The waters of the river flow towards the lands of Portugal, making their way through the mountains of Cobaná and Puercas, which are home to the Fortress of Miraflores Castle. Its surroundings guard sl... (plus +)

The waters of the river flow towards the lands of Portugal, making their way through the mountains of Cobaná and Puercas, which are home to the Fortress of Miraflores Castle. Its surroundings guard slate crags that hide a pristine riverside landscape, dehesa fields teeming with wildlife, and flat meadows of vibrant colors. Located in the region of Llanos de Olivenza, it belongs to the municipality of Alconchel, where the Cerro Esperanza Route is located. Cerro Esperanza rises near Monte Longo, a Site of Community Importance, and is adjacent to various elevations that shape the valley of the Rivera de Taliga. Next to it stands the imposing Miraflores Castle, of Arab origin and later Christian construction, which was guarded by the 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, at the square of the church of Ntra. Sra. de los Remedios, where the huge fig trees next to it catch the eye. We will take Lengua street to continue ascending through El Venero street. ROUTE At the beginning of the itinerary, we find several plots surrounded by stone walls with fruit trees, palm trees, and laurels that are supplied with water from the existing powerful spring. Ntra. Sra. de Los Remedios. We continue ascending along an asphalt road surrounded by scarce vegetation due to the quartzitic soils, the pressure of the goat pens, and the countless tasks carried out in these lands so close to the town. Arriving at the Cerro Esperanza pass, we have the option to climb to Miraflores Castle (check opening hours at the Town Hall). There, in addition to visiting the Interpretation Center of the Castles in the Influence Area of Lake Alqueva, we will enjoy excellent views from its walls. We will be able to spot the hunting area of the birds of prey that inhabit this territory as well as swallows, swifts, and the occasional solitary rock thrush. To continue the route, we descend back to the pass, follow the asphalt road to the right, and then take a path to the left that enters dehesa fields, which, after several right turns, will lead us to a eucalyptus reforestation area where a picnic area is located. In this place, sheltered by the grove, we can enjoy the songs of golden orioles and the company of crested tits and warblers. Once rested, we will continue advancing through the reforestation area towards the town, surrounding the mountain range 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, there is a zone covered with low gorses with numerous stone piles on which it is possible to observe the black-eared wheatear and the little owl. After the walk, we enter the town again through streets of whitewashed houses, plinths of different colors, denoting Portuguese influence, and roofs with Arab tiles, where some of our birds find refuge, such as starlings, sparrows, lesser kestrels, and the occasional barn owl. Type: Hiking Approximate time: 1.5 h Type of route: Circular Length: 6 km Difficulty: Low Location: Alconchel MIDE Information Environment: 1 Itinerary: 1 Displacement: 1 Effort: 2
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