About This Walk
The Guadiana Grand Route (GR15) follows the River Guadiana as it winds through the hills and lowlands, on its way to the sea.
In this Self-Guided Walking Tour, you’ll find silent and impressive landscapes in lovely nature walks, the traces of those who lived here for centuries, and very few people along the way.
The historic villages of Mértola and Alcoutim will be our base.
The tour begins in Mértola, a charming village perched on a hill above the River Guadiana, in Alentejo.Once the capital of the then powerful Moorish empire, today Mértola is a “museum village”, where layers of history can be unveiled.
You’ll explore the village’s narrow streets, walk along the hills to contemplate the undulating plains, the quartzite elevations, and the valleys. By the riverbank, you’ll find a beach, a much welcome relief in hotter days.
Following the river to the south, you reach the other base of our tour, Alcoutim, in the interior East Algarve.
Highlights:
Impressive Landscapes
Lovely nature walks
Staying in Historic Villages
Exploring Villages Narrow Streets
Based in the charming village of Mertola
Day 1 : Arrival
Once you get to Faro Airport/Faro train station you will be met inside the airport/train terminal, at the exit hall by our driver who will hold a sign with your name written upon it.
Day 2: Mértola Walk
Circular walk, start/end at the hotel.
Our suggestion for today’s walk covers the western borders of Mértola.
Immersed in the Natural Park of the Guadiana Valley, the walk will bring you through the narrow streets of Mértola the hills where you can contemplate the undulating plains, the quartzite elevations and the embedded valleys of the Guadiana River.
The river banks offer quite a unique ecosystem of Mediterranean scrub, rocky outcrops and farming landscapes.
Walking time: approx. 4hrs. / Distance: 14km; 8.6 miles / Ascent/Descent: +-288m
Day 3: Além Rio Walk
Circular walk, start/end at hotel
A uniquely designed walk meant to explore the eastern hills of Mertola.
The walk will bring you northwards along the river beach that the locals use to refresh in the hot days.
From here, the walk continues to the Cerro das Antenas, 110m up.
The walk descends to the river to walk the veredas, narrow tracks on a fertile land, alongside the river.
Walking time: approx. 3h30m / Distance: 12km; 7.4miles / Ascent/Descent: +236/-241m
Day 4: Transfer Day / Alcoutim Walk
Transport to the start of the walk & walk to the hotel. The driver will drop you at the beginning of the walk and drive to Alcoutim to deposit the bags in the Hotel.
Take a scenic walk to Alcoutim along the edge of the River Guadiana. The walk today uses part of the GR13 (Algarve Way) and is called “The delights of Alcoutim”, with the River Guadiana forming the centrepiece of the walk and passing through orchards of almond, fig and olive trees.
Walking time: approx. 3h30m / Distance: 12.3km; 7.6miles /Ascent/Descent:53m/-197m
Day 5: Day at Leisure
We suggest a walk around Alcoutim or a boat trip to visit Sanlucar de Guadiana in Spain.
Various companies provide the crossing to Sanlucar. These can be found at the boat dock in Alcoutim.
Day 6 : Laranjeiras walk
Transport to the start of the walk & pick up.
The walk starts from the small village of Balurcos, southwest of Alcoutim. It includes the best of both worlds: the gentle hills of the Guadiana trails and the calm and peaceful views provided by the river itself.
On the way, you’ll find small remote house gatherings and remains of past Roman settlements.
We suggest also a visit to the Museum of Guerreiros do Rio, dedicated to the importance, heritage and history of the river Guadiana.
Walking time: approx. 3h / Distance: 11.5km; 7.1miles /Ascent/Descent: 123m/-324m
Day 7:
Odeleite walk
Transport to the start of the walk & pick up.
Called by some as the “Blue Dragon River” the Odeleite dam is bordered by the small village with the same name. Roman ruins are a memory of past history, along with water and windmills typical from the Algarve Region.
Our walk parallels the river valley and passes through the small villages around.
Walking time: approx. 3h30 / Distance: 12.2km; 7.6miles /Ascent/Descent: +-168m
Day 8:
Individual departure or extra days
At convenient time, departure to Faro Airport or Faro Train station.
Our prices are per person based on 2 sharing:
Season A
Price per person in Twin room: € 725.00
Season B
Price per person in Twin room: € 759.00
Season C
Price per person in Twin room: €819.00
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Season A – 01/01/21 to 23/06/21 & 01/10/21 to 30/12/21
Season B – 24/06/21 to 25/07/21 & 01/09/21 to 30/09/21
Season C – 26/07/21 to 31/08/21
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Inclusions:
Airport Transfer to the Hotel on first and last day
7 night’s hotel Accommodation in en-suite rooms
7 buffet breakfast in the hotel
All land travel as outlined
All self-guided walks as outlined
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Extra:
Flights
Travel Insurance
We are licensed and bonded so your money is fully protected by the Irish Government.
Hotel Museu, Mértola***
Situated in the historic centre of Mértola, Hotel Museu offers picturesque views over the Guadiana River. Next to the reception is a museum showing an archaeological excavation.
The air-conditioned rooms at Museu feature free WiFi, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, and a private bathroom with a hairdryer. All rooms have modern décor, wooden furnishings and parquet floors.
Every morning, guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast. A selection of local and international drinks is available at the bar.
Hotel D’Alcoutim***
Hotel D’Alcoutim provides accommodation with a restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool with river Guadiana views, and a bar.
Featuring a shared lounge, the 3-star hotel has en-suite air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, a desk and a flat-screen TV.
The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and a terrace with scenic views.
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