On and Beyond the Mountain

Distance

150 Km's

Driving time

3:30 Hours

4/5

Routes

4/5

Landscapes

5/5

History and culture

Overview

Just by our departure point stand the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. This tour takes us over and beyond these mountains to amazing views and sites rich in culture. All within a 150 km radius are found cities, villages, caves, pilgrimage sites, salt pans and more.

Itinerary

1.

We will start by ascending the mountain towards the Miradouro of Chão das Pias, a splendid viewpoint of the town of Porto de Mós and its castle. On the way back down to the city we will take a closer look at this gorgeous castle.

2.

Our next destination is slightly off the beaten track. There is very little information available about this place, but it offers a spectacular view of the mountain we just climbed up and down. That being said, we have no doubt that the Moinho da Cabeça da Vaca will surprise you.

3.

Our next stop is Aldeia Pia do Urso, a typical mountain village with several stone and wooden houses. Besides being very pretty, this small village offers an incredible peace of mind, making it the ideal place for a coffee break.

4.

We will then head to the imposing sanctuary of Fatima, one of the most important places of pilgrimage in the world, with over 5 million visitors each year. You don’t have to be a believer to appreciate a place of this magnitude.
Every year, a special mass is held there, as well as a ceremony to bless the helmets. In 2019, it is estimated that over 160,000 motorcyclists attended this event.

5.

We will then offer you a visit to the Grutas de Mira de Aire, the largest caves found in Portugal. This guided tour will take us through more than 600 meters of galleries to a depth of 110 meters. This 1-hour visit is included on this circuit, and believe us when we say it is worth every second.

6.

The last stop of the day is at the Rio Maior salt pans, which are the only inland salt pans in Portugal, and the only ones still fully operational in all of Europe. They are considered a wonder of nature as the ocean is 30 km away. The salt is a remnant of the presence of the sea in ancient times. The water here is about seven times saltier than sea water.