Santa Clara Routes: (PR4/PR5 ODM)

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CIRCULAR ROUTE:
Santa Clara Routes (PR4/PR5 ODM)
At the quiet Santa Clara-a-Velha village one feels the true spirit of the Alentejo, with the big Santa Clara lake
nearby, nestled among rolling hills. The village of Sabia, the railway station, the constant presence of the
water and the open views over a mountainous Alentejo make this route a great walk for the whole family.
The route consists of two circular routes, which
combined make up a total of 23 km, with the village
of Santa Clara in the centre, allowing you to choose
between doing the two stretches or just one of
them, starting at the Santa Clara Sabia station, at
the dam or in one of the villages. It is worth stopping
to spend some time in the villages of Santa Clara and
Sabia. It's almost mandatory to buy the unique local
products, such as the excellent honey and medronho
liquor. It is also worth visiting the Azinhal fountain,
in Santa Clara, dated from 1892 and restored in
1995. It is a great place for picnics and the water is
of the highest quality.
The route between Santa Clara and the dam is
dominated by the reservoir and the stream, as the
locals like to call the river Mira. Downstream from
the dam, the riparian vegetation comprises of
Acacias, mimosas, poplar, ash, willow, reeds and
rushes. Watercress and pennyroyal carpet shallower
sections of the river outside the rainy season and the
deeper still waters are covered with water lilies. In
the most fertile land, next to the river, there are
vegetable gardens, orange groves, and fig and olive
trees. Birds mark this route which is full of great
habitats, although predominant is the azure winged
magpie.
Between Santa Clara and Sabia the hikers attention
will be divided between the wonderful hilly
landscape, the richness of flora and unexpected
encounters with partridges, goldfinches or other
birds. The railway station, situated midway between
the villages, is a typical building which still retains
interesting elements such as the clock, the scale and
wall tiles.
(From Santa Clara to the lake)
Distance: 10 km
Approximate duration: 3.5 h
Accumulated climb: 178 m
Difficulty level: Easy
Max. / min. altitude: 210 m / 45 m
Recommended season: September till June
Where to start?
Santa Clara-a-Velha: by the Santa Clara-a-Velha
church, going right on the Rua de Goa and
continuing left, by the Av. Engenheiro Amaro da

Costa, parallel to the river.
Important warning
Before Herdade do Azinhal, in the middle of the
descent from the dam (along 1.3 km) the route only
has markers at the beginning and the end of the
stretch, in order to protect the interests of the
owner. The path is linear and easy to follow.
Suggestions
Refreshments along the way: only in Santa Clara-aVelha.
Description of route
The first part of the route is perfectly linear. Pass the
cemetery and the football field, always walking with
the river on your side till the asphalt road becomes a
dirt track. Further ahead youll come upon the D.
Maria bridge (18th century). Continue straight ahead,
till the path meets another one on your right, by an
olive grove. As you climb gently, youll see the Santa
Clara Inn on the top of a hill. Go down on your right
side, enjoying the slopes covered in vegetation, till
you find the wall of the Santa Clara dam. From now
on is uphill. As you reach a water deposit, take the
footpath on your left, reaching the tarmac road on
the top.
Its time to enjoy the grand lake of Odemira. The 2
km ahead of you will give you the feeling of being
Santa Clara Routes - May 2015 - version 1.0

walking in the Fishermens Trail, such is the
proximity of the water and the quality of the trail,
narrow and only suitable for walking. Go along the
wall of the dam, till you reach the other side, turn
right and enter the footpath, penetrating the forest,
where youll be walking for the next half hour. At a
certain point, on a small cove, the trail naturally
inverts inland, leaving the shores of the lake and
starting to go up hill abruptly, till you come to a big
intersection amid eucalyptus plantations. From the 7
tracks to choose from, take the one right in front of
you. Soon youll be spotting Santa Clara-a-Velha in
the distance. Just go down and think about the snack
youre about to reach.
Topographic Profile
(Between Santa Clara and Sabia)

Distance: 13 km
Approximate duration: 4 h
Accumulated climb: 254 m
Difficulty level: Somewhat difficult
Max. / min. altitude: 161 m / 40 m
Recommended season: September till June
Where to start?
Santa Clara-a-Velha: by the Santa Clara-a-Velha
church, going right on the Rua de Goa and
continuing to the right to pass the river.
Santa Clara Sabia railway station: (Direction Santa
Clara-a-Velha) Crossing the railway and turning left
on the road. (Direction Sabia) Passing the cement
bridge over the river, to turn right. Sabia: At the
town roundabout on the main road, entering the
village. By the church turn right to reach the
cemetery where youll find the trail signs.
Important warning
Before the railway station, youll have to walk for
300 m on the road. Walk with the utmost caution,
and opposite to the traffic.
Suggestions
Refreshments along the way: at Santa Clara-a-Velha
and Sabia villages.
Description of route (from Santa Clara)
Cross the river over the stepping stones and turn
right, already on a dirt track, passing under the road.
Ahead of you there is a small olive grove and after a
gentle ascent, a house with abandoned vehicles.
Keep on going till the water deposit. Go down on a
less used track sided by grown vegetation, spotting
the river Mira and the extensive lowlands, till you
turn left before the last curve you can see, next to
an area with beehives. Enjoy the views over the
Santa Clara Sabia railway station and go down till
you pass a few old houses and step into a main road.
Turn right and walk for about 300 m, taking the first
right you find, to cross the railway. On the other
side of the station, keep on going straight, pass the
bridge over the stream and turn right, walking on an
asphalted road, to go through the small village of
Est Bem.
Keep always on the same direction, going gradually
uphill till turning left to go down to the Sabia
cemetery. The route continues to your right, passing
by the football field, while a left turn will leave right
at the heart of the village. Almost 1 km ahead you'll
be crossing another bridge over the Mira river, turn
left and continue among hills and cultivated fields,
with the river always on your left side. After 1.5 km,
before another cement bridge, turn right, walking
now with the Totenique river on your left. Pass by a
concrete pedestrian bridge and at the intersection
ahead, proceed to the left, till you pass by a small
dam, where the water runs abundantly. Turn right
after it, climbing constantly till you enter the
eucalyptus forest and finally reach an old stone
windmill with superb views over Santa Clara-a-Velha.
Start your final descent, until you pass by a ruin, step
into the asphalt road and pass under the railway.
Topographic Profile
Cartography IGEOE:
1:25 000 562, 570, 561, 569
1:50 000 - 45-3, 45-2

(From Santa Clara to the lake)
(Between Santa Clara and Sabia)

Trail Signs
Rules and Recommendations:
The circulation of motor vehicles puts walkers at risk. Avoid doing this route 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 do not forget to close gates and fences you
will find on the way.
In some parts of the trails you will have to cross paved roads. Be careful!
There are no support services along the trail. Bring water and food supplies with you.
You will find several locations ideal for picnics. Do not, in any circumstances, leave trash
behind.
Be friendly with the locals, tell them why youre there and take the opportunity to share
experiences.
Do not litter. Help us out by picking up any litter you may find on the way.
SOS
Emergency:112
Forest Fires:117
Environment: 808 200 520
For further information on accommodation, restaurants and nature/cultural activities, please contact
the closest Tourism Office or go to www.rotavicentina.com
Help us
For any situation related to the good working conditions of this route, please contact us:
E: info@rotavicentina.com
T: (+351) 283 327 669
M: (+351) 969 275 975

Santa Clara Routes: (PR4/PR5 ODM)

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Aviso: Este um documento de apoio ao caminhante,

no sendo permitida a sua reproduo para fins