The best walks and hikes around Maxial

Castelo de Torres Vedras is an imposing medieval fortress, with a history that dates back to Roman times and a significant role in the Napoleonic Wars (as part of the Lines of Torres Vedras). The castle represents an important historical heritage. If you want to stop here for a break you can explore its ancient walls and enjoy panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape.

At this location at the top of the Serra de Montejunto, also known as "Torre" due to the various antennas that were installed there, is the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, which may have been built in the 13th century and remodelled and expanded during the 16th century and later. Inside, the altars covered with 17th century tiles and the altarpiece of the main altar, from the 18th century, stand out. Next to the Chapel of Our Lady of the Snows, are the ruins of what is considered to be the first Dominican Convent in Portugal, built in the 12th century and abandoned after the extinction of the religious orders, and is currently in ruins. Also nearby are the ruins of the Royal Ice Factory, classified as a National Monument. Here, in the 18th century, the Dominican monks took advantage of the climatic and geological conditions and opened large tanks connected by narrow passages, one part for the production of ice and the other for its preparation, storage and conservation. The ice was later transported to Lisbon, to supply the court and the café at Terreiro do Paço, later known as Martinho da Arcada (Fernando Pessoa's Café)

The "Moinho de Avis" is not only a beautiful sight, the miller, Senhor Miguel Nobre, is using the mill for what it was built for: milling flour! Miguel Nobre was originally a cabinet maker, then specialized in restoring windmills all over Portugal. When he came into possession of the Moinho de Avis (and the one next to it) he was determined to bring it back to life and use it. The milling stones never came in contact with pesticides as the mill had fallen into disrepair before these chemicals were used. He was determined to keep it like this. He is growing and milling mainly ancient Portuguese grains (Preto-Amarello, Barbela and Aveia Selvagem). Following a recipe from his Grandfather he is mixing these grains for his "Mistura de Avó" (Grandfather Mixture). When I visited the last time (May 2024) he was super happy because his "Mistura de Avó" had just been declared national heritage by the United Nations. The mill is usually open for visitors on the weekends.

The karst landscape of Montejunto, in the extreme southwest of the Estremenho Limestone Massif, displays deep valleys, lages, gravel pits and lapiás, formed by aquatic erosion over geological eras. Freezing of water in rock fissures results in gravel deposits.

The Nossa Senhora das Neves Chapel, located at the top of the Serra de Montejunto, has been a place of pilgrimage since the medieval period, prior to the construction of the first Dominican monastery in the 13th century.

The karst landscape of Montejunto, in the extreme southwest of the Estremenho Limestone Massif, displays deep valleys, lages, gravel pits and lapiás, formed by aquatic erosion over geological eras. Freezing of water in rock fissures results in gravel deposits.

The Serra de Montejunto picnic area is next to the Interpretation center and a little further from the campsite. Nearby there is a small bar and toilets.

The Serra do Montejunto Rural Camping Park is located close to the Environmental Interpretation Center and the Real Fábrica do Gelo. With capacity for 90 people, 24 tents and 6 motorhomes, it has sanitary facilities separated by sex, a communal barbecue area and designated areas for washing dishes and drying clothes.