Aljezur » Arrifana
This section between Aljezur and Arrifana, passes by Monte Clérigo beach and the mythical Ponta da Atalaia. In a land where legends from the time of Portugal’s conquest from the Moors hang in the air, this walk is an authentic journey through time.
On the narrow path along the coast, it is worth noticing the dune vegetation, which includes aromatic shrubs (such as thyme, shrubby everlasting, rosemary, myrtle and lavender), medicinal and edible plants (such as wild asparagus, pink rockroses, vampirecups, Portuguese crowberry, Pterospartum tridentatum) and endemic and rare plants (such as Cistus palhinhae, Thymus camphoratusorLinaria ficalhoana).
Nature on this coast has always provided abundant resources for man. On this coast, you can see traces of Prehistoric human life. The occupants of this region are extensive and include Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Arabs. This routes passes through the Ribat of Arrifana, an Islamic fortress-convent, occupied by warrior monks in the 12thcentury. This is the only know Ribat in Portugal, founded by Ibn Qasî, a political leader and spiritual guide of Islam’s mystical practice, Sufism. It was a fortress convent, dedicated to prayer and watching over the coast.
One of the primordial inhabitants, and gastronomical delights of this coast, that can still be found today is the goose barnacle. For those who visit the Southwest coast, excluding the months between September to December, during the closed season, trying the goose barnacle is a must. The coast, rocky and beaten by the waves, provides the necessary habitat for this unique species. The goose barnacles live in the strip of coastline that is revealed during the lower, spring tides, in rocks that receive strong and direct surf. This means that being a goose barnacles harvester is quite a risky job.
Where to start
Aljezur:
In the municipal market, then follow the Historical Way for about 3 km.
Arrifana:
At the top of Arrifana beach.
Datasheet
Degree of Difficulty: Average
Extension: 17.5KM
Approximate duration: 6 h
Accumulated ascent: 400m
Accumulated descent: 350m
Maximum ALTITUDE: 120m
Minimum ALTITUDE: 10m
Recommended Season: September till June
Rules and Recommendations
THE CIRCULATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES PUTS WALKERS AT RISK
AVOID DOING THE HISTORICAL WAY ON A MOTOR CYCLE OR IN A JEEP, LOOK INTO OTHER OPTIONS
DO NOT LIGHT FIRES
SEVERAL FARMS AND CATTLE HERDS ARE PROTECTED BY GUARD DOGS. PROCEED WITH CAUTION
BE CAUTIOUS WITH CATTLE. ALTHOUGH GENTLE, THEY DO NOT LIKE STRANGERS APPROACHING THEIR CALVES
THESE TRAILS PASS BY PRIVATE PROPERTY. RESPECT IT AND CLOSE GATES AND FENCES YOU WILL FIND ON THE WAY
THERE ARE VERY FEW SUPPORT SERVICES ALONG THE TRAILS. BRING WATER AND FOOD SUPPLIES WITH YOU.
IN SOME PARTS OF THE TRAILS YOU WILL HAVE TO CROSS PAVED ROADS. BE CAREFUL!
YOU WILL FIND SEVERAL LOCATIONS IDEAL FOR PICNICS. DO NOT, IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, LEAVE TRASH BEHIND
BE FRIENDLY WITH THE LOCALS, TELL THEM WHY YOU’RE THERE AND SHARE EXPERIENCES.
Tips
Refreshments along the way:
After about 10 km, at the beach of Monte Clérigo.
Warnings
The first part of this step (3 km) corresponds to the Historic Path, marked only in white and red.
