The waters of the riverbank flow towards Portuguese lands, making their way between the Cobaná and Puercas sierras that house the Fortress of Miraflores Castle, and its cloak guards slate crests that ... (plus +)

The waters of the riverbank flow towards Portuguese lands, making their way between the Cobaná and Puercas sierras that house the Fortress of Miraflores Castle, and its cloak guards slate crests that hide a pristine riverside landscape, dehesa fields full of faunal richness, and flat meadows of vivid colors. Located in the region of Llanos de Olivenza, it affects the municipality of Alconchel; where the Cerro Esperanza Route is found. Cerro Esperanza rises near Monte Longo, a Site of Community Importance and adjacent to various elevations that shape the valley of the Rivera de Taliga. Next to it stands, imposing, the Castle of Miraflores, of Arab origin and later Christian work, which was guarded by Templars until the disappearance of the order and witnessed countless battles for control of this border territory. START The route starts from the town of Alconchel, in the square of the church of Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios, where the huge ficus trees next to it catch the eye, we will look for Lengua street to continue ascending by El Venero street. ROUTE At the beginning of the itinerary, we encounter several plots surrounded by stone walls with fruit trees, palm trees, and laurels that are supplied with water from the powerful spring. Ntra. Sra de Los Remedios. We continue ascending on a paved road surrounded by sparse vegetation due to the quartzite soils, the pressure of goat herds, and the countless tasks carried out on these lands so close to the population. Upon reaching the pass of Cerro Esperanza, we have the option to climb to the Castle of Miraflores (check opening hours at the Town Hall). There, in addition to visiting the Interpretation Center of the Castles of the Zone of Influence of Lake Alqueva, we will enjoy excellent views from its walls. We will be able to spot the area where birds of prey that inhabit this territory roam, as well as planes, swallows, and some solitary rock thrush. To continue the route, we descend again to the pass, follow the paved road to the right and then take a path to the left that enters dehesa plots that, after several turns that we will take to the right, will lead us to a reforestation area of eucalyptus where there is a picnic area. In this place, sheltered by the trees, we can enjoy the songs of the orioles and the company of azure-winged magpies and warblers. Once rested, we will continue advancing through the reforestation area towards the town, surrounding the sierra and with views of the Rivera de Táliga. It is worth noting the presence, at the top of the hill, of the ruins of the hermitage of Ntra. Sra. de La Esperanza. From the edge of the eucalyptus grove, a zone covered with low gorse with numerous stone piles can be seen, on which it is possible to observe the wheatear and the little owl. After the walk, we enter the town again through streets of whitewashed houses, plinths of different colors, which denote the Portuguese influence, and roofs with Arab tiles, in which some of our birds find refuge, such as starlings, sparrows, lesser kestrels, and some barn owls. Mode: Hiking Approximate time: 1.5 h. Type of route: Circular Length: 6 km. Difficulty: Low Town: Alconchel MIDE Information Environment: 1 Itinerary: 1 Displacement: 1 Effort: 2
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