Walk 
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.
Walking the Baixo Guadiana RegionPOR-GUA1 ~ Walking the Baixo Guadiana Region ~ 7 / 6 classicYour first day is spent among the historic surroundings of the Moorish town of Mértola, perched on the rocky hills that overlook the Guardiana River. This is a great opportunity to explore the cobbled streets of this village further, delving into the old buildings and romantic atmosphere of this quintessential old Portuguese village.
Following an old smugglers route out of Mértola, today’s trail introduces you to some of the wildest parts of the Guardiana River, a region teeming with flora and a wide array of migratory birds. Follow your trail through the Guardiana National Park before eventually coming across the picturesque medieval town of Alcoutim, overlooking the banks of the Guardiana River.
Your route re-joins old smugglers routes, with amazing views stretching across the river. All around is the cultural heritage of the area, with the beautiful castles of Alcoutim and its Spanish neighbour, Sanlucar, sat just across the river.
Discover the landscape and topography of the Alcoutim area, on a walk that takes you through the fields and forests of the National Park, offering far-reaching views over a scenery in bloom with the region’s flowers. Nestled among the course of your trail today are the ruins of an old mine, a reminder of the long history of mining activates in the area. Along the way to your hosts for the evening you can stop at the spectacular river beach, where you’ll find an expanse of pristine white sand before you.
Today’s route takes you alongside the river to the charming agricultural village of Junqueira. Yachts cruise down the Guardiana, and Roman ruins, as well as the River museum are open for discovery along the way, before meeting your hotel transfer.
Start your walk today with a route that follows quiet backroads lined bordered by orange, fig, olive and carob trees through the scenic lakes that occupy the foothills of the Guardiana. Here you’ll find a landscape characterised by verdant valleys thick with orchards and gardens as well as vast swathes of pine forest as your route ends at the last accommodation of your journey in Castro Marim.
The final leg of your journey takes you through the historic town of Castro Marim, with its medieval hilltop castle overlooking the landscape before you. Your route takes though the Castro Marim and Vila Real de Santo António Marsh Natural Reserve, an area earmarked for protection on account of its rich diversity in birdlife. From here, the route takes you to the Vila Real Santo Anotonio, where you can stroll along the coastline to some of the most spectacular beaches of the Algarve. Here you can soak up the temperate waters of the Mediterranean before wandering through the charming white-washed farm houses back to your hotel.
Following breakfast, meet your transfer to Faro for your flight back home.
| Price From | Two people sharing (price per person) | Single person | Solo person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/3/20- 31/3/20 | £820 | £1025 | £1150 |
| 1/4/20- 13/7/20 | £915 | £1115 | £1240 |
| 14/7/20- 31/8/20 | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| 1/9/20 - 30/9/20 | £915 | £1115 | £1240 |
| 1/10/20- 31/10/20 | £820 | £1025 | £1150 |
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
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 January to June, September to December.
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.
https://www.yellowbustours.com/en-GB/Lisbon/AeroBus-Lisbon-Airport-Shuttle.aspx
Lisbon Sete Rios bus station – Mértola (Rede Expressos). There is 1 bus a day (departing 5.15pm arriving Mértola at 8.50pm)
Airport Transfers (optional)
Lisbon Airport to accommodation (Mértola) - prices available upon request.
Faro Airport to accommodation (Mértola) - prices available upon request.
Accommodation (Castro Marim) to Faro Airport - prices available upon request.
Websites for public transport in Portugal EVA bus http://eva-bus.com/index.php?lang=uk Rede Expressos https://www.rede-expressos.pt/default.aspx Trains https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en
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.
Please note: exact accommodation booked will depend on availability.
