GR26 - Terras de Sicó Route: Rabaçal Cheese Route (Penela - Alvorge)

The villages of Chainça and Zambujal follow, until the GR26 meets the Camino de Santiago, initially accompanying the River dos Mouros, locally known as “Caraglio Seco.”

The journey continues towards Rabaçal, where it is recommended to visit the Roman Villa Museum and the Archaeological Station. It is the ideal time to try the much-appreciated Rabaçal Cheese, among other products from the agro-sector of the Terras de Sicó.

The route then follows a trail behind the cemetery that connects to a wider path and again to the Camino de Santiago. From here, you can see the village of Fartosa and, shortly after, the Gerumelo hill. Behind it is its “brother,” the Germanelo hill, and what remains of the Castle of Rabaçal.

The route then skirts the Rabaçal Valley to the village of Casas Novas, where it passes through its narrow streets, lined with old limestone houses. Another trail follows to the village of Ateanha, located at the top of a hill with the same name.

Next, the path descends to the opposite side, where two dolines are visible, entering shortly after an old walled path that leads to Aljazede. After a small detour to the fields of the “Vale de Todos,” the route heads to Trás-de Figueiró, passing beside the village and climbing the hill of the same name, while enjoying excellent views.

The descent is made towards Vila Nova, entering halfway up an old trail flanked by walls, ending among imposing oaks, right at the entrance to the village.

After leaving the village, we head for the Rabaçal road. After crossing it, you enter the Camino de Santiago again, passing by the ruins of Torre da Ladeia, the former Chapel of Our Lady of Pilar, and the source of the Alvorge. Arriving at the village with this name, the parish seat, marks the end of another stage of the GR26.