, although there may be some points at which the tangled forests and undergrowth overrun the paths’ edges. The National Park is noted for its profusion of wild flowers and birdlife, with eagles and buzzards native to the area.
The Accommodation
For your journey we have selected a variety of characterful hotels and B&Bs that complement the areas you visit. From establishments situated on the banks of the river Guadiana to cosy, family-run farmhouses set among the countryside, to us it’s important that the places you return to after a day out exploring Portugal’s many natural and historic wonders are just as much a part of the experience than the walking trail itself. You can expect a buffet breakfast each morning, local produce for dinner, as well as a swimming pool in which to soak up and unwind after a day’s walk. All our hotels on this trip (even in the more rural areas) have free WI-FI, air-conditioning and our hotel in Mértola in particular is a great base from which to explore the local cultural and historical points of interest in the area.
Rest Days To add to your Guadiana holiday experience we strongly recommend the following extra day options
Mértola (optional extension 1) - Private visit to a secluded wine estate by the river and walk back to hotel (6.85 miles / 11km)
Two people sharing - £65 per person Single /Solo per person - £95 per person
Mértola (optional extension 2) - Rest day to wander around the old town and visit different museums with a rich Roman, Christian and Moorish archaeological heritage.
Two people sharing - £50 per person Single /Solo per person- £75 per person
Junqueira – A rest day where you can take a relaxing cruise on the beautiful Guadiana River
Two people sharing - £40 per person Single /Solo per person - £60 per person
7 nights’ accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
Luggage transfers
Personal transfers to/from path where necessary
Route Notes
Map
Packed lunches (own arrangements)
Evening meals, which are available in local restaurant or in-house.
Travel to Mértola and from Castro Marim. Optional Airport Transfers (available upon request at time of booking):
You choose which day you would like your holiday to start on. We will book your holiday in accordance with your requirements.
Our Great Guadiana Route holidays are available to walk March to June, September to October.
The best time to visit Guadiana would be spring and early autumn.
Travel arrangements for arrival/departure You are responsible for booking your travel to Portugal and to your accommodation in Mértola and return from your accommodation in Castro Marim.
Nearest airport is located in Faro - https://www.aeroportofaro.pt/en/fao/home (taxi transfers can be arranged from/return the airport if required).
FROM/TO FARO AIRPORT (public transport)
Please note that there are no direct bus services from Faro Airport to Mértola or Castro Marim, and as the indirect route has limited timetables and long waiting times this is not particularly recommended.
FROM LISBON AIRPORT (public transport)
Shuttle bus from the airport to Sete Rios bus station in Lisbon city centre. The shuttle runs hourly from 07.30 to 23.00 (departures every 40 minutes during the day).
AeroBUS Line 2 – Financial Centre, Carris bus company.
We can organise additional nights/rest days, as well as transport options. Please contact us to discuss how we can help you with your specific requirements. Call one of our helpful team on +44 (0)1291 689774 or e-mail us here.
We will check your details and come back to you within two working days with a personalised estimate based on your requirements. We will then formally request a deposit of £150 per person (£100 per person for a single centre break) and book all your arrangements - find out about our full booking process here.
Please note this does not constitute a booking confirmation, we kindly ask you to refrain from booking any travel until we have confirmed all your arrangements.
Still Have Questions?
If you are still unsure on any of your requirements, please do enquire with us first and one of our friendly team will be happy to help you with any queries you have.
Walk 
Walking the Baixo Guadiana Region
