Galegos

Details: Parent Category: District Portalegre; Category: Portalegre - walks; Last Updated: 17 November 2023; Hits: 1151

From the village of Galegos you walk along old smuggling paths along the Spanish border. Due to the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1935, the inhabitants of this Portuguese region became very poor. In order to have some source of income, they started smuggling coffee and tobacco. These smugglers were active until about 1960. Then it goes through a gently rolling landscape in the direction of the River Sever that you cross. The last part is on walled medieval paths with beautiful views over the valley back to the village.

Galegos

Galegos

Distance: 12 km

Duration: 4h00

Grade: Moderate

Gps track: Yes

Route description: Yes

Type: Circular

Height gain: 316 meters

Way mark: Yellow - red line and signs PR2-MRV

Wheelchair: Not suitable

Dog allowed on a leach

Along smuggling paths and medieval roads.

The hiking trail starts in the village of Galegos, at the old bus stop in the Largo da Ponte. On the granite bed of the river large cavities have been carved out by the action of stones that, driven by the water, have gradually dug themselves into the rocky bed (POI 1). The walk continues in the direction of the border. On this part of the walk, between Galegos and La Fontanera, you walk on old smuggling paths to Castro Da Crenca (POI 2), where there is a sign with information about these turbulent times. The walk then goes through a gently rolling landscape, to and over the rivers Galegos and Sever (POI 3). Further afield, a beautiful view of the valley, including impressive granite blocks of enormous size. Later you pass a dark green patch of chestnut trees to go back to the village.

Good marking. The markers are always present but sometimes you have to take a moment to discover them. At the end of the walk there is one place where there is no marking. Here you have to turn right.

Take enough drinking water with you, especially when it is very hot.

Sturdy hiking shoes recommended.