GRANDE TRAVESSIA GRAVEL
Off the Road - Into the Wildscapes [Stage 6]
Stage from Mértola to Castro Verde, closing the 400 km route, crossing the lands of the Iberian Lynx and the Alentejo plains where the epic battle of Ourique was fought.
This is the last stage of this cycling adventure through the immense territory of Portugal Wildscapes. You will say goodbye to the Guadiana and return to the vast plains of the Alentejo.
On the way you will visit the chapel of Nossa Senhora de Aracelis, the “altar of heaven”, where you can find an excellent view over the landscape, and an excellent spot for birdwatching. In fact, this leg of the route crosses several points of our Birdwatching Route!
Distance
60,9 km
Duration
4:50 h
Ascendent
705 m
Descendent
705 m
Highest point
207 m
Lowest point
12 m
Nª Srª de Aracelis, marks the border between the municipalities of Mértola and Castro Verde.
São Pedros das Cabeças, in Castro Verde, where the battle of Ourique took place.
You will continue towards Castro Verde and take a diversion to visit another point of interest. At the top of a hill you will find the place of São Pedro das Cabeças where a small chapel commemorates the battle of Ourique of 1139. It is said that the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, guided by divine forces, won a battle against five Moors in the early days of Portuguese nationality.
Legends apart, the journey will end in Castro Verde where you can enjoy the gastronomy and get to know the local traditions, perhaps to the sound of Alentejan singing …
Birding Trail - Nearby points
⑧ Água Santa da Morena
At Água Santa da Morena, the Oeiras river establishes the border between the São João dos Caldeireiros and Mértola. A recommended stop, it offers a small, shaded picnic park. Ideal for summer days.
⑥ Benviúda
Along the N123, you will find the billboard in the opposite side of Benviuda's exit. If you are driving, park your car and take the chance to do a small walk along the dirt path. Or find a cycling route that crosses that point. A pretty bucolic feeling, with white sheep scattered across the landscape.
⑤ Nª Srª de Aracelis
Aracelis marks the border between Castro Verde and Mértola municipalities. A small white chapel sits on the top of the hill offering a 360 view over the mosaic landscape. Spend sometime and take your telescope with you.
④ Apariça
An excellent viewpoint to the steppe landscapes around Apariça Farm. At this stop, please do not walk further than the billboard, as this is a privately owned property.
⑦ Alvacar river – Navarro
Exit N123 on the road towards Navarro. The road is crossed by the Alvacar river, creating an unique habitat for many small birds, especially during winter to spring. In the summer, often the creek dries out.
Places to visit
Castro Verde Biosphere Reserve
This unique biosphere is influenced by low-intensity agricultural activity and the environment’s ecological components. Dominated by cereal fields, fallows, natural grasslands (meadows) and fields with leguminous plants, Castro Verde supports high levels of biodiverse habitats and species. / There is a remarkable degree of Iberian and even Lusitanian endemisms and a diverse bird community of around two hundred species. Among the birds associated with extensive cereal plains are specialist species that occur only in this type of environment, such as the steppe birds.
Ermida de Nossa Senhora de Aracelis
This chapel is devoted to Lady Mary. The word Aracelis derives from the Latin "ara coeli", meaning “Altar of Heaven”. / The chapel was likely built during the 16th century. Today, this special place attracts devotees and pilgrims, especially on the occasion of the feast of the patroness, in September, being one of the main Marian sanctuaries of the Alentejo. /
Chapel São Pedro das Cabeças
This mystical place is where the first Portuguese King, D. Afonso Henriques defeated the armies of five Moorish kings in an epic battle fought with legendary divine intervention. Still to come on Netflix. At the top of the hill, near the ancient white church, you can see the vast plains from Alentejo. If you close your eyes and concentrate you may still hear the sounds of the battle in which five castles were conquered and flew the Portuguese flag representing the dawn of the nation. If you cannot hear anything, at least you can pull a rope and listen to the church bells. From the top of São Pedro das Cabeças you can explore paths onto the steppe.
Portugal Wildscapes Experiences
Monte da Apariça
The “soul” of the Rural Tourism Monte da Apariça lies in the land (or, as so called, in the “Herdade”), where the scent of earth, flowers, grass and animals blend in the air. One only distracts from this scent when staring into the horizon that, from the top of the Monte, stretches out to the infinite Alentejo. Birdwatching is the heart of Apariça because, in this place, you can watch unique birds, many of which of protected species. In Monte da Apariça there is absolute peace! Anywhere in the Herdade, or simply under the porch, while having a typical lunch or just a break.
Hotel “A Esteva”
A three-star hotel that blends in with the plains and the white houses of the village of Castro Verde. A privileged location in the town with great accessibility, it offers a bright and cozy atmosphere.
4B’s – B&B Birds & Bicycles
The 4Bs is a family project in Castro Verde for nature and outdoor activities lovers. The name came up very naturally: "birds" for all the protected bird species that surround us in this region, "bicycles" for our special fellings towards this vehicle :), and of course "Bed & Breakfast" for the kind of accommodation we were offering.
They offer na apartment, a triple bedroom, a slot for a van and Glamping: This spacious tent has 1 double bed and 2 single beds. There is a shared outdoor kitchen fully equipped and free solar warmshower. The homestay also offers bike hire.