Arraiolos

Code: ARL PR1

Geographical location: Arraiolos

Type: Circular walk

Main themes: Scenery, nature, heritage, ecotrail

Distance: 9.4 km

Approximate duration: 3 to 4 hours

Type of surface: Country and urban paths and ecotrail

Ascent/descent: 224 m

Minimum altitude: 238 m

Maximum altitude: 356 m

Level of difficulty: Medium 

Certifications: Approved by the FCMP (Portuguese Camping and Mountaineering Federation)

Start and finish: Praça da República, Arraiolos

Geographical coordinates: N38º43'23'' W07º59'03''

Geographical coordinates: 38.723195º -7.984261º

Where to park: Parking available in the immediate vicinity, within the built-up area.

Telephone: +351 266 490 254

E-mail: turismo@cm-arraiolos.pt

When we are in Arraiolos, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous art of embroidery, widely applied to carpets for decorative purposes and normal use. This is an ancient legacy of a territory whose memories go far back in the mists of time and whose high point is the village of whitewashed houses from which there is a view over never-ending fields. The countryside here is replete with oak groves. Once crossed by trains, it is now a marvellous space for walkers.

We experience a trio of emotions on a walk that is accessible along good paths, although there are a few steep hills to grapple with. Start by exploring Arraiolos town centre and the streets where artisans embroider carpets and you can still see vestiges of road traffic from yesteryear. Farther on, you have the beauty of the oak groves and the big lakes and, lastly, an ecotrail that affords comfortable walking and where hope-filled trains used to run.