GR22 - Sortelha ➔ Castelo Mendo

The GR22, on the stage between Sortelha and Castelo Mendo, crosses a broad area of the Beira interior, passing through villages, agricultural valleys, watercourses and more isolated areas between settlements.

After leaving Sortelha, the route follows areas of transition between granite and schist landscapes, passing through Urgueira and approaching the Côa valley. Along the stage, it passes through places such as Sabugal, Torre, Ozendo, Soito, Alfaiates, Rebolosa, Aldeia da Ribeira, Vilar Maior, Malhada Sorda and Freineda, before reaching the Historical Village of Castelo Mendo.

The Côa River is one of the most distinctive elements of this stage, together with other watercourses such as the Alfaiates stream and the Cesarão River. The route passes through agricultural areas, hay meadows, walled fields, grazing land and patches of Pyrenean oak, ash, willow and holm oak, reflecting the natural and rural diversity of this region.

Wildlife and plant life vary along the route, following the different habitats. Among the species referred to for this stage are birds associated with rivers, woodland, agricultural fields and open areas, as well as amphibians, reptiles and mammals typical of the Côa valley and the borderlands of Beira.

Near the Côa River, the crossing close to the river beach may be restricted during winter, with an alternative marked on the official map.

Elevation: min. 660 m, max. 888 m Elevation gain: +1460 m, -1480 m Recommended season: All year round (during the summer, take precautions against high temperatures)