Most people who come to the Alentejo come for the food, the wine, and the light. Walking tends to be an afterthought. That is a mistake. The landscape around Évora and the Guadiana valley is one of the best walking regions in Portugal, and almost none of it is crowded. Here are five routes we know well, ranging from a gentle morning stroll to a serious half-day on the ridge.
The cork oak forest loop (2 hours) ¶
This is the route we recommend to guests who are not sure how much they want to walk. It starts from the front gate of Cricket Glen and follows a track through the cork oak forest for about six kilometres before looping back along a dry stone wall that marks the edge of a neighbouring farm. The cork trees are extraordinary in late summer when the bark has been recently harvested and the trunks are a deep red-orange. No significant elevation. Good for all fitness levels.
The Guadiana river path (4 hours return) ¶
Eleven kilometres return, with one steep section near the start. The path follows the forest edge for the first hour and then drops to the river bank, which is flat and shaded. At the halfway point, the village of Mourinha has a small cafe serving a fixed lunch for around eight euros. Start before 9 am in July and August. Bring at least two litres of water per person. The GPS track is available via QR code on our laminated route card.
The megalithic circuit (3 hours) ¶
The Alentejo has more megalithic monuments per square kilometre than almost anywhere in Europe, and several of the best ones are within walking distance of the property. This route connects three anta (dolmens) and one menhir along a path that crosses two farms. We have permission from both landowners. The route is not signposted publicly, so use our printed guide or ask Tiago to walk the first section with you.
What to bring and when to go ¶
In July and August, start early. By 11 am the exposed sections are genuinely hot and the shade is limited. A hat, sunscreen, and more water than you think you need are not optional. In spring and autumn the conditions are easier and the landscape is greener. We keep a small kit of walking poles at the front desk that guests can borrow. Boots are better than trainers on the rocky sections near the river.
Getting the route cards ¶
All seven of our laminated route cards are in a folder in every room. Each one has a hand-drawn map, written directions, a difficulty rating, and a QR code linking to the GPS track and a live weather feed. If you want to plan before you arrive, email us at stay@cricketglen.com and we will send you the PDF versions.
Walking in the Alentejo is one of those things that sounds like a nice idea and turns out to be the thing you remember most. If you have questions about any of the routes, Tiago is the person to ask. He has walked all of them more times than he can count.