Marialva | Percurso Preto

Places of passage: Carvalhal, Trancoso, Moreira de Rei, Souto Maior, Vale do Seixo, Cogula, Cótimos, Santa Eufémia, Valbom, Azêvo, Cidadelhe, Vale de Afonsinho, Algodres, Almendra, Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Castelo Melhor, Longroiva

The route departs the Historical Village of Marialva on Largo da Figueira Bugalhota, descends into the valley and turns right towards Carvalhal. A somewhat demanding climb starts before the village that takes the route to the M600 crossroads by A-do-Cavalo, where it turns left and heads for Trancoso. Before arriving in Trancoso it passes through Moreira de Rei, a village with rich cultural heritage that is well worth visiting. The route continues around the Historical Village towards Souto Maior, Vale do Seixo and Cogula, which also merits a visit. After Cogula it takes a right turn on the N102 and continues for a few kilometres before turning right towards Cótimos, Santa Eufémia and Valbom, on the M595. Shortly after Valbom it changes direction and heads towards Azêvo. Just after Azêvo it turns right towards Cidadelhe, which is well worth a visit. This is followed by a steep descent into the Côa Valley with demanding gradients and curves. The route crosses the valley on the União bridge before embarking on a demanding climb around the edge of the Faia Brava Reserve. At the top it turns left towards the Afonsinho Valley and Algodres, then shortly afterwards turns left onto the N332 towards the Douro Valley. It passes through the nearby village of Almendra, also worth a visit, and continues towards Vila Nova de Foz Côa, passing Castelo Melhor towards the slopes of the Douro Valley. At the end of the descent the route crosses the bridge over the river Côa and starts the climb to Vila Nova de Foz Côa. After bypassing the village, it continues to the left on the N102 for around 14 km before turning right towards Longroiva, another village that merits a visit. The climb continues until the entrance to Mêda where there is a left turn to descend along the N324, which the route leaves after a few kilometres and turns right towards Marialva, ending in a descent into the Historical Village.