Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros

Natural Park das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros where you can discover the real Portugal; where beautiful landscapes can be admired; where you can admire the most beautiful cave in Portugal and where hiking trails run right through this beautiful area. If you want to admire and experience all this, be sure to visit the beautiful natural park of Serras de Aire e Candeeiros. With a total area of ​​35,000 hectares, the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park was created in 1979 and covers more than two-thirds of the Estremadura limestone massif, the largest limestone area in Portugal. The park consists of two mountain areas (after which the park is named) and the plateaus of Santo António and São Mamede. As you walk through the park you will see several stone walls, known as chouços, which were used to divide the property and gather the livestock. You will also come across some small huts that the shepherds used to protect themselves against bad weather.

Apart from the beautiful landscapes, you will discover some of the 1500 incredible caves hidden in the park. The Mira de Aire Caves were voted one of the 7 Natural Wonders of Portugal in 2010. In the natural park Serra d'Aire e Candeeiros you can visit a number of stalactite caves. All give a spectacular view under the earth. The caves are extra beautifully lit in some places. Exhibitions are also regularly held there.

The Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. There are more than 16 routes (between 2 and 15 km) that will allow you to discover the wonders of this beautiful park.

There are several locations, namely:

Grutas Mira d'Aire are the largest caves in Portugal.

Grutas Alvados/San Antonio.

Grutas da Moeda. (2 km from Fátima)

There are also beautiful mountain bike trails in this area, look at the following website: https://www.komoot.com/pt-pt/guide/499889/percursos-de-btt-em-redor-do-parque-natural-das-serras-de-aire-e-candeeiros

There is also a water park there, near the caves. See: http://www.grutasmiradaire.com/pt/9/parque-aquatico

The town of Porto de Mós is located in this natural park and has a tourist office with various walking and cycling / MTB routes, etc. The castle on top of the hill in the village can be visited. Bring a jacket, because it always seems to be windy.

World Heritage/Unesco

See: https://www.costadeprata.info/nl/bezienswaard/world-heritages No less than 6 of the 14 Portuguese World Heritage sites can be found here.