Great Route of the Côa Valley
GR-COA
222 km of trails linking the source of the Côa River (Sabugal) to its mouth in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. It crosses protected landscape and UNESCO Rock Art sites.
Great Route
Classification
Type of infrastructure:
Great Route
Level of difficulty:
Difficult
Recommended bicycle
BTT
Infrastructure status:
Operational
Managing entity:
Vila Nova de Foz Côa Municipality
Technical Data
Distance in "km":
222
Estimated duration:
5 to 7 days (in several stages)
Type of track layout:
Linear
Floor type:
Mixed
Positive elevation difference in "m":
5000
Negative elevation difference in "m":
5000
Maximum altitude in "m":
900
Minimum altitude in "m":
130
Maximum slope in %:
Managing entity:
Vila Nova de Foz Côa Municipality
Location and Layout
Municipality:
Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Multi-municipal:
Villages/towns:
Vila Nova de Foz Côa, Castelo Melhor, Cidadelhe, Almendra
Starting point:
Vila Nova de Foz Côa
Starting coordinates:
41.0765, -7.1410
Destination:
Vila Nova de Foz Côa (mouth of the Côa River in the Douro)
Arrival coordinates:
41.0765, -7.1410
Services and Accessibility
Accessible to families
Pet friendly
Accessibility for Reduced Mobility
E-bike charging
Repair station
Bathrooms/Toilets
Bicycle rental
Description and Content
The Great Côa Valley Route covers 222 km of trails along the Côa River, from its source in Fóios (Sabugal) to its mouth in Vila Nova de Foz Côa. Although most of the route runs outside the ANa territory, its termination in Vila Nova de Foz Côa makes it relevant as an attraction for cycle tourists to the region.
The final stretch crosses the Côa Valley Archaeological Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where Paleolithic rock engravings over 25,000 years old can be found. The landscape is dominated by almond groves, olive groves, and terraced vineyards overlooking the Côa River.
The Faia Brava Reserve (ATNatureza / Rewilding Europe), Portugal's first privately protected area, is accessible from this route and offers ecolodges, photo hides, and nature programs.
Recommended season:
Spring and autumn.
Does it pass through an olive grove?
Olive tourism notes:
The Côa Valley marks the border between the Douro vineyards and the Trás-os-Montes olive groves. Traditional olive groves are visible along the final stretch.
External Links
GPX File:
Link Wikiloc:
Link Komoot:
Link Outdoor Active:
Link Ciclovias PT
Official Link (URL)