This stage begins in the village of Vilar Maior, descending along roads and agricultural paths for 4.4 km, passing through the village of Badamalos.
From the GRVC, the trail follows the right bank of the Côa River, through green meadows dotted with large trees that provide both shade and beauty. Along the way, you’ll cross the Ribeira da Nave, the Ribeira de Vilar Maior, and further ahead, the Côa River itself, over a small pedestrian bridge that marks a special moment in the route. Here, you can take an unmarked detour (570 m) to the village of Porto de Ovelha. There’s also a marked MTB/Equestrian detour connecting Porto de Ovelha and Jardo.
The trail continues past old farming fields and vegetable gardens, reaching the Açude Site. From there, it’s possible to take an unmarked detour (2.9 km) to the village of Malhada Sorda. The GRVC then climbs to Jardo and descends to the mouth of the Noemi River, where you’ll find a group of old watermills that tell stories from another time.
Through fields, meadows and cork oak woods, the trail follows the left bank of the Côa River, crosses the railway line, and continues to Porto de S. Miguel, where it intersects with the GR22 - Long-Distance Path of the Historic Villages of Portugal (Stage: Sortelha ➔ Castelo Mendo).
The stage ends with a final climb to the village of Castelo Mendo, via an unmarked detour of 2.3 km.
Other villages where you can start this stage: Miuzela, Badamalos, Porto de Ovelha, Malhada Sorda, Jardo, Paraisal
Type: Long-Distance Trail (GR) Point-to-point
Distance: 21.2
Difficulty: Difficult (level 4)
GPS Coordinates: 40°28'30.7"N 6°56'18.3"W