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Silver Coast Outdoors
- a world of natural wonder
The Silver Coast is not just a place of sea and stunning beaches. Inland there is a landscape that provides dozens of opportunities for a great day out in the countryside. This is our pick of the best.
Top of the world
The mountain of Montejunto is great for both quiet picnics and outdoor adventure. To get there head for the village of Pragança on the north side of the mountain and follow the signs to the summit where there are the ruins of a monastery and an ancient church.
Just below the summit is a picnic site and the remains of the royal ice factory, a fascinating reminder of how life was lived in the days before electricity and refrigerators. Part of the summit is a military installation and closed to visitors, but there is plenty of mountainside left for walking or cycling.
For a breath of fresh Atlantic air head for Peniche and board the ferry to the archipelago of Berlenga, ten kilometres offshore. This group of islands is a nature reserve and home to thousands of seabirds including puffins, guillemots, gulls, and cormorants.
The crystal clear waters around the islands are designated as a marine reserve and are teeming with fish and marine life, making them a spectacular site for diving.
The crystal clear waters around the islands are designated as a marine reserve and are teeming with fish and marine life, making them a spectacular site for diving.
Island reserve
There is no permanent population on the island but it is possible to stay the night in the impressive 17th century fort, Forte de São João Baptista, with is joined to the island by a causeway. There are also camping facilities on the main island. Part of the fort has been converted into a hostel. Booking for the hostel or camping should be made at Peniche Tourist Information.
Visitor numbers to the islands are strictly controlled. The crossing takes one hour, but can be rough in bad weather. Ferry information.
Visitor numbers to the islands are strictly controlled. The crossing takes one hour, but can be rough in bad weather. Ferry information.
Underground wonder
On the Silver Coast there are amazing things to be seen underground as well. Mira de Aire, a village near Porto de Mós, is the site of Portugal’s largest caves and certainly its most beautiful. The Grutas Mira de Aire feature spectacular stalactites and rock formations as well as underground lakes and streams, all highlighted with a sound and light show. They are open daily from 9.30am. Closing times vary through the year, from 5.30pm in the winter to 7.30pm in the summer.
The nearby village of Alvados also has caves that are well worth visiting. The Grutas de Santo António cover an area of
On the Silver Coast there are amazing things to be seen underground as well. Mira de Aire, a village near Porto de Mós, is the site of Portugal’s largest caves and certainly its most beautiful. The Grutas Mira de Aire feature spectacular stalactites and rock formations as well as underground lakes and streams, all highlighted with a sound and light show. They are open daily from 9.30am. Closing times vary through the year, from 5.30pm in the winter to 7.30pm in the summer.
The nearby village of Alvados also has caves that are well worth visiting. The Grutas de Santo António cover an area of
6,000 square metres and caverns with soaring ceilings as high as 43 metres. Opening hours are 10am to 6.30pm in summer and 10am to 5pm in the winter.
Rugged rides
Further inland is the Parque Natural das Serras Air and Candeeiros, a rugged landscape of hills and rocky outcrops that offers great views and miles of wild countryside for bike rides and walking. At the southern tip of the park is the Town of Rio Maior, famous for its salt pans which are located a few miles outside of the town. Salt is still produced there and the old warehouses have been turned into souvenir shops and restaurants.
Rugged rides
Further inland is the Parque Natural das Serras Air and Candeeiros, a rugged landscape of hills and rocky outcrops that offers great views and miles of wild countryside for bike rides and walking. At the southern tip of the park is the Town of Rio Maior, famous for its salt pans which are located a few miles outside of the town. Salt is still produced there and the old warehouses have been turned into souvenir shops and restaurants.