Starting off in Marmelete, this stretch of the route runs alongside the PR6 MCQ – Marmelete Walking Path for about 300 metres. The Via Algarviana then turns off to the left, and the route to the right for a further 1.7 km to Aljezur, along with Connection 5 – Via Algarviana (Marmelete).

You’ll be heading in a north-westerly direction initially, until you reach the national road that connects this village to the town of Aljezur. If you want to visit the town of Aljezur itself, follow connection 5, but be careful as the markings are the same for both. As you follow the national road, the Via Algarviana will carry on straight ahead and the connection will eventually turn off to the right, onto a dirt track towards Aljezur.

The route will then turn to the south, after which it will carry on in this direction practically until it reaches Bensafrim. Though these two locations (Bensafrim and Marmelete) are spaced at quite a distance from one another, this sector is very beautiful, and were it not for its length, it would be considered an easy stretch when compared to other sectors.
The landscape here is diverse, populated with eucalyptus trees, dense cork oak forests, well-kept farmland, small villages and, as you near the end, a region similar to the Barrocal, which is rich in limestone and covered in dense Mediterranean scrubland, kermes oaks and rocky outcrops.

This sector takes you through a very wild area, far away from human settlements.
However, you will come across some scattered houses and small villages along the route, such as Malhão, Pomarinho, Romeiras, Vagarosa, Vale de Lobos, Pincho, Corte do Bispo and Paraísos, among others. Many rural houses have been restored, along with their gardens, bringing new life and colour to the landscape. When you reach Romeiras, take a break for a rest and a snack in one of the cafés you’ll find there.

This sector is also marked by the presence of the Bravura Dam and large reservoir, a pleasant place for a short break on this long walk.

Between here and Bensafrim, the route will take you along well-marked paths through a very rich landscape populated with cork and holm oaks, scattered vegetable gardens, streams and riparian galleries. The final stretch winds through a beautiful wide river valley that makes for easy walking. Your arrival in Bensafrim marks the end of this part of the route, and sector 12.