ウーレンの天然記念物・トップ20

Known as Serra da Portela or Serra do Anjo da Guarda, this is a natural viewpoint overlooking the Pousaflores Valley, where the landscape is filled with life and aromas. Wild orchids, rupicolous plants, "cucas" (a type of gourd), wormwood, and the fresh scent of thyme, which wafts away with every step, flourish among the limestone rocks. Here, atop Monte da Ovelha, human presence has left its mark: traditional windmills, a small chapel dedicated to the Guardian Angel, the Stations of the Cross for Good Friday, and initiatives celebrating bread and cornbread. It's also a place made for lingering: sitting at a table, lighting a grill, or simply gazing out.

Monte da Ovelha offers a miradouro (lookout) with a breathtaking view of the vastness of the surrounding valleys and mountains. It is an ideal place to enjoy a pristine environment and pure air, with a panorama that captures the essence of the Portuguese rural landscape.

The Lis River, whose source is in the town of Fontes, Cortes, is one of the few rivers in the country whose current flows from south to north and, in the final kilometres, from east to west. In winter and early spring, it is possible to see water emerging from the ground in surprising quantities. In the summer months, the source is usually dry.

The Sheep's Sink is an imposing natural cavity, named after the sink carved under a stalactite that, in the rainy months, pours out abundant water. In the past, this natural refuge served as a drinking trough for cattle.

It's a shame that the park is not very well maintained. It could be much nicer.

Enjoy peace and quiet and a leisurely hike through the gardens of Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes

I recommend it to cyclists who want to push the limits.

While the spring itself is dry in summer it must be spectacular when the rains are back in November. But the Rio Lis is also fed by water coming from inside the mountain and ground-water from the area, so water starts flowing a few hundred meters further down the riverbed, nice and fresh. There is a lovely path following it, and those who did some walking on a lovely summers day will really enjoy a little dip, maybe some swimming, but at least a bit of wading through it. There is easy access in several places, have fun 😀!