アルカレナのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

The Silvas Mill is one of many that dot these fields, recalling times when the wind moved everyday life. The view is stunning, even more so on sunny days, when the landscape lights up.

Malhou owes its name to the rhythmic sound of hammers and the shine of forges: in times past, this parish was famous for the talent of its blacksmiths, masters in the art of shaping iron with skill and strength. It was this craft that marked the identity of the land and gave it its name.

From the top of Cabeça Gorda, the view is breathtaking. The green mantle of the mountains stretches endlessly, undulating until it blends into the horizon. During rainy seasons, small lakes appear in Mira de Aire, reflecting the sky and adding brightness to the landscape.

From the top of the mountain, a breathtaking natural landscape opens up before you: the Polje de Minde, also known as the Minde Sea, stretches out in shades of green and water, a rare wetland nestled between hills. In the background, the São Mamede plateau and the undulating silhouette of the Serra d’Aire stand out.

The Silvas Mill is one of many that dot these fields, recalling times when the wind moved everyday life. The view is stunning, even more so on sunny days, when the landscape lights up. The dirt road invites you to run without rushing or worrying, just look up and enjoy the scenery.

While this was my second visit, I've enjoyed it as much as the first one! The first gallery of this system of caves was discovered by locals in 1947. Of course people were curious and had to investigate further. What is known today is that the cave reaches 11 Kilometers in length which makes it the biggest and most important in Portugal. The formation of the cave goes back 150 million years to the middle Jurassic age when dinosaurs inhabited this region. They found traces of species who inhabited these caves, some of it on display. A part of the cave-system was opened to the public in 1974 with many improvements in safety for the visitors in later years. At one point colored lights found their way in with some spectacular and dramatic effects. My photos inside the cave are in the wrong order, not sure how to interchange them or what I've done wrong when uploading, sorry!

Typical Portuguese countryside flavor!