H2O

Distance

320 Km's

Driving time

6 Hours

4/5

Routes

4/5

Landscapes

4/5

History and culture

Overview

H2O is the chemical formula for water, an element essential to human survival. This circuit takes us to a variety of sites and places related to water and the influence it has on the lives of the Portuguese people.

Itinerary

1.

The first destination is the source of the river Lis, located in the parish of Cortes, this river rises at the foot of the Serra da Senhora do Monte and flows through to the city of Leiria. The Lis is one of the few Portuguese rivers whose course begins in the South-North direction and ends its last kilometers in the East-West direction.

2.

The next stop will be at the lookout of the Fragas de São Simão. This point of view offers one of the best glances on this postcard of greenery, water and rocks.

3.

Let’s go north to a site that is directly related to our theme of the day. The Castellum de Alcabideque is a collection tower, next to a collection reservoir, which was essentially used to collect and raise water for its later transport by an aqueduct. This ingenious Roman construction was used to transport water to the Roman city of Conímbriga, located three kilometers away

4.

After lunch, we will head to the natural swimming pool of Ançã, another example of adaptation and cohabitation between the locals and their natural river.

5.

Before joining the coast, we will make a stop at the medieval Montemor-o-Velho castle, a dominating structure on the right bank of the Mondego River. Serving as a defense of the valley and the river that fertilizes it, this castle housed kings and princesses at that time.

6.

We will then make our way to the Atlantic coast, where the city of Figueira Da Foz awaits us. A city known for its fishing harbors, shipbuilding industries and its casino. This particular one was inaugurated in 1884, which makes it the oldest casino in the Iberian Peninsula. Before heading back to Alcobaça, we might even enjoy a little refreshment at the Santa Catarina fort right by the beach.