From mountain to valley

On this second day of walking, the main challenge is the continuation of the hill climb, which is followed by a descent into the valley. Leaving from Casais Monizes, with its threshing floors and rural dry stone architecture, the path leads through Vale de Ventos and continues towards the village of Arrimal, now entering the municipality of Porto de Mós. Close by stands the Arco da Memória (Remembrance Arch), a monument evoking the Order of Cistercians’ considerable efforts to develop these lands from the 12th century on. A short distance away, the Arrimal Lagoons come into view, the result of small surface depressions in which rain water accumulates. 

The route continues into a dip in the terrain and crosses the village of Mendiga. Here, you can take a break at the Telhados d’Água da Mendiga, a park themed around and providing information on natural water capture and storage methods, as well as a picnic area and viewpoint overlooking the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. Continuing the ascent, the route reaches Alto da Fórnea, which stands over a depression in the earth’s crust, around 500 metres in diameter and 250 metres in depth, the result of erosion over time, where an impressive cascade forms during periods of abundant rainfall.

Always with panoramic views over the surrounding landscape, the route descends from the hills and ends in Alvados, a harmonious village set in a valley. Here you can recharge your batteries with authentic local delicacies such as cheese, sausages and sweets.