A popular hike with lovely swimming places in the Porto river
Since the Spelunca gorge is one of the most popular tourist attractions on the island it is frequently visited by busloads of tourists. Most of the visitors, however, walk only a short distance into the gorge from the bridge on the road between Ota and Evisa – or content themselves with a cool dip in the pools near the road bridge or the Genoese bridge.
Unfortunately, there is no bus service between Ota and Evisa so you will either need to arrange a second car at Ota, take a taxi or hitchhike back. If all else fails, you can, of course, retrace your steps and walk back to Evisa (2½–3 hrs).
Starting point: Evisa, 829m. The path begins at the cemetery near the exit from the village towards Porto (signpost). There’s a bus to Porto at 10 a.m. (only 1.7.–15.9., Mon–Sat).
Destination: Ota, 340m, alternatively at the bridge spanning the Porto on the D 124 road from Ota to Evisa, 210m. Nearest bus-stop at the junction of the D 124 with the D 84 Porto – Evisa (2km from the bridge), bus to Evisa at 14.10 (only 1.7.–15.9., Mon–Sat).
Height difference: a good 600m in descent and 140m in ascent.
Grade: easy valley walk on well-marked path.
Refreshment and accommodation: restaurants/hotels in Evisa and Ota, gîte d’étape in Ota, campsites in Evisa and Porto.
Map: IGN 4150 OT (1:25.000).