Routes of Côa

It is in the mountains of north-eastern Portugal, a region of extensive olive groves, where in early spring the almond trees bloom and in the autumn the vines gain a fiery colour, that an affluent whose name has become universal flows to the Douro River. Its name is Côa. The shale rocks that delimit their bed enclose an expressive artistic cycle that, millennium after millennium, has become a set of art panels with thousands of engravings, bequeathed by the creative impulse of our ancestors.

Day 1 — Foz do Côa

This trail begins in the village of Almendra to traverse the last two stages of Côa Great Route in a single day. Through walled paths, between olive groves and vineyards, pasture areas and old agricultural areas, zigzagging downhill and climbing hillsides, this trail shows to who crosses it an immense panoramic view of the entire valley of Côa River to culminate at its mouth.

Distance — approx. 20km circular
Duration — approx. 7 hours
Level of difficulty — difficult

Day 2 — Faia Brava Reserve

In 2010, the Private Protected Area of Faia Brava was classified as the country's first private protected area. Located in the heart of the river canyon of Côa River, the Reserve of Faia Brava, with 850ha, is characterised by granite escarpments which are in the origin of its name — “faia” means scarp — and by its climate of great thermal amplitudes and poor average rainfall. This reserve develops actions in the areas of ecological restoration through the valuation of habitats, increasing food availability of the most endangered species and forest management, being, due to its morphology, one of the quietest and safest places for nesting large rupicolous birds. The griffon vulture, the Egyptian vulture, the Bonelli's eagle and the golden eagle are among the nesting species that make Faia Brava a place of great interest for the preservation of nature.

Distance — approx. 12km circular
Duration — approx. 4 hours
Level of difficulty — easy

Prices:
— From €205 per person in a double room
— From €245* per person in a single room

*This value may be higher depending on the time of the year and the accommodation costs.

Includes:
— 2 nights bed and breakfast in hotel 4*
— 1 entrance in the Protected Area of Faia Brava
— 1 group dinner
— On-site guide
— Personal accident and liability insurance

Does not include:
— Transportation or transfers
— Food or other meals

Important to bring:
— Waterproof footwear (mountain boots or stiff sole tennis shoes)
— Waterproof windbreaker
— Water and snack
— Sunscreen
— Repellent

Limited number of participants — 6 minimum /10 maximum