This Via Algarviana connection starts next to the Church of Our Lady of the Incarnation in Marmelete, and runs alongside the PR6 MCQ – Marmelete Walking Path for about 250 metres. It then diverges, with connection 5 heading to the left and the short distance path to the right. Sector 12 of the GR13 – Via Algarviana also runs alongside this connection initially, for about 2 km, as both make their way through the village of Marmelete then down the EN 267 road towards Aljezur. These two routes then diverge on the EN 267. While the GR13 – Via Algarviana goes straight ahead, connection 5 turns right, following a narrow dirt track into a patch of eucalyptus trees, where you’ll spot wooden signs pointing towards: Nevada / Rocha / Espigão.

The path then goes down towards the Cerca Stream. Delight in the view around you. You should be able to spot lots of strawberry trees on this part of the route, with riparian vegetation becoming more prominent as you reach the riverside area, standing out from the rest of the landscape and making this the perfect place for a break, as there’s plenty of shade. The route runs alongside the stream, through landscape dotted with gum rockrose (Cistus ladanifer) and some durable cork oaks. Cross the Cerca Stream once again, and a few metres on you’ll find yourself heading into the Municipality of Aljezur.

When you get to Cascalheira, cross the Cerca Stream for the last time, either on foot or, if the water level is too high, by going over the bridge. This beautiful, fresh locale is the perfect spot for a picnic.

After Moinho do Bispo, head down a path on the right, which will take you northwards. From here, the route becomes more demanding due to steeper slopes. It runs very close to Alcaria, reaching Corvo trig point, which provides a sweeping view over Aljezur and the entire surrounding area. If you look back, you’ll see Fóia, the highest point in the Algarve (902 m). Take a deep breath to inhale all the smells of the mountains and take in these stunning landscapes.

You’ll find yourself in Aljezur soon after spotting the town. The route will take you down old streets, allowing you to completely immerse yourself in the fascinating town. We suggest that you go up to the church, where the view of Aljezur Castle is simply stunning.

From here, the route is flanked by well kept gardens, signalling that you’re approaching the Aljezur Stream, which is close to the market – the end point of this connection.

» HISTORIC, ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND RELIGIOUS HERITAGE

Marmelete

• The Little Saint Statue;
• Saint Anthony’s Chapel (18th Century);
• Casa do Medronho – “Medronho” Brandy Distillery;
• Fountain;
• Old Fountain or Lovers’ Fountain (1926);
• Our Lady of the Incarnation Church (17th Century).

Aljezur

• Barrada Silos Archeological Site (37°19'13.0"N 8°47'47.1"W)
• Painter José Cercas House-Museum;
• Castle – Classified as being of Public Interest, the castle was built by the Moors in the 10th Century, with the aim of controlling a river port that has long since been silted up. This was the last Islamic castle in the Algarve to be conquered by Christians, which happened in 1249, under King Afonso III, thanks to the knights of the Order of Saint James, led by Paio Peres Correia. Behind its two towers, one round and the other square, the castle’s domed, cubic cistern can still be seen, with its arched door. Evidence can be found of the land where the castle is located having been occupied successively and uninterruptedly by various peoples.
• Church of Mercy (16th Century);
• Main Church of Our Lady of Dawn or New Church (18th Century);
• St. Anthony’s Museum;
• Monsignor Manuel Francisco Pardal Sacred Art Museum;
• Municipal Museum.

» NATURE

The area around Marmelete is well-known for its geological diversity, where outcrops of nepheline syenites characteristic of the Monchique Hills can be spotted. Coastal cliffs dominate the landscape in the Aljezur region. These geological formations are formed by several types of rocks that make up the natural heritage of the Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Nature Park.

Vegetation along the route is also diverse, predominantly made up of rockrose and heather, which share the habitat with strawberry trees, cork oaks and some pine trees. In some places, such as just outside Marmelete, natural vegetation has been replaced with eucalyptus plantations.

REST STOPS AND SUPPORT SERVICES ALONG THE ROUTE

• The only cafés or shops along this route are at the beginning and end. As such, walkers are advised to plan ahead, taking enough food and water with them, taking into account the distance they intend to walk, the weather and the degree of difficulty of the route.

CASH MACHINE

• Marmelete;
• Aljezur.

BUS LINES

• Marmelete:
  Line 92 - Marmelete – Monchique
• Aljezur:
  Line 74 - Aljezur – Vale da Telha – Arrifana – Aljezur
  Line 79 - Lagos – Odeceixe

More information: Vamus Algarve.

• Almargem Association: (+351) 289 412 959
• Algarve Tourism Bureau: (+351) 289 800 403
• Vicentina Association: (+351) 282 680 120
• Aljezur Volunteer Firefighters: (+351) 282 998 258 / 282 990 140
• Monchique Volunteer Firefighters: (+351) 282 910 000
• Aljezur Town Hall: (+351) 282 990 010
• Monchique Town Hall: (+351) 282 910 200
• Aljezur Health Centre:(+351) 282 990 200
• Marmelete Health Centre Branch: (+351) 282 955 136
• National Republican Guard - Aljezur: (+351) 282 998 130 
• National Republican Guard - Monchique: (+351) 282 912 629
• Aljezur Civil Parish Council: (+351) 282 998 343
• Marmelete Civil Parish Council: (+351) 282 955 121
• Southwest Alentejo and Vicentine Coast Nature Park: (+351) 283 322 735
• Aljezur Tourist Information Office: (+351) 282 998 229
• Monchique Tourist Information Office: (+351) 282 911 189
• In the event of an emergency, call 112
• If you see a fire, call 117