Estremoz - Sousel

The reference point for the exit of Estremoz is the way behind the supermarket, located next to the last roundabout on road N18/IP2 towards Portalegre. However, before that, it is worth visiting the Palácio da Quinta D. Maria, producer of the wines with the same name, with access on the left, just before the roundabout. We enter looking for history and flavors, and we won't be disappointed. After 2 km, we access the road that comes from Quinta D. Maria and pass by Monte da Granja, a welcoming rural tourism area. A few hundred metres ahead, we detour to the side road on the left, up to the old railway line, which we will meet several times during today's stage. One day, which we hope will come soon, this line may be transformed into an ecopath that will have the best route between Estremoz and Sousel. We continue to the Silveirona site, turning left towards Monte do Marmeleiro, indicated by the sign. The road covers 4 km and ends at the edge of small hills, turning right to climb the mountain, already in a dirt track. At the top, we have a good panoramic view of the surrounding region, after which we continue down the northern slope towards the Cardeal site, a town near the border separating the Central Alentejo from the region we are heading towards, the municipality of Sousel, already in Alto (High) Alentejo. Through hills and farms, we progress in the valley until we reach Sousel, where we enter through Rua do Parreiral. To note, as a curiosity about Santiago, on Rua de São Pedro we find a house in an advanced state of degradation that has on its façade two scallops topped by two swords or staves, in a style similar to that also found in Salamanca. It is commonly said that it is and old hostel designed to receive pilgrims. The stage was short so, at the Tourism Office, we try to collect all the interest information that allows us to enjoy Sousel resources, and use the opportunity to discover its heritage.