Sabor Ecotrail: from Pocinho to Carviçais & Sendim to Duas Igrejas

Ecopista do Sabor
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2024-09-28

Everything you need to know about the Sabor Ecotrail, particularly the 34 kilometres between Pocinho and Carviçais and the 14 kilometres between Sendim and Duas Igrejas, in the heart of the upper Douro region, in the north of Portugal.

In the past, the Sabor Ecotrailway only linked Pocinho, in Vila Nova de Foz Côa, to Carviçais, in Torre de Moncorvo.

However, another route has been added to this ecotrail linking Sendim to Duas Igrejas, in Miranda do Douro, which has enriched the experience even more.

It’s a place of unrivalled beauty and nature in the heart of the Douro Superior region. I have to say that I return to this region whenever I can, so I feel at home whenever I take to the streets of the national roads to explore the area.

What’s more, and as incredible as it may seem, I always find something new on these trips, which makes me want to return again. It’s almost a vicious circle that I’m very happy to perpetuate. After all, my beloved Douro always has open arms to welcome me!

So, in this article I’m going to tell you about the Ecopista do Sabor route, or Sabor Ecotrail, also known as the Linha do Sabor cycle path, what the main points of interest are along the trail, what precautions to take and, to top it all off, suggestions for places to sleep.

In other words, by reading this article to the end, you’ll find everything you need to organise your trip to this region. And if you have any questions, I take the liberty of suggesting that you leave a comment!

View from the Côa Museum in Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
View from the Côa Museum in Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
Sabor Lakes.
Sabor Lakes.
Sabor Ecotrail.
Sabor Ecotrail.

The Sabor Ecotrailway

The Sabor Ecotrail is 34 kilometres long and is partly the result of the use of the old railway line.

It can be cycled, but more and more people are travelling sections of the ecotrail on foot.

So, the start of the track is at the Pocinho railway bridge on the right bank of the River Douro and the end is at the village of Carviçais next to the National Road 220 (EN220).

In addition, the stretch between Sendim and Duas Igrejas in Miranda do Douro is 14 kilometres long and has the special feature of being paved with macadam.

Pocinho railway station.
Pocinho railway station.
Visiting Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
Visiting Vila Nova de Foz Côa.
Information panel on the Sabor Lakes.
Information panel on the Sabor Lakes.
Caminhos do Sabor trail, passing through the centre of the village of Sabor.
Caminhos do Sabor trail, passing through the centre of the village of Sabor.
Boats at the Sabor pier.
Boats at the Sabor pier.

Main points of interest on the Ecopista do Sabor

Torre de Moncorvo train station.
Torre de Moncorvo train station.

Along the ecotrail you’ll be accompanied by the Douro and the Sabor, as the route follows the right bank of the Douro River and the left bank of the Sabor River.

It passes through the unforgettable landscapes of the Alto Douro Wine Region, but also through the Sabor Valley and the Serra do Reboredo.

However, one of the attractions of taking the ecotour on foot or by bicycle is precisely the opportunity to explore small rural villages that usually go unnoticed by those travelling by car.

What’s more, you’ll pass old railway stations and viewpoints that will make you fall in love with this region of Portugal.

Landscapes of the Upper Douro Wine Region.
Landscapes of the Upper Douro Wine Region.
A family day out at Praia do Sabor, Torre de Moncorvo.
A family day out at Praia do Sabor, Torre de Moncorvo.
Calm waters of the Sabor river beach.
Calm waters of the Sabor river beach.
Foz do Sabor river beach.
Foz do Sabor river beach.
Foz do Sabor pier (bar).
Foz do Sabor pier (bar).
Moncorvo Parish Church (interior).
Moncorvo Parish Church (interior).
Moncorvo Parish Church.
Moncorvo Parish Church.
Moncorvo's historic centre.
Moncorvo’s historic centre.
Moncorvo City Council.
Moncorvo City Council.
Açoreira - Torre de Moncorvo.
Açoreira – Torre de Moncorvo.

Linha do Sabor mountain bike route: precautions to take

Remember that you’re travelling along a route shared by cyclists and pedestrians, so it’s important to be vigilant to avoid accidents.

Likewise, be aware of the various junctions with secondary roads that occur with some frequency.

In addition, when taking the Linha do Sabor cycle route you should take snacks and water with you, as well as head and eye protection, and although the route is safe, we suggest you don’t forget your mobile phone in case you need help.

By the way, as you’ll be passing through stunning landscapes, we suggest you take a camera with you to immortalise the ride.

Linha do Sabor BTT.
Linha do Sabor BTT.

👉Best Things To Do and Visit in Torre de Moncorvo

Where to sleep on the Sabor Ecotourism Trail

Quinta da Terrincha, in Torre de Moncorvo.
Quinta da Terrincha, in Torre de Moncorvo.

When looking for accommodation to do the Sabor Line, you can choose to stay in either Vila Nova de Foz Côa or Torre de Moncorvo, as these are the places where the route begins and ends.

However, my suggestion is that you stay at Quinta da Terrincha, a 4-star accommodation located on Estrada Nacional 102, just outside the town of Torre de Moncorvo.

However, if you’d prefer to explore other accommodation options, I recommend you take a look at the links and map below.

👉Accommodation in Vila Nova de Foz Côa

👉Accommodation in Torre de Moncorvo

Douro International Natural Park.
Douro International Natural Park.
Douro International Natural Park.
Douro International Natural Park.
Great Route of the International Douro and Douro Wine Region (map).
Great Route of the International Douro and Douro Wine Region (map).

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