GR22 – GT Historical Villages
Nature in its wild state. Medieval castles. Places full of legends, flavors, and traditions. On foot or by bike, follow the Great Route of the Historical Villages of Portugal and discover this magnificent path that, with about 600km, connects all 12 villages.
For two-wheel adventurers, the GR22 is the route they have always dreamed of. An immensely varied route, unparalleled in the world, with paths crossing mountains, plains, agricultural landscapes, riverside areas, natural parks, and protected reserves. Venturing through the territory of the Historical Villages of Portugal by bike could not be more exciting. Much of the route coincides with the walking trail, however, there are cycling alternatives offering new perspectives to discover the history, heritage, and nature of the territory. Certified and classified as a Great National Crossing, the GR22 has along its length a network of MTB Centers and bikotels that provide support services demanded by cycling enthusiasts. Experience an unparalleled adventure in the Historical Villages of Portugal!
The connection between Vale do Rossim and Belmonte, through the GT22.1 Historical Villages, allows you to shorten the route and choose between the North Loop (approximately 330 km) or the South Loop (about 326 km), adapting your adventure according to your preference.
Learn more on the official site of this route.
Maintenance Responsible: Historical Villages of Portugal
Membership to the Responsible Trails system is promoted by the entity itself.
Author’s recommendation
The Responsible Trails ® ensures the completion of an annual technical audit where the main points of the code of ethics are evaluated. Here you can find the result of the latest audit.
Before starting your adventure, do not forget to check the "Warnings" tab.
Responsible Trails Evaluation:
(last audit performed on 16/04/2025)
Signage: 3 - Missing signage at at least one intersection compromising orientation without a map or GPS
Path maintenance: 4 - In good overall condition, but with occasional sections requiring more attention
Surroundings maintenance: 3 - Occasional degradation, but without negative impacts on the experience
Information structures: 4 - Well maintained and interesting
Interpretative structures: 4 - Well maintained and interesting
Support and safety structures: 4 - Essential structures well maintained
Community interaction: 4 - Encourages integration/contacts with the community
Landscape integration: 4 - Well integrated in the landscape and with points of interest
Overall safety: 4 - Presents occasional low-risk situations
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
We warn of a sudden rise in water levels in river and stream crossings in the area, in addition to landslides during periods of intense precipitation. Furthermore, the risk of fire is high during the summer months. Be alert and take the necessary precautions when crossing these areas.
Follow the official recommendations of the promoter and Turismo de Portugal.
Check them HERE
Roadbook
Learn more on the official site of this route.
TheVagar CountryHouse
Ruínas da Igreja da Misericórdia
Porta Nova
Sortelha
Castelo de Sortelha
Porta da Vila
Meandros do Rio Côa
Castelo do Sabugal
Casa do Zé
Castelo Mendo
Aldeia Histórica de Almeida
Almeida
Ribeira de Aguiar
Castelo de Castelo Rodrigo
Casa da Cisterna
Marialva
Casas do Côro
Trancoso
INATEL Vila Ruiva Hotel ****
Linhares da Beira
Casa das Penhas Douradas – Burel Expedition Hotel ****
INATEL Manteigas Hotel ***
Sambuc'asa - Serra da Estrela
Casas da Lapa, Nature & SPA Hotel
Colcurinho - Nossa Senhora das Necessidades viewpoint
INATEL Piódão Hotel ****
Piódão
Açor Mountain
Marcas de rodados de carros de bois - Rota do Sal
Casa Cova do Barro
Casas de Alpedrinha
Idanha-a-Velha
Monsanto
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Get Timetable to destination
Coordinates
Related Offers
The North Loop of the Grand Route of Historical Villages (GR22) is circular and nearly 350 km long. It is split up into 7 stages that will take you to ...
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Weather at the starting point
Statistics
Esta é uma das etapas mais exigentes de toda a Grande Rota (GR22). Inicia-se em conjunto com uma das Pequenas Rotas aqui existentes e sobe em ...

User Questions