Beja

Starting at the Largo da Ponte (square), in Quintos, head East along the river, taking the road that becomes a rural path. Take the direction of Monte da Gravia dos Pisões where you will turn right near the fountain. Behold, we are in the middle of fertile ground where irrigation prevails thanks to water arriving underground from the Alqueva Lake. About a thousand and two hundred metres ahead, take the tight turn to the left, crossing over the ruins of what was once the important Monte da Gravia do Meio, after which you will start going down the Barranco da Gravia to cross its line of water which, in times of rain, involves crossing the ford. Climb the South face of the ravine, passing next to the Monte do Telheirinho (hill), turn left and follow the municipal road 1067 for just over two kilometres, where you will again turn left towards Azenha do Vau, next to the Guadiana River, about one and a half kilometres away. On this path, to the right, you will see the Fonte do Vau de Baixo (fountain). Visit the watermill, this one and others, with extreme care not to slip or fall into the river. Get back on track to continue up the river, finding next to it the Fortim do Vau (fortress), a curious defensive construction, with no doors or windows, which was the ancient border control as well as the crossing point which took place here by "barca” (boat). A little further ahead lies the Azenha de Quilos (watermill). Follow up the river to see the Azenha dos Machados (watermill), turning right before it for a long climb toward Monte da Gravia dos Pisões. From here, take the same route back to the starting point.