アルブフェイラデサンタクララのおすすめツーリングルート

After the construction of the Santa Clara dam, the Mira River began to have little water as it passed through Santa Clara. In my youth, I often crossed the river over those cement blocks, with the water almost wetting my boots, and other times, it wouldn't allow crossing the river at that point; we had to go around using the bridge on the road. Different times. 😂🚲

The Castle of Cola is an Iron Age hillfort that was later reinforced as an Islamic fortress in Portugal’s Alentejo region, now classified as a National Monument. It forms the centre of the Castro da Cola archaeological park, which features Megalithic, Chalcolithic, Bronze, and Iron Age remains. The polygonal fortification, with thick walls, a towered entrance, and a rock-hewn cistern, was strategically positioned to guard a key route into the Algarve.

Cola Castle is a significant archaeological site. Classified as a National Monument, it was an ancient residence from the Iron Age. The larger Archaeological Park of Castro da Cola also includes other interesting prehistoric monuments including megalithic and chalcolithic ones and several necropolises dating back to the Bronze and Iron Ages. The defensive structure of the castro, dating back to the Iron Age, has a polygonal plan with reinforced blocks. The entrance was strategically controlled by a tower. The rest of the defensive structure was surrounded by walls, which are still visible today on the surrounding pastures and continue to protect the ancient castle.

And showers / wc available!

Small ford (at normal water levels) that is easy to cross. If it is too deep and you don't want to take your shoes off, you can also cross on the posts. Fantastic gravel road.

Coming from Almodovar hills, this waters will go to Barragem (dam) of Santa Clara-a-Velha, Sabóia, crossing Odemira and finally get the Atlantic Ocean at Vila Nova de Milfontes.

So close and so far. Like an old Soviet nuclear submarine, here you are in deep water. Beware of the arbutus! If you drink, promise not to walk on the tarmac for the next 12 hours.

Here the Mira River is just a trickle of water most of the year.