This weekend's proposal from Caminhando will take you along two of the most fantastic trails in the north of Alentejo, which are in no way inferior to the beautiful areas of Gerês. On the first day we'll focus on one of the riverside areas of the Tagus and then along the Ribeira da Alferreireira to Atalaia. At the end of the day we'll reach Vila Velha de Rodão, where we can visit one of the town's ex-libris: the Lagar de Varas, or we wouldn't be in a region where olive oil is one of its best products. On Sunday, another route of great beauty, where we can enjoy the River Tagus, the new footbridges and suspension bridge over the Ribeira de Figueiró and get to know the charming town of Amieira do Tejo and its magnificent castle. Another event not to be missed!

EVENT: Tagus paradises: Amieira and Ribeira da Alferreireira

DATE OF REALISATION:  12 and 13 October 2024

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

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15 September 2024

Saturday 12th October

7am - Departure from Lisbon

9h30 - Start of the walk - “Ribeira da Alferreireira and Barrocas”

Level of difficulty of the route: 3.5 (Scale from 1 to 5)
Route length: 15 kilometres
Expected duration: 6h00

16.30 - Guided tour of the Lagar de Varas

17h00 - Walk in Vila Velha de Rodão: Ribeira do Enxarrique walkways

18h00 - Hotel check-in

20h00 - Group dinner

13th October (Sunday)

9.30am - Walk in Barca and Amieira do Tejo

Level of difficulty of the route: 3.5 (Scale from 1 to 5)
Route length: 13 kilometres
Expected duration: 5h30

15:00 - Expected end of the walk

15.30 - Visit to Amieira do Tejo Castle

16.30 - End of activity and return to Lisbon

Ribeira da Alferreireira and Barrocas

Our walk begins in the village of Atalaia. From there, we'll walk along forest paths and some trails towards the River Tagus as far as the “Batel” leisure area (because until recently there was a barge there that used to cross the river to the Outeiros sites on the north bank, these sites also belonging to the municipality of Gavião) and where there is a fishermen's shelter. From there we'll walk through the leafy valley of the Ribeira da Alferreireira to the “Olhos d'Água”, after passing the “Vale de Azenha” until we reach Aldeia da Atalaia. Of the various places we pass, we highlight the old mills, the textile factories, the Foz mill centre, the old mill, the waterfalls, the wooden bridges and the old levada, among many other points of interest.

Amieira do Tejo

The route starts in Amieira do Tejo, one of the twelve villages of the Order of Malta. We'll continue between walls, holm oaks and olive trees. After a slight climb, we come across cistus, broom, cork oaks and some vineyards. At a shortcut, you can enjoy a panoramic view over Albarrol and the Figueiró stream. The route heads towards the Tagus, with a privileged view over Gardete and the Fratel Dam before the steep descent to the bank, where the 3 kilometres from the sirga wall to Barca da Amieira begins. We continue parallel to the river, taking advantage of the new footbridges, and reach the mouth of the River Ocreza and its abundant myrtle and strawberry trees. We then reach the quay, with fishing boats and a pier in front. We pass the picnic area overlooking the Tagus and continue on to Amieira Castle, with the Ribeira da Maia on our right.

Barca d'Amieira

This name dates back to the days when a boat used to connect the railway stop at Barca D'Amieira-Envendos, on the north bank of the Tagus - Beira Baixa, with the road that leads to the town of Amieira do Tejo, in the Alentejo, thus joining the two quays that enter the river.

Amieira do Tejo Castle

Built in the 14th century by Álvaro Gonçalves Pereira, prior of the Order of Malta, Amieira Castle was part of the Tagus defence line. The scene of war during the dynastic crisis of 1383-85, it was the residence of mayors, a prison and a cemetery. Next to one of the four turrets of this national monument is the chapel of St John the Baptist.

Registration fee:

Price includes:

- Transport from Lisbon to the places described by coach
- Accommodation in a 3-star hotel, breakfast included
- Group dinner, drinks included
- 2 Walks
- Visit to the Lagar de Varas
- Visit to Amieira do Tejo Castle
- Tour of Vila Velha de Rodão
- The proposed accommodation option includes various room types
- Guided Walks
- Compulsory insurance

195€ (Price per person in double room)
240€ (Price per person in single room)
Booking fee: 50€

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 15 SEPTEMBER 2024 OR UNTIL THE NUMBER OF AVAILABLE PLACES 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.

- Walkways - Suspension Bridge - Garden of Eden - Skywalker Viewpoint - Sirga Walls - Barca d'Amieira - Ocreza River Mouth - Observatory - Amieira do Tejo - Castle - Figueiró Stream - Lagar de Varas - Enxarrique Stream Walkways - Batel Leisure Area - Alferreireira Stream - Barrocas Stream - Olhos d'Água - Atalaia - Waterfalls - Natural landscapes -