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Anta da Masmorra (Masmorra Dolmen) | Tavira

A 3.8 km walking path in the Serra do Caldeirão, an audio guided route passing by the prehistoric Anta da Masmorra and the windmills ruins.

Location

Region: Algarve; Municipality: Tavira; Civil Parish: Cachopo, Alcarias de Pedro Guerreiro.

Accessible by car

At the roundabout in Cachopo, take the Martim Longo and Mealha exit and then turn left towards Mealha. Go through the hamlet of Navalha and over a stone bridge (you’ll be able to see a weir to your right). This route will take you near Monte Cravo. The route starts around 1 km on, next to the sign that points right, to the dam.

Starting Point

Next to the sign for the Dam and Anta da Masmorra. (N37°22'4.26" W7°51'36.80")

Finishing point

Next to the sign for the Dam and Anta da Masmorra.

Type of route

Circular

Location

Region: Algarve; Municipality: Tavira; Civil Parish: Cachopo, Alcarias de Pedro Guerreiro.

Accessible by car

Starting Point

Next to the sign for the Dam and Anta da Masmorra. (N37°22'4.26" W7°51'36.80")

Finishing point

Next to the sign for the Dam and Anta da Masmorra.

Type of route

Circular

Minimum Altitude

260 m

Maximum Altitude

370 m

Length

3.80 km

Time required

2h (approx.)

Cumulative elevation gain

131 m

Cumulative elevation loss

127 m

Minimum Altitude

260 m

Maximum Altitude

370 m

Length

3.80 km

Time required

2h (approx.)

Cumulative elevation gain

131 m

Cumulative elevation loss

127 m

Description of Itinerary

Download the audioguide before you start the walk:

MP3 file: 29 MB
MP4 file: 52 MB

The route starts on the tarmacked road, next to the sign for the dam and the “Anta da Masmorra” megaliths. Follow the sign and start your adventure, seeking out the mysteries hidden within the Serra do Caldeirão.

You’ll cross the Ribeirinha stream. Keep walking along the main track, following the "Grande Rota" (Long Distance Path) signs. Follow this path until you get to the information board about “Anta da Masmorra”, which should be on your right-hand side. Ignore the path that veers off to the right. Turn down a narrow trail to your right, towards the board, and keep going straight until you reach the megalith. Follow the same trail until you reach the main path and then turn right, towards the windmills. Keep going.

Pay close attention here: Take the first left after the second windmill and start heading downhill. Ignore the two paths to the left and keep going straight ahead. You’ll then come across a dam to your right. This is the perfect place for a rest.

Head downhill, where you’ll find yourself back at the Ribeirinha stream. As soon as you’re ready to leave, turn right.

When you get to the tarmacked road, turn left and you’ll find yourself back at the starting point.

What will I see?

Flora:

Almond Tree - Prunus dulcis
Mastic Tree - Pistacia lentiscus
Gum Cistus - Cistus ladanifer
Oleander - Nerium oleander
Olive Tree - Olea europaea
Wrinkled Rockrose - Cistus crispus
Narrowleaf Cattail - Typha angustifolia
African Tamarisk – Tamarix africana
Navelwort - Umbilicus rupestres

Points of interest:

Ribeirinha
Serra do Caldeirão
Anta da Masmorra (Dolmen)
Rural architecture (old pens/enclosures, communal oven)
Ruined windmills

USEFUL INFORMATION

Along the route you will be instructed to pause the audio guide until you reach a certain location;
Even if not instructed to do so, you should pause the audio guide if you have not yet reached the location being described, as there may discrepancies between the audio timings and the time it takes you to get to certain locations;
Always keep as close to the edge of the path as you can to stay clear of any passing cars;
The route crosses several hunting reserves. For your safety, we suggest you do not take this route on Thursdays and Sundays during hunting season;
In winter, especially after periods of heavy rain, rivers and streams may be harder than usual to cross.

Useful contact information