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Wooden Walkways of the Alentejo: Passadiços Abound for Hiking Adventures

The Paiva Walkways have become a real destination in Portugal, and it helped launch a conservation movement to create wood walkways for natural hiking trails. Portugal's effort to balance a living forest while creating better access have paid off, and new walkways (called Passadiços) help to conserve while making nature more accessible.

There are walkways for all types of tastes: short and long, flat and uphill, and set in a variety of environments and landscapes. In the Alentejo new walkways offer great access with amazing scenery, and they are uncrowded and welcoming. Most of them are walkways that are easy to  enjoy over a short distance, although some of them are integrated into larger pedestrian trails. Some walkways run alongside rivers, which makes them even more enjoyable. Others venture through plains or mountains. In the end, you will discover an Alentejo that is timeless. Enjoy these walkways of the Alentejo.

Alamal Walkway (Gavião)


In the north of the Alentejo, follow the Alamal walkways by the river and with the imposing Belver Castle above you, dominating the surrounding landscape. The route begins at the River Beach of Alamal and ends at the historic Ponte de Belver bridge. Along the way, you can follow the banks of the River Tejo.



Gameiro Walkway (Mora)

Starting at the river beach of Gameiro, this walkway always runs along the Raia River and the surrounding landscape is typical Alentejo Montado. Located in the town of Mora, it is 1.5 kilometers long, but accesses a footpath with 5.5 more kilometers and passes through typical Alentejo cork forests. 

Passadiços da Aldeia da Luz Walkway


Pedestrian trail via the walkway of the rebuilt village of Luz on the Great Lake. Follow this 2.8-mile out-and-back trail that is moderately challenging, This walkway is great for birding and open year-round.

Pulo do Lobo Walkway (Serpa)


This is a staircase with 300 steps that goes down a slope of 50 meters near the Guadiana River, and some very wild countryside. The objective of the new walkways at Pulo do Lobo is to facilitate access to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Portugal.



Costa Norte Walkway (Sines)

The pedestrian walkway on the  Canto Mosqueiro opened to the public recently along the Atlantic. The  walkway protects the dunes and cliffs and allows for recovery of coastal systems, also developing a sustainable tourist resource. With this walkway, one of the most beautiful coastal landscapes of Sines gains better pedestrian accessibility, while ensuring that visits are made without negative impacts on natural values.

Serra d’Ossa Walkway (Redondo)

Close to Gloria, and in Redondo the new footbridges in Serra d’Ossa Mountains are almost 2 kilometers long. They connect the village of Serra to the Hermitage of Nossa Senhora do Monte da Virgem. The route goes through the forests and has some nice views. Plus, check out some natural caves built by the hermit friars who lived near the Ermida. If you choose to do the entire route, including the part without wooden walkways, it is 7.7 km, round trip.

Nisa Walkway


They are one of the newest  walkways in Portugal, part of the Barca d’Amieira Trail. In addition to the wooden walkways, there is also a stunning suspended pedestrian bridge (Indiana Jones might feel at home here), and sweeping views over the River Tejo. A great spot for  birding, too. 

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