If one did not know the Aire and Candeeiros Hills, one could believe that their elevations at 577 and 613 metres, respectively, meant nothing extraordinary in terms of landscape. Nonetheless, this massif that spreads between Ourém, to the north, and Rio Maior, to the south, is a true kingdom of stone (calcareous) that totally stands out from the green farmlands that crouch around them. The Natural Park of the Aire and Candeeiros Hills comprises the parishes of Alcanena, Porto de Mós, Rio Maior, Santarém, Torres Novas and Vila Nova de Ourém. It includes, besides these two hills, the Mendiga Hill, …
Located between the Sicó and Montejunto mountains, it measures 22 kilometres. It belongs to the Natural Park of the Aire and Candeeiros Hills and it is formed by limestone that dates back to the medium Jurassic and the superior Jurassic. It is the most important calcareous massif in Portugal. The rare and spaced out vegetation speaks of its calcareous nature. The tectonic phenomena, throughout the ages, created caves and springs. The Natural Park includes a set of rare formations of great beauty, such as grottos, poljes, cliffs, limestone pavements and more. Do not miss a visit to the Arrimal lagoons, …
A cave located on the eastern side of the Candeeiros Mountain, formed bu Dogger limestone. The cave was escavated in 1880 and was then described as one of the largest furnas in Portugal. In 1936, another, more modern cave, was found, with objects from the copper age period. It is classed as a National Monument.
Located on one of the hillsides of the Candeeiros Mountain, it is composed of four horizontal rooms, in an extension of 200 metres. It stands out for its rooms and corridors filled with enormous stalactites of various colours.
