The Vicentine Route, or how to discover Alentejo out of season
Located in the southern part of the country, this region hides within its borders a passable route on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, of more than 450 kilometers.
Since Santiago Do Cacem to that place where the earth ends, Cape Saint Vincent , extends a nature's rough diamond . The Vincentian Route, one of the most important in all of Europe, is located within the Southwest Alentejo and Costa Vicentina Natural Park.
With more than 400 passable kilometers, this route promotes rural tourism, sustainability, Alentejo culture and traditions and visits out of season. We can't think of a better way celebrate the arrival of autumn that getting fully into the beauties of this mainly rural area and in full contact with the wild. Are you coming?
One of the eight circular routes in the area
THE STAGES OF THE VICENTINE ROUTE
The Vicentina Route is divided into three types of paths. The first of them, the Historic Road, that runs the interior of the Alentejo Natural Park, with paths that go from one town to another and treasure hundreds of years behind them. its more than 200 kilometers run around forests, forest trails, valleys and rivers, that now, in autumn, provide a sensation of infinite ochres.
During the route, you will pass through towns such as Odemira, Santa Clara a Velha and São Luís. Look at the amount of cork oaks what you will find; did you know dial with a number the year in which the bark was removed from the tree? With it is made the cork, one of the most characteristic products of Portugal.
Odemira
The second type of path is Trilho dos Pescadores, the route of 120 kilometers that borders the Alentejo coast line. Spectacular beaches, fishing villages and cliffs They will unfold before your eyes. Unlike the previous one, which can be traversed on foot, bike or horse , in this, given the complicated orography of the terrain, it can only be explored walking.
The Vicentine Route, between the sea and the mountains
Third, we find the Circular Routes , which are currently being enhanced. Is about eight different paths They start and end in the same place. The advantage? You will know in a simple way what paths like the one of Pego das Pias . In this particular one, you'll get to a small lake with some rock shapes who pretend to be a Grand Canyon to the Portuguese
The Pego dos Pias canyon
RURAL CULTURE AND HORSEBACK RIDING
To all this tour for nature lovers, they have also added a series of cultural activities to delve into the way of life of the people who inhabit these lands. The interior is so close to the sea, and at the same time so far... It is a difficult land to cultivate with a rugged terrain, which has not caused its inhabitants to abandon it, but rather to develop an unparalleled love for the place.
Horses at Quinta da Matinha: like family
Thanks to these activities, you will spend the day with artisans, with fishermen who will show you their craft, and with people like Odette, a singular woman who, having spent her life in the city of Lisbon, a few years ago she decided to return to her home in the country.
Away from any population, her house is witness to how she lived herself 300 years ago . preserves instruments and tools that were used for fishing, a windmill where her parents kneaded bread and even a typical school of the time.
The incomparable Odette
As we have already indicated, the Vicentine Route can also ride a horse in any of its sections. To do so, go to Herdade Da Matinha . In addition to tranquility and relaxation , this small rural hotel offers horse trails from their land. They have ten animals they treat like family it was treated and organize excursions for guests and visitors, for as little as 30 euros per person.
The experience is worth it. If you prefer other types of activities, they also give Hatha Yoga classes, massages, walks with picnic basket included and organize workshops to make your own jam.
But there are more options to get to know the area: can you imagine seeing from the water the sun sets over the mighty ocean ? You can do it thanks to the company Maresia , located in the coastal town of Vilanova del Milfontes, which organizes crossings in the estuary where the Mira River, one of the most important in the Alentejo, joins the Atlantic.
The countryside surrounding Herdade da Martinha
WHERE TO EAT
After experiencing so many emotions and having felt full contact with nature, the time has come to tell you where to recharge and enjoy, yes, Alentejo wines and hospitality. If the gastronomy of this area is characterized by something, it is r its excellent fish, its cheeses , which they always offer as an appetizer, seafood and sweets.
In the part of the coast, just in front of the Pessegueiro Island , the restaurant To Ilha takes more than 40 years feeding tourists, locals, surfers... Their menu is mainly sailor , given its obvious proximity to the Atlantic. If you have doubts, go for the seafood rice ; it's scandalous For dessert they have i lots of homemade cakes , sweet and caloric desserts and our favourite, the ball , an evolution of the traditional Portuguese biscuit cake.
Delights of A Ilha
In another of the coastal towns par excellence, Zambujeira do Mar , rises or take out , an old fisherman's tavern where you can taste typical dishes of the region, as fish with crumbs or octopus with sweet potato . In Vila Nova del Milfonte s we find the ** Tasca do Celso ,** a reference restaurant, with lively atmosphere even out of season, to enjoy the delicacies of Portuguese gastronomy: sheep cheese, cataplanas, shellfish, grilled fresh fish...
In the same population, we also like Porto das Barcas . He was awarded as best restaurant in Alentejo, and have one ocean view terrace and a menu in which to taste the petiscos that the sea offers.
WHERE TO SLEEP
Now that we have immersed ourselves fully in nature, why not choose rural accommodation ? To rest body and soul, the region has several hotels in the middle of nowhere , where you can breathe fresh air and sleep like a baby.
This is the case of ** Naturarte ,** which has two types of accommodation, one in the field and another next to the Mira river , in addition to an equestrian center where to learn horse riding and equestrian art and a swimming pool. Also, they have a enviable gastronomic proposal that unites the traditional flavors s with the most contemporary techniques, hand in hand with Pamela Wieser.
nature
Another lodging of those that fall in love is the ** Quinta do Chocalhinho ,** an agritourism space that was the house of the grandfather of Luis Mendonca , architect of the place, and that has been recovered for the delight and relaxation of his guests. In the fifth you can stay in double rooms or in small family houses fully equipped. The best? They have animals and their own garden, for you to collect and cook your own vegetables.
Back to civilization we stayed in ** Guarda Rios .** It opened just two months ago in Vila Nova de Milfontes and has eight rooms, some of them with balconies where you can exhaust yourself before an infinite sunset...
Quinta do Chocalhinho, a hostel stuck in time