アルクティムのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

Vaqueiros is a small parish in the municipality of Alcoutim. It is a very peaceful place, where several hiking trails in the region begin. Like other villages in the Algarve, the population of Vaqueiros has decreased significantly over the years, further highlighting its bucolic and peaceful atmosphere.

The castle sits atop a hill overlooking the Guadiana River. The river forms the natural border between Portugal and Spain.

In 1876, an unprecedented flood of the Guadiana River revealed previously unknown ruins: the Roman Villa of Montinho das Laranjeiras. Founded in the 1st century BC, it was inhabited continuously until the end of the Islamic period, when it was finally abandoned. Its privileged position allowed trade along the river as far as Mértola and ensured the continuity of Roman, Visigothic, and Islamic occupation.

The River Museum reveals the soul of the Guadiana: its history, traditions, and the vital role it played in transporting ore. It also celebrates the region's natural and cultural heritage, from artisanal fishing to gastronomy, not forgetting the memories of smuggling during the Estado Novo. Among the exhibits, miniature replicas of the vessels that plied these waters until the 1960s stand out.

Here, very close to the Corte das Donas, you'll find this decommissioned windmill. The building is in ruins, but it adds a charming touch to the landscape and offers a glimpse into the life that once existed here.

The "old" castle of Alcoutim is located about one kilometer north of the town, on a hill overlooking the Guadiana River and the Castillo de San Marcos in Spain. The site complements a visit to the Archaeological Museum and is freely accessible.

Secluded villages, centuries-old plantations and untouched nature. From this point on the road it is possible to admire a classic landscape of the Algarve interior region.

Fed by the Barranco das Hortas reservoir, the Vaqueiros reservoir is the largest artificial lake in the region. The main purpose of building the dam was to supply water to the local agricultural sector. There is a small picnic area on its shore.