Castelo Mendo | Percurso Preto

Places of passage: Pínzio, Castanheira, Pousade, Rochoso, Monte Margarida, Peroficós, Rapoula do Côa, Roque Amador, Quintas de S. Bartolomeu, Sabugal, Quadrizais, Soito, Alfaiates, Aldeia da Ponte, Aldeia da Ribeira, Vilar Maior, Malhada Sorda, Freineda, Castelo Bom

It departs the Historical Village of Castelo Mendo by climbing towards the N16, where it turns left and heads west for around 12 km as far as Pínzio before bearing left towards Castanheira. The N16 was once one of the main international routes to Portugal, with very heavy traffic, but ever since the coming of the motorways it has been more geared towards local traffic. Even so a few vehicles may still pass. After Castanheira it continues to the south towards Pousade and Rochoso, where it changes direction to the West, heading for Monte Margarida. It then turns right shortly after the N324 and passes through Peroficós, Rapoula do Côa, Roque Amador and Quintas de São Bartolomeu before taking a left turn onto the N233 to skirt around Sabugal. Shortly afterwards it turns left again towards Malcata, which is reached after passing over the Sabugal Dam. From Malcata it continues to Quadrazais, crossing a large part of the Serra da Malcata Nature Reserve. After Quadrazais it goes on to Soito and continues to Alfaiates and Aldeia da Ponte, in the heart of borderland country, with ancient bullfighting traditions. Following the N233 for a few kilometres after Aldeia da Ponte, the route turns left towards Aldeia da Ribeira and Vilar Maior, with its imposing castle. From Vilar Maior it heads towards Malhada Sorda and Freineda before rejoining the N16 before Castelo Bom. After Castelo Bom it descends once again into the Côa valley, followed by an ascent towards the Historical Village of Castelo Mendo, where the route ends with a left turn off the N16.