Are you thinking of doing the Camino de Santiago for the first time? The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela must be done at least once in your life... Perhaps it will attract you much more if you know that you can also do it from Alentejo, than with the celebration of the Xacobeo Year, which lasts until December 31 , it can be an unforgettable experience.
Choosing the Alentejo to carry out this route is no coincidence, since the Portuguese Camino de Santiago acquires a different meaning in this region and is the perfect option for those who are looking for something different and get off the more traditional "path". Both share a philosophy based on the contemplation of the environment , the connection with nature and the love for traditions.
Rock da Mina.
THE THREE PATHS
The Caminhos de Santiago de Alentejo and Ribatejo, which join the Algarve to the south and the Central Portugal region to the north, are an invitation to connect with that neighboring land, as well as with oneself. Located about 30 days away from the final destination , Santiago de Compostela, the three ways They have several stages of different levels of difficulty. Do you want to know what they are? Take note!
The first of them, the Caminho Nascente or Ascending Path, begins in Alcoutim (Algarve) and enters the Alentejo through mosque. A total of 19 stages cross the center of Alentejo passing through some of its most representative towns, such as Mértola, Beja, Viana do Alentejo, Evora, Estremoz either nysa . This last point joins the road with the Center region, specifically with Vila Velha de Rodão.\
It is ideal for those seeking to enjoy Alentejo nature because it runs through landscapes such as those of the Guadiana Valley Natural Park , and also discover the history and culture of the region, with a visit to some of the most famous castles, such as those of Évora or Estremoz.
Alvito Castillo.
It also takes the Portuguese Algarve as its starting point, specifically in Ameixial, the Caminho Central or Camino Central, whose first stop is Santa Cruz de Almodovar . In this case, there is more than one way to follow the path, with twenty stages that show the diversity of the Alentejo landscape, as it goes both inland and along the coast.
Castro Verde, São Domingos, Santiago do Cacém, Grandola either Alcacer do Sal are some of the stops that make up this tour and that offer the most memorable postcards of the region. Golega , a municipality belonging to Ribatejo, is the town that connects with Tomar, Central region. This last stage delves into the peculiarities of the Ribatejo , a territory in which time seems to have stopped and that maintains Portuguese traditions such as the stud farms of Lusitanian horses.
Finally, the Caminho da Raia or Camino de la Raya is the one that runs parallel to the border between Portugal and Spain. Your starting point is mertola , which joins it to the Ascending Path and continues along Serpa, Moura, Reguengos de Monsaraz, Vila Viçosa, Elvas Y field major, among other locations. The itinerary ends with the stage that runs between Castle of Vide Y Alpalhão , where it is once again unified with the Ascending Path.
This route is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the fortifications that surround La Raya and the heritage left by peoples such as the Jews, who have inhabited these lands over the centuries. You can prepare your trip on the official Alentejo website.