EVENT: Strolling and Sailing on the Guadiana River (Mértola Tour and Cruise from Vila Real de Santo António to Alcoutim)

DATE OF REALISATION:  14th and 15th October 2023

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 31 AUGUST 2023

EVENT DESCRIPTION: “Walking and Sailing on the Guadiana River - An event for walkers and beyond”

In this activity proposal from Caminhando we'll go for a pleasant walk in Mértola (or just stroll around and get to know the town, depending on your tastes) and on Sunday we'll embark on an unforgettable cruise where you'll get to know the Great River of the South, from Vila Real de Santo António to Alcoutim. Come with us! This event is tailor-made for walkers and non-walkers alike! We'll also be staying in a 4-star hotel with a swimming pool.

These will be some of the most important places we'll visit along the various hikes: 

• Walk / Stroll in Mértola (historic centre, Castle, Old Mosque - Mother Church, Clock Tower, Guadiana cliffs, etc.)
• Tour of Vila Real de Santo António
• Guadiana River cruise from Vila Real to Alcoutim
• Natural landscapes

TIME: Departure from Lisbon at 7am
RETURN: Arrival in Lisbon at 7.30pm

Saturday 14th October

Mértola

Mértola, also known as Vila-Museu, is a quiet walled town in the border region and was once one of the most important river ports in the Mediterranean. Therefore, to visit Mértola is to take a journey into the past, discovering traces of the presence of great civilisations - from the Romans, through the Visigoths and Muslims, to the Christians.

Far from the hustle and bustle of the big urban centres, Mértola, with its mild climate, invites us to take quiet strolls through its streets and alleys, discovering, among the white houses, its nooks and crannies full of history. Crowning the town is Mértola Castle, which towers over the surrounding landscape and challenges you to explore it. Down below, the waters of the Guadiana tempt you to take a boat trip along ancient routes.

Walk: "Around Mértola - through trails and nooks and crannies”

Level of difficulty of the route: 3 (Scale of 1 to 5)

Length of the route: 10 kilometres (it is possible to do just 6 kilometres or take the time to enjoy Mértola as each participant wishes)

Circular route

Estimated time: 3h00m

Vila Real de Santo António

The Pombaline city was founded by the Marquis of Pombal in 1774. Built in less than two years on the sandy beach near the mouth of the Guadiana, it was intended to control cross-border trade and develop the fishing and canning industries. The city's historic centre has the geometric layout of the Pombaline town planning that gave birth to the city and is today its main commercial area. All the streets converge on Praça Marquês de Pombal, where you'll find the Mother Church of Nossa Senhora da Encarnação, built in the 18th century and characterised by its side chapels and rocaille-style altarpieces. Here you'll also find the Town Hall and the Obelisk, the city's Enlightenment symbol on the Portuguese pavement.

- Tour of Vila Real de Santo António
- Check-in at a 4-star hotel
- Group dinner

15th October (Sunday)

9.30am - Guadiana River cruise: “Smuggling Route”

The journey along the Guadiana River, the natural border between Portugal and Spain, takes around two hours and allows you to enjoy the scenery of its beautiful banks, full of reeds and waterfowl, as well as the various riverside villages, such as Foz de Odeleite, Guerreiros do Rio, Laranjeiras, among other places of interest, on a relaxing walk always in contact with nature.

When you arrive in Alcoutim, you can immediately see the Statue of the Smuggler, erected in honour of this activity that is as old as the definition of the border. In the past, the entire Guadiana border region lived off smuggling and it was based on this activity that we chose the title of our tour. We'll visit landmarks such as the Casa dos Condes, the Chapel of St Anthony and the Medieval Castle.

- Alcoutim tour
- Lunch in a typical local restaurant

Equipment: Footwear and clothing suitable for hiking (for those wishing to hike in Mértola)

Registration fee:

Price includes:

- Transport from Lisbon to the places described by coach
- Accommodation in a 4-star hotel with breakfast and dinner (drinks included)
- Guadiana River Cruise
- Typical lunch in Alcoutim (Sunday)
- The proposed accommodation option includes various room types
- Guided Walks
- Compulsory insurance

195€ (Price per person in double room)
225€ (Price per person in single room)
Booking fee: 50€

REGISTRATION DEADLINE: 31 AUGUST OR UNTIL THE NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE IS REACHED

Notes: 

a) Registrations are limited and accommodation options are limited to availability at the time of booking.

b) The routes may be altered according to weather conditions.

c) If you have a group interested in this trip, contact us, we have personalised solutions.

- Walk in Mértola - Castle and Mother Church of Mértola - Holm oaks of the Guadiana - Clock Tower - Walk in Vila Real de Santo António - Cruise on the Guadiana River - Walk in Alcoutim - Natural landscapes -