Salinas de Rio Maior , para a extracao de Sal .

Primeira etapa ( entre Rio Maior e Casais Monizes ) do Caminho dos Candeeiros de peregrinacao ate Fatima . Caminho pedestre que une Rio Maior com Fatima , para um guia sobre os Caminhos de Fatima do CNC Centro Nacional de Cultura .

Rio Maior , 17 de Julho de 2024 .

©Enric Vives-Rubio

Candeeiros Route

Rio Maior - Fátima
63 km 3 days
Rio Maior Fonte da Bica Caniceira Teira Alcobertas  
Casais Monizes Arrimal Bemposta Mendiga Chão das Pias  
Alvados Barrenta Demó Velha Pia do Urso São Mamede Moita do Martinho Santuário de Fátima
[1] 18 km ±05h00
[2] 29 km ±08h00
[3] 16.3 km ±04h00

The Candeeiros Route is a long-distance walk, around 63 km in total, through the landscape of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park The route starts in the town of Rio Maior, after which the greatest challenge is the ascent of the Candeeiros massif, before continuing to the Sanctuary of Fátima, through the municipalities of Porto de Mós, Batalha and Ourém. The route follows ancient rural paths that link traditional villages set on the slopes, plateaus and valleys of the geocultural area known as the Estremadura Limestone Massif.

 The environment lends itself to discovery, but also to rest and inner contemplation. The nature is striking and beautiful, with characteristic rocky formations and rare species of a variety of fauna and flora. The highest peaks offer views over the surrounding landscape stretching from the interior to the sea, while the valleys and plateaus provide a pleasantly tranquil setting.

Nature and life, rurality and urbanity exist side by side in harmony. Olive trees, common oaks and holm oaks stand proud amid the low-growing and spontaneous vegetation, where kermes oak and rosemary can be found. Small flocks of livestock punctuate the landscape, and dry stone walls mark out smallholdings, shepherds’ shelters and threshing floors. The area’s cultural heritage is preserved by welcoming communities that keep alive a wealth of traditions, imbued with the colours and flavours of a varied gastronomy.

Useful contacts

Useful information on health and safety in the municipalities that make up the Candeeiros Route.

Rio Maior

Health
Health Centre of Rio Maior: +351 243 999 200
Portuguese Red Cross - Rio Maior Delegation: +351 915 645 166

Police
National Republican Guard (GNR) – Territorial Post of Rio Maior: +351 243 999 500

Porto de Mós

Health
Health Centre of Porto de Mós: +351 244 499 200

Police
National Republican Guard (GNR) – Territorial Post of Porto de Mós: +351 244 480 080

Batalha

Health
Nossa Senhora da Conceição Hospital Centre – Brancas: +351 244 769 430
Health Centre of Batalha: +351 244 769 920

Police
National Republican Guard (GNR) – Territorial Post of Batalha: +351 244 769 120

Ourém

Health
Health Centre of Ourém: +351 249 540 630
Health Centre of Fátima: +351 249 531 836

Police
Public Security Police (PSP) – Police Station of Ourém: +351 249 540 440
National Republican Guard (GNR) – Territorial Post of Fátima: +351 249 530 580
National Republican Guard (GNR) – Territorial Post of Ourém: +351 249 540 310