Setor 2 – 17,6km

When leaving the locality of Junqueira let’s follow the old Estrada Nacional crossing through vast orange groves and vegetable gardens.
We end up crossing the Beliche stream and observe on the other side of the bank, what is considered to be one of the largest carob tree orchards in Europe.

Let’s follow the right bank of the Beliche stream and by common riverside vegetation, with the possibility of finding herds of goats bred in the Algarve as well as sheep. The riverside vegetation now gives way to areas of holm oak that provided the moniker for the next location on the map: Azinhal. The ascent is accented and surrounded by Sargassum, gorse, rosemary, bush and ancient traces of dry farming orchards and olive trees.
At the top, and after the rise in elevation, we can finally rest alongside a wonderful panoramic view. Here we find the intersection with the PR3 “Janelas do Guadiana” [Windows of the Guadiana]. Upon arrival at the locality of Azinhal we see the mother church and, in the Multipurpose Space, you find the Experimental Cheesemonger Shop where you can buy and taste delicious fresh cheeses or yoghurts made from the milk of goats bred in the Algarve.

Further on as the path unfolds, we find the expertly made sweets from the famous pastry shop “A Prova”. Here you will also find typical basketry and the famous bobbin lace. On the way to the next locality, we encounter panoramic views over the Guadiana and, on the other riverbank, neighbouring Spain. Upon passing through the old Quinta da Choça the riverside vegetation is Sinningia, where we see cattle and herds. On another steep climb, you can see the passage through some ruins and the old Quinta [Estate] that has resisted throughout the years. Back on the trail, and in just a few more steps, we arrive at the historic village of Almada D’Ouro with its traditional shale pavement. We cross the alleys, then descend and return to pound the pavement next to the Guadiana, with the opportunity to encounter traditional fishermen. Between vegetable gardens and fig tree orchards you can hear the chirping of blackbirds and nightingales until we find ourselves at one of the old Tax Authority offices (during times of smuggling).

The route starts to move away from the river towards the village de Odeleite, but not before passing through the locality ofAlcaria, where you can see a motor-caravan service depot at the top of the hill and Alberto’s restaurant. It is exactly 2 km to the end of the sector. You can see the Terras da Ordem Forest and a panoramic view of the village as well as the Odeleite Dam (the one, which along with the Beliche Dam, supplies most of the Algarve). On arrival at Odeleite you will find a wide variety of vegetable gardens, the stream and an intersection with the PR 4 “Odeleite de Perto e de Longe” and the PR 5 “Terras da Ordem”.