Trilho « Salvaterra Extremo

Trail: Salvaterra do Extremo

From Salvaterra do Extremo to Zarza La Mayor (The Route of Smuggling)

This trail is situated in the farthest end of the Natural Park of the International Tagus. It offers not only a very beautiful natural landscape but also a man-carved rurality. It makes the connection between one of the Portuguese villages that are closer to the border, Salvaterra do Extremo, the former county seat, and the Spanish village Zarza la Mayor.
The trail begins at Salvaterra and runs on rural paths flanked by ancient walls, past the “furdas” (cylindrical pigsties made of stones and of vital importance for the survival of the families in this hostile environment).
We then walk on footpaths down steep slopes to reach the cannon area of the Erges valley, a natural monument of the Geopark Naturtejo. After crossing the river on foot towards the fluvial beach on the left bank, we go up the slope on the Spanish side, guarded by the castle of Peñafiel through lanes that then turn to rural paths between ancient walls, to arrive at Zarza la Mayor.
The trail is non-circular and short with one difficulty only: the steep slope and the rough ground near the river. The beauty of the landscape is usually complete with birdwatching of several rare birds who nest here such as Iberian imperial eagles and griffon vultures among others.

Points of Interest (POIs)

SALVATERRA DO EXTREMO

It’s a village on the border first inhabited in the prehistory.
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RIO ERGES

This river has its source in Spain on the Serra da Gata and its mouth is a tributary on the right bank of the river Tagus.
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ZARZA LA MAYOR

Zarza La Mayor is a Spanish municipality on the border in the province of Cáceres. The very first inhabitants date back to prehistoric times, namely to the Iron Age.
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