Ourique

Hills and Valleys of Santana da Serra

Code: ORQ PR1

Geographical location: Santana da Serra, Ourique

Type: Circular walk

Main themes: Rurality, Scenery

Distance: 13.5 km

Approximate duration: 3 to 4 hours

Type of surface: Country paths

Ascent/descent: 486 m

Minimum altitude: 165 m

Maximum altitude: 330 m

Level of difficulty: Medium

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

Start and finish: Car park at the entrance to Santana da Serra

Geographical coordinates: N37º29'54'' W08º17'59''

Geographical coordinates: 37.498342 -8.299990

Where to park: Car park at the site

Useful Contacts:

Ourique Tourist Office

Telephone: +351 286 510 414

E-mail: turismo@cmourique.pt

The terrain is quite hilly and is marked by hills separated by valleys carved out in an area that is already a transitional one leading into the Algarve uplands. The landscapes are seemingly endless, in a sea of green and boulders. Dotted around the countryside you will see ruined hamlets that bear witness to bygone days when people lived in scattered settlements and the inhabitants struggled to make a living in these lands.

This is demanding route that goes up- and downhill, along the crests of the many hills in the region. The paths themselves are wide and easy to walk on but there is not much shade so you will be exposed to the sun for almost the entire length of the walk.

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