Descobrir o Tejo

The route begins next to the old Chão da Velha Elementary School, where you can see the weathered houses of the village, with their characteristic Alentejo chimneys. In the past, agriculture and the herding of cows and goats were the main sources of livelihood for this village, which is now practically deserted. However, some vegetable gardens and vineyards in the surrounding area prove that there are still those who have not permanently abandoned these fields. Wandering through the eucalyptus-filled woods, you descend along a steep trail, winding along a narrow path down the hillside, lost among the banks of the Tagus, which leads to the river’s south bank. Upon reaching the spot where there is
a small pier and a picnic area, you get a good view of the river’s deep valley, which marks the transition between the country’s hot and dry south and the temperate and humid north. You can spot some birds such as the gray heron or the cormorant. The ascent then begins, along a dirt path, passing through several eucalyptus groves, next to the baroque-style building. You follow a path until you reach the highest point of the trail, a threshing floor, running alongside a schist wall with a flat top. Before reaching Chão da Velha, you pass by a fountain and some schist buildings.