Rota Vicentina MTB Day2 - Intermediate

From Vila Nova de Milfontes the route goes inland to the hills. The view of the coast from the hills is quite a surprise. The best time of the day to climb to S. Domingos, the highest point of the Rota Vicentina, is at dawn or dusk. There are rare and endemic plant species you may find along this section. Centaurea crocata and Centaurea vicentina are endemic to Portugal and its southwestern corner, but Bupleurum acutifolium is endemic to just this area in the hills around Cercal and S. Luís and can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The southern part of this section becomes hillier and offers some spectacular scenery, such as Rocha de Água d’Alte, and the breathtaking views of the coastline. Underground streams sometimes bubble up onto the surface into springs that feed small streams, and the flora is unique, dominated by the beautiful and aromatic Gum Rockrose, (Cistus ladanifer). From S.Luis village is the water section, where a different, green and vibrant Alentejo reveals itself before your eyes, with refreshing water streams and ponds – Ribeira do Torgal being the protagonist – where forests of valuable species such as ash, willow and alder trees covering the water streams banks abound. The last kms of this ride is along Mira river