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Hiking Portugal & Spain's Historic Frontier

Overview

Walk between Spain and Portugal through fortress villages, rewilding country and the tunnelled Camino de Hierro

Follow La Raya – the Portugal-Spain border – through a world of boulder-built villages, chestnut woods and mountain passes. Crossing between the two countries reveals a borderland shaped by both shared traditions and national differences: hear fala in the Sierra de Gata, taste organic olive oil near Roman-rooted Idanha-a-Velha and climb to ruined frontier castles. Walk with a rewilding expert through habitat roamed by semi-wild horses, before tackling the Camino de Hierro, a remarkable 19th-century railway trail that crosses 10 iron bridges and burrows through 20 tunnels above the Águeda gorge.

Key Information

Activity: Walking & Trekking
Activity Level: Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level: Superior
Trip Code: TSG
Ways to Travel: Guided Group
Countries: Portugal, Spain

What's Included

All accommodation: 6 Superior nights (hotels)
All breakfasts, five picnic lunches and one dinner
Immersive itinerary with all transport (private cars or minibus) and listed activities
Expert tour leader to enhance your adventure
Group arrival and departure transfers available

Positive Impact

We donate to our Foundation and rewild 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller. Find out more about how our adventures support nature and people to thrive.

Don't Forget To

Request a single room if required, purchase travel insurance and arrange any visas and vaccinations.

Highlights

Hike the Camino de Hierro through tunnels and across iron bridges above the Águeda gorge

Follow ancient stone trails through oak and chestnut woods to the frontier villages of the Sierra de Gata

Explore Ermo das Águias with a rewilding expert, identifying native flora and watching for semi-wild sorraia horses and tauros cattle

Hiking Portugal & Spain’s Historic Frontier

Tour the Egitânia olive grove and learn to taste its oils with an expert

Visit historic borderland villages, including boulder-built Monsanto, Roman-rooted Idanha-a-Velha, walled Sortelha and San Martín de Trevejo

Itinerary

First Destination: Belmonte
Next Destination: Longroiva

Accommodation:Belmonte Monte Sinai Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Distance:12 km / 7.5 miles
Accommodation:Belmonte Monte Sinai Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:14 km / 8.7 miles
Accommodation:Hospederia Conventual Sierra de Gata (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:11.5 km / 6.8 miles
Accommodation:Hospederia Conventual Sierra de Gata (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:9.5 km / 5.6 miles
Accommodation:Longroiva Hotel Rural (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Distance:17 km / 10.6 miles
Accommodation:Longroiva Hotel Rural (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Meals included:Breakfast

First Destination: Belmonte
Next Destination: Longroiva

Begin the adventure in Belmonte, a granite-built town beneath the Serra da Estrela with a 13th-century castle and deep Sephardic Jewish heritage.

The group transfer from Lisbon Airport should arrive around 5pm (depending on traffic), providing a little time to settle in or take a first look around the town before we meet as a group.

Around 6.30pm, say olá to your tour leader and fellow travellers, when we gather as a group for the first time to get to know each other and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Portuguese welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Want more time in Belmonte or Lisbon? Secure pre-tour hotel nights through your sales representative.

Accommodation:Belmonte Monte Sinai Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Dinner

Drive (one hour) to Monsanto, a wonderfully unique hilltop village where centuries-old homes incorporate the giant granite boulders that populate the slopes.

Starting high on the hill, we follow the Rota dos Barrocais past some of the village’s iconic buildings, before descending through cork oak woodlands, weaving between massive, individually named granite boulders.

We’ll then cut through the traditional villages of Afonseanes and Amial, before our final stretch follows the gentle Ponsul River, crossing a bridge first built during the rule of Roman emperor Augustus to enter the historic village of Idanha-a-Velha.

Upon arrival, follow our tour leader for a guided tour of the village. We then visit Egitânea olive grove for an expertly led tasting and introduction to olive oil production.

Returning to Belmonte, we stop in walled Sortelha, where our tour leader leads us on a short walk among granite houses and castle walls.

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance:12 km / 7.5 miles
Accommodation:Belmonte Monte Sinai Hotel (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

We cross the border into Spain today, transferring (approximately 1hr 30min) to the village of Eljas, one of only three communities where fala, a locally rooted Romance language, is spoken.

Here, today’s picturesque trail begins. Leaving the village, rural tracks climb between olive groves and dry-stone walls into Pyrenean oak woodland. Reaching our highest point for today, Puerto de San Martín pass, at close to 3,280ft (1,000m) above sea level, we descend on a stone-paved route through chestnut woods to the village of San Martín de Trevejo.

Here, water channels thread between timber-framed houses before our walk ends at our accommodation for the next two nights: Hospedería Conventual Sierra de Gata, a 15th-century convent transformed into a spa hotel.

The afternoon is free to explore independently and enjoy the hotel facilities.

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance:14 km / 8.7 miles
Accommodation:Hospederia Conventual Sierra de Gata (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s hike begins at our hotel, as we walk into San Martín de Trevejo to see the Fuente Chafaril before joining the Camino del Payo. The trail climbs above the village, opening views across the Sierra de Gata, then descends between dry-stone walls to Villamiel.

Passing through the historic centre, we see the 16th-century Church of Santa María Magdalena and stone houses bearing carved coats of arms. We then leave the village through vegetable plots, vineyards, olive groves and chestnut trees.

After crossing the Arroyo de los Lagares stream, the final ascent follows an old stone path through granite country to Trevejo. Crowning the hamlet are the ruins of its castle, where we finish with far-reaching views across the mountains. The surviving keep dates from the period when military orders controlled this frontier territory.

After a 15-minute transfer back to the hotel, the afternoon is free to revisit San Martín or enjoy the hotel facilities.

Upgrade to a superior room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance:11.5 km / 6.8 miles
Accommodation:Hospederia Conventual Sierra de Gata (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Return to Portugal and drive (one hour) to the medieval village of Castelo Mendo, where our tour leader shows us the highlights.

After, we continue (30 minutes) to the village of Vale de Madeira, the start point of today’s nature-focussed hike in the Ermo das Águias nature reserve. To enhance our experience, we’re joined by an expert from Rewilding Portugal, who will share their deep knowledge of the region’s flora and fauna and the on-the-ground impact of their rewilding project.

The hike itself begins along a rural track, before turning onto a dirt path descending toward the Gaiteiros Stream. Crossing through the Ermo das Águias entrance gate, the route transitions into a network of moderate trails winding through a rugged landscape. Along the way, we keep our eyes peeled for a herd of semi-wild Sorraia horses.

After the hike, we drive (one hour) to our final base: Longroiva, where we have free time to explore. In the evening, you could join an optional guided visit to the prehistoric rock art of Foz Côa, thought to be 25,000-30,000 years old.

Upgrade to a deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance:9.5 km / 5.6 miles
Accommodation:Longroiva Hotel Rural (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

Today, we hike the Camino de Hierro, a spectacular route set within the Arribes del Duero Natural Park in Salamanca, Spain. Renowned for its bold engineering, the route traverses 20 historic tunnels and 10 iron bridges, blending industrial heritage with untamed nature.

We begin at La Fregeneda’s former station, following the old railway through almond, olive and oak country. Within the first 0.6mi (1km), we enter Tunnel 1, the route’s longest at more than 0.9mi (1.5km), carefully crossing its sleepers and gravel (remember to bring your head torches today!).

Beyond the tunnel, the railway descends into a gorge, clinging to sheer cliffs and crossing the Pisco, Morgado and curved San Antonio bridges. The skies are populated by protected raptors, including griffon vultures, Egyptian vultures and golden eagles, while black storks nest in the sheer rock crevices.

The middle section alternates between dark tunnels and exposed ledges, while Tunnel 3 protects one of Europe’s largest breeding colonies of bent-wing bats, so we need to bypass that during summer (adding 0.6mi/1km of hiking).

The route ends at Vega Terrón, where we transfer (one hour) back to Longroiva for our final evening together.

Upgrade to a deluxe room today – speak to your sales representative for more details

Distance:17 km / 10.6 miles
Accommodation:Longroiva Hotel Rural (or similar)
Meals included:Breakfast, Lunch

You’ve walked from boulder-built Monsanto to Roman-rooted Idanha-a-Velha, explored Ermo das Águias with a rewilding expert and followed a railway through tunnels above the Águeda River, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.

Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options.

Meals included:Breakfast

Dates & Prices

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Call us: 020 3733 5948

Your Group, Your Adventure

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Accommodation

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort.

Upgraded rooms are available throughout the itinerary – speak to your sales representative for more details.

Belmonte, Portugal: Belmonte Monte Sinai Hotel (nights 1-2)

Belmonte Monte Sinai Hotel

Begin our adventure at this modern hotel in the heart of Belmonte. Its prime location means we’re within walking distance of the town’s landmarks, including Belmonte Castle. After exploring, relax with a cocktail or glass of wine in the bar or enjoy views towards the Serra da Estrela from the lounge.

San Martín de Trevejo, Spain: Hospederia Conventual Sierra de Gata (nights 3-4)

Hospederia Conventual Sierra de Gata

Settle in for two nights at this 15th-century Franciscan convent on the edge of San Martín village. Located on the slopes of Mount Jálama, the historic property has a peaceful setting, best enjoyed from the garden pool, where you can take a dip with mountain views. The hotel also has a spa and gym, while breakfast is served inside the former convent chapel.

Longroiva, Portugal: Longroiva Hotel Rural (nights 5-6)

Hiking Portugal & Spain’s Historic Frontier

Our final hotel stands in the hills of northeastern Portugal, surrounded by the historic villages and vineyards of the Upper Douro. Architect Luís Rebelo de Andrade combined a 19th-century neoclassical thermal spa building with a contemporary wing. The heated outdoor pool draws on Longroiva’s thermal waters – a welcome prospect after the Camino de Hierro – while the restaurant serves dishes from the Douro and Beira regions.

Worth knowing

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. Speak to your sales representative to book.

Essential Information

This trip is rated Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Walking days: Five
Average daily distance: 8mi (13km)
Longest daily distance: 11mi (17km)

Suitability: Our daily hikes usually take between three and six hours including picnic stops and require a good level of physical fitness and stamina. The Day 6 hike is not recommended for people who suffer from vertigo or claustrophobia, while it’s also recommended that people with a depressed immune system wear a mask in tunnels 1 and 3.

Routes: Terrain varies, from granite boulder fields and oak woodlands to rustic stone highways and uneven railway ballast through dark tunnels. While elevation gains are generally moderate, the varying underfoot conditions and longer distances on select days can make the trekking quite exerting. Some sections involve exposed clifftop paths or elevated bridges; however, alternative options are available for more challenging stretches.

Key information

Start hotel: Belmonte Monte Sinai Hotel, Largo de São Sebastião, 6250-086 Belmonte
Phone: +351 275 910 800
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time on Day 1; there is a welcome briefing at 6.30pm
Airport: Lisbon Airport (LIS)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately a 2hr 45min drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer (three hours) to Porto Airport (OPO), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Consider taking the train

Reach this trip by train from the UK or across Europe and lower your carbon footprint. Our partner, Byway, can take care of the planning and booking.

Portugal

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Portugal. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/portugal
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/portugal
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/portugal/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Portugal.html

Spain

Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Spain. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

• Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/spain
• Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/spain
• United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/spain/entry-requirements
• USA:  www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Spain.html

Food traditions shift as we travel through the borderlands. Around Monsanto, Idanha-a-Velha, Belmonte and Sortelha, regional cooking draws on local sheep and goat cheeses, game and dishes prepared with Beira lamb or goat. Near Castelo Mendo, Pinhel and Ermo das Águias, look out for smoked sausages, game, local olive oil and wines from the Beira Interior region. Further north, around Longroiva and the Côa Valley, Douro influences become more prominent, with freshwater fish and meat dishes accompanied by Douro wines and port.

Vegetarian and most standard dietary requirements can be managed. More complex requirements may require advance coordination due to the rural nature of the area so please make sure to let us know of dietary requirements at the time of booking.

This cross-border region has a Mediterranean climate with strong continental influences, bringing hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Conditions vary with altitude: valleys are generally warmer, while the Sierra de Gata and higher ground around Castelo Mendo can be cooler and more exposed.

Spring temperatures steadily rise, with average daytime temperatures ranging from approximately 12C (54F) on higher ground in March to 24C (75F) in warmer valleys by May. September averages around 22C-29C (72F-84F), depending on altitude. Temperatures fall through October and November, when rainfall becomes more frequent, particularly in the mountains.

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

You’ll also find Thriving Nature, Thriving People moments across our trips. These experiences are often a highlight of your adventure, while also benefiting the natural world or local communities.

On this trip, we:

Explore Ermo das Águias with a rewilding expert, discovering native flora and spotting semi-wild horses and cattle while learning how rewilding supports local ecosystems.
Visit the locally owned Lagar dos Parieiros olive oil mill for a tour and tasting, learning how three generations of one family have maintained the skills and knowledge behind its production.