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In Sao Bras de Alportel, head towards the historic centre (well signposted and accessible by car via small streets). There is a car park on Rua Antonio Chaves Pinto. The hike starts in front of the tourist office on Rua Dr Victorino.
(S/E) From the tourist office, head west on Rua do Dr Victorino and after 100 m, take a very small cobbled lane that goes downhill (Calcadinha Romana) on the left. At the first fork, take the right-hand path.
(1) Follow the path, which may be quite wet and serve as a stream (see photo). Continue along this famous Roman road.
(2) This path is remarkably well preserved with beautiful, more or less regular paving stones (many rounded slabs that can be slippery) and low walls on either side. You will soon come to a bridge.
(3) Pass under the bridge, first turning left then right, and continue south, first turning right then left. At the end, take a path on the left to reach a dry stream (Gaifona), even when it rains.
(4) Follow the obvious path through the vegetation towards the east to reach the very large rock about 50 metres to the right off the trail. It is already clearly visible. The GPX track leads there. This is the Penedo Gorde rock. It is a huge rock, a single block isolated in the vegetation, and it is truly spectacular.
(5) Return to the original path on the right and ignore any paths or trails branching off to the right. The path climbs northwards to reach a road.
(6) Turn left and follow the road , taking care to avoid traffic, then take a small path on the right that leads to a small road. Head towards the footbridge, which is clearly visible on the left.
(7) Cross the road via the footbridge. At the end of the footbridge, turn right and then immediately left. You will come to a small junction. Continue left to reach a main road.
(8) Follow it to the right for 100 metres, then turn left (Rua da Fonte). Turn right at the end of the street, then immediately left. You will arrive at the tourist office (S/E).
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