Montemor-O-Novo: Hike to Barragem Dos Minutos

Nestled in the heart of Portugal’s Alentejo region, Montemor-O-Novo offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. The captivating hike to Barragem dos Minutos, a picturesque reservoir, promises to immerse visitors in the region’s stunning natural beauty. Meandering through rolling hills, olive groves, and cork oak forests, this guided tour provides ample opportunities to spot local wildlife and connect with the serene Alentejo countryside. But the journey doesn’t end there – a relaxing picnic by the reservoir and optional activities like padel and rowboat rides round out this immersive outdoor experience, leaving participants with memories that will linger long after the hike.

Key Points

• A 5-hour guided hike through the scenic Alentejo countryside, offering breathtaking views of the Barragem Dos Minutos reservoir.
• Includes a 2-hour picnic by the water’s edge featuring local culinary delicacies.
• Optional activities such as padel, rowboat rides, and wildlife observation available for an additional fee.
• Suitable for participants aged 12 to 70 years, with comfortable clothing and shoes recommended.
• Group size limited to 6 participants for an intimate and personalized experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Hike

The hike from Montemor-o-Novo to Barragem dos Minutos offers a scenic adventure through the Alentejo countryside. Priced from $49.23 per person, this 5-hour hike is limited to 6 participants and available in English and Portuguese.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now & pay later option is offered. The 3-hour hike leads to a 2-hour picnic by the Barragem dos Minutos reservoir, featuring local delicacies.

Optional activities like a padel or rowboat ride are available for an additional fee. The hike isn’t suitable for children under 12, babies under 1, or people over 70 years old.

Scenic Countryside Exploration

A scenic hike through the rolling hills, olive groves, and cork oak forests of the Alentejo countryside awaits participants on this 3-hour journey from Montemor-o-Novo.

Hikers will be surrounded by the natural beauty of the region, with opportunities to spot local wildlife like herons and otters along the way.

The trail winds through picturesque landscapes, offering stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Trekkers can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, taking in the sights, sounds, and scents of the Alentejo.

This hike provides a chance to connect with the serene, rural environment and appreciate the charm of the Portuguese countryside.

Picnicking at Barragem Dos Minutos

After the scenic hike through the Alentejo countryside, participants arrive at the stunning Barragem dos Minutos reservoir.

They’ll enjoy a 2-hour picnic by the water’s edge, featuring local delicacies. This is the perfect opportunity to savor the region’s culinary specialties while taking in the serene surroundings.

Participants can observe the local wildlife, including herons and otters, making this an immersive experience in nature. The picnic is included in the tour, providing a chance to refuel and relax before the optional camp activities, which are available for an additional fee.

Optional Camp Activities

Following their scenic hike and picnic by the Barragem dos Minutos, participants can opt to engage in additional camp activities for an extra fee.

This includes:

1. Padel: A fast-paced racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, offering an exhilarating way to enjoy the reservoir’s surroundings.

2. Rowboat Ride: Glide across the tranquil waters of the Barragem dos Minutos, taking in the stunning scenery and wildlife from a unique perspective.

3. Wildlife Observation: Spot local species like herons and otters in their natural habitat, guided by an expert naturalist.

4. Photography Workshop: Capture the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife through the lens, with tips and techniques from a professional photographer.

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Highlights of the Experience

The scenic hike through the rolling hills, olive groves, and cork oak trees of the Alentejo countryside offers breathtaking views of the Barragem dos Minutos reservoir. The picnic by the water’s edge features a selection of local delicacies, allowing visitors to savor the flavors of the region. On top of that, participants can choose from optional activities, such as a padel or rowboat ride, to fully enjoy the serene environment. The opportunity to observe the local wildlife, including herons and otters, adds to the overall enjoyment of the experience.

Highlights
Scenic hike	Stunning reservoir views
Picnic with local products	Optional water activities
Observe wildlife	Alentejo countryside

What’s Included in the Tour

The hike from Montemor-o-Novo to Barragem dos Minutos includes the guided journey through the scenic countryside.

The tour package provides:

1. A picnic with locally-sourced delicacies near the reservoir.
2. Water for hydration throughout the hike.
3. Roundtrip transportation from the starting point in Montemor-o-Novo.
4. Rental of nautical equipment for optional activities like a padel or rowboat ride on the reservoir.

This comprehensive offering ensures participants can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the region without worrying about logistics.

Important Participant Information

Although the hike to Barragem dos Minutos offers a scenic and enjoyable experience, there are some important criteria participants should be aware of. The activity is not suitable for children under 12 years, babies under 1 year, or people over 70 years. Participants should bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, and clothes. The group size is limited to 6 people, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience.

Not Suitable For	What to Bring
Children under 12	Comfortable shoes
Babies under 1	Swimwear
People over 70	Comfortable clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difficulty Level of the Hike?

The hike is of moderate difficulty, suitable for most hikers. It involves a 3-hour trek through rolling hills, olive groves, and cork oak forests, providing scenic views along the way.

Can I Book the Activity for a Private Group?

Yes, the activity can be booked for a private group. The tour provider limits group size to 6 participants, so you can reserve the entire experience for your own private party.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The activity doesn’t offer any discounts for seniors or students. However, private group bookings are available if you’d like to arrange a personalized hike. The price remains the same regardless of age or student status.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Hike?

No, pets are not allowed on this hike. The tour operator’s policy states the activity is not suitable for children under 12 or people over 70, and it does not mention accommodating pets.

Is There a Vegetarian or Vegan Option for the Picnic?

The picnic includes local products, but there’s no mention of vegetarian or vegan options. Customers should contact the tour operator to inquire about dietary accommodations prior to booking.

Recap

Montemor-O-Novo’s hike to Barragem dos Minutos offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Trekkers can enjoy the Alentejo’s scenic landscapes, spotting local wildlife along the way. The picnic by the reservoir and optional activities like padel and rowboat rides further enhance this immersive experience. With its small group size and guided nature, this tour provides an intimate and memorable exploration of the region’s natural beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: