KAYAK: EXPEDITION Lakes of Sabor

Activity Duration: 2 days

Participants: 7 people (min)

Distance: 13 km / 10 km

Physical Effort: Medium

Price: €115 [price per person]

What you can expect

Over two days we will explore two different landscapes and discover the essentials of the Sabor Lakes. From the narrowest part of the river, where the valley is deepest and the scenery is ruggedest, to the large lakes where the slopes soften.

We will sail on Lake Medal, peacefully contemplating the Sanctuary of Santo Antão da Barca from various perspectives, pass by the iconic Sardão bridge, see abandoned places and learn the history of a magical location where the remains of Quinta de Crestelos rest.

These are two days of tranquility in deep communion with history and nature..

Program

DAY 1

9:00h – 15:30h

The meeting point is at the Sanctuary of Santo Antão da Barca. From here, transport is provided to the starting point.

We will paddle along the narrowest stretch of the river, where we can contemplate a perfect symbiosis between the olive and almond grove terraces, the vast wooded areas, and the steep slopes. We are also surprised by small villages and even abandoned places that blend into the landscape and confirm the balance of the relationship between Man and Nature.

We pass under the deck of the Sardão bridge, a remarkable work of modern engineering, which, due to its shape and size, provides us with an impressive landscape setting. Every angle captures our attention. After the bridge, we enter the Medal Lake and immediately understand why this reservoir is called the Sabor Lakes.

The descent does not end before we discover what remains of the Quinta de Crestelos estate and learn all about the history of that magical place, which dates back to the Iron Age.

A short walk to the Sanctuary of Santo Antão da Barca awaits us to end the day in conviviality, with the best panoramic views of Lake Medal, while we savor a traditional Transmontane snack, filled exclusively with local products, prepared in advance by Chef Luís Martins, from the Baraço restaurant.

DAY 2

9:00h- 14:00h

The meeting point is at a river access pier, near the village where our descent that day will end. From here, transport is provided to the starting point.

We will travel along the northernmost stretch of the Baixo Sabor reservoir, starting just below the point where the river ceases to have a current and is no longer considered wild. Soon we will be at the first lake, Lago da Foz do Azibo, and we will paddle over the old Remondes Bridge, now submerged.

We enter one of the narrowest sections of the river, where the valley is deeper and more enclosed, and where we will discover places and stories that tell us about the ancestral relationship between Man and the Sabor River. It is also in this stretch that the majestic Cabeço do Santo Cristo will hold our attention for longer.

At the end of the descent, it's time to replenish our energy, enjoying a typical Transmontane snack, prepared in advance by our partner, Restaurante Apolinário.

The program continues with a visit to Castro Vicente, a village with an amazing legacy, before we end the day completely awestruck at Cabeço do Santo Cristo, this time from a different perspective.

Details

The program includes:

• Transportation from meeting points to the starting points of the descent.

• Equipment: Crossing kayak; life jacket, paddle.

• Refreshments, such as snacks, during the descent (fruit, energy bar, sandwich or equivalent).

• Transmontana-style snack at the end of the descent – ​​Picnic-style meal.

• 2 guides on the river.

• Personal Accident Insurance.

• Civil Liability Insurance.

The program does not include:

Transportation to the meeting points.

Other items not described are included.

What to bring:

• Swimsuit, clothes and footwear suitable for getting wet.

• Water.

• Hat and sunscreen.

• Snacks (optional).

• Change of clothes (optional).

• Towel (optional).

• Backpack up to 10L (optional).

Important information

Reservation – Your place is only guaranteed after advance payment of the total program cost. The reservation is completed upon payment of the remaining 50%.

Kayak Type – Kayaks (1 or 2 seats) are allocated in order of reservation.

Difficulty Level – This activity does not require prior experience in canoeing techniques. However, it requires that the participant has experience and a history of physical activity, in particular possessing a level of physical endurance suitable for up to 4 hours of light physical activity. It requires that the participant have minimally developed motor skills of coordination, balance and agility. Knowing how to swim is mandatory and you must feel comfortable and at ease in the natural aquatic environment, in open water.

Age – The minimum age to participate in this program is 16 years.