This stage starts by Sabugal Castle, passing the wall and the bell tower before crossing the city northwards. With the city behind us and following the Côa, the trail follows the meandering river through dense woods, but always with the sound of flowing water as a guide. On this section, the trail runs along the Côa Meanders Public Footpath (PR1 SBG), on the same paths used by routes 3, 4 and 5 of the Sabugal MTB centre. There is also a MTB/Horse riding detour of the GRVC, with ends marked (Quinta das Vinhas MTB/Equestrian detour). The trail now passes Rendo and crosses the river beside the Delfim Windmill before continuing along the left bank, through meadows and pastures towards Quinta dos Moinhos. Here the path crosses back over the Côa river through estates, hills and forests until you catch sight of the village of Rapoula do Côa.
From here, the GRVC uses footpaths along the river, passing the Morgado and Giestal windmills, skirting the left hand side of the N.ª Sr.ª das Preces peak and reaching Moinho das Poldras. This section also has a MTB/Equestrian detour, the ends of which are signposted, providing direct access to the village of Rapoula do Côa (Rapoula do Côa MTB/Equestrian detour). Taking the GRVC pedestrian route, the climb up to the village of Rapoula do Côa follows the road, on an unmarked trail (950 m). Once in the village, it's possible to gain access to the Rapoula do Côa river beach, as well as the village of Vila de Touro along unmarked trails.
