Babacashee
Before we set off: a burnt summer version
Normally this is a lovely little hike through quiet, green countryside. This time a wildfire had passed through, and large parts of the landscape were still burnt. So this wasn't the prettiest version of the walk we've done. But that's part of travelling through Portugal and Spain in summer. We'd save this walk for spring or late autumn, when it's cooler and the land has had time to recover.
Birders should bring the big lenses. This is rural Alentejo, with plenty of raptors around, including red kites and common buzzards, plus lots of other countryside birds. For Aba, the draw was simpler. He really enjoyed the freedom and the sniffing time after our trip to Évora.
The walk out and the little bridge
This is a short, easy walk, and the ground is paw-friendly, with lots for a dog to explore and sniff. We didn't meet any other people or dogs on any of our visits, so it could suit shy or reactive dogs. The little bridge on the way is an adventure of its own. It doesn't look spectacular, but crossing it felt like surviving an epic quest.
Through the burnt fields
In spring this stretch is very green and lush. On this visit, the wildfire had burnt everything. Where there used to be grass, it was all gone. There's no reliable water along the way either. The small stream was dry, and Aba had to make do with one tiny puddle. Bring enough water for your dog.
Anta Grande do Zambujeiro
The destination itself is very impressive. The anta was built roughly between the 4th and 3rd millennium BCE. It is considered the largest megalithic tomb in Portugal and one of the largest on the Iberian Peninsula. The burial chamber is made of seven huge granite stones, with a long access corridor leading into it. After a short, easy walk, it's a fascinating thing to find.
Good to know
- Carry all the water your dog needs. The stream can be dry.
- Go in spring or late autumn. There is little shade, and the summer heat can be brutal.
- It makes a good sniff-and-stretch walk after a day in Évora.
- Birders should bring a long lens. There are red kites, common buzzards and plenty of other raptors.
Anta Grande do Zambujeiro with a dog: questions
Is the hike to Anta Grande do Zambujeiro good for dogs?
We think the walk to Anta Grande do Zambujeiro is a nice short, easy hike with a dog. Aba really enjoyed the freedom and the time to sniff after our trip to Évora.
Is there water for dogs on the walk to Anta Grande do Zambujeiro?
We didn't find reliable water on the walk to Anta Grande do Zambujeiro, so bring enough for your dog. On our visit the small stream was dry, and Aba had to make do with one tiny puddle.
Is Anta Grande do Zambujeiro a good walk for a reactive dog?
We met no other people or dogs on any of our visits to Anta Grande do Zambujeiro. So this walk might be a good option for a shy or reactive dog.
When is the best time to hike to Anta Grande do Zambujeiro with a dog?
We would save the Anta Grande do Zambujeiro walk for spring or late autumn, when it's cooler. In summer the Alentejo heat can be brutal, even in the shade. On our summer visit, a wildfire had also left large parts of the landscape burnt.