The best MTB trails around Foz De Arouce

Among the pine forests of the mountains, Chiqueiro appears like a time capsule: a tiny village where life still rhymes with silence and sheep. Only one couple lives there, in harmony with their flock and with the nature that surrounds everything. Two sloping streets wind between houses made of schist darkened by time, all bare of plaster, except for the little white chapel, which shines like a whisper of faith among the stones.

Hidden among pine forests, the village of Chiqueiro seems suspended in time. With just a couple of inhabitants and their large flock, it maintains a simplicity that nature embraces. Two steep streets wind between the dark slate houses, rustic and without plaster, except for the small chapel.

The photos say almost everything. An almost obligatory stopping point to observe the imposing landscape.

Location with fantastic views over Lousã. Next to this place there is a point with drinking water and a public toilet, normally clean and well maintained. Congratulations to Lousã City Council.

Only a couple of inhabitants and their large flock seem to contradict the feeling that time has stood still here for a long time. The village is bordered by two small watercourses and hidden by the lush vegetation that surrounds it. It has a simple urban layout, basically organised into two steep streets flanked by houses. The predominant building material is dark schist, of rough construction and, with the exception of the chapel, no other buildings are plastered. On the way out of the village there is a small and very well-maintained picnic area, and one of the most spectacular viewpoints over the town of Lousã.

Nestled in Serra da Lousã, on a hill facing south, the village of Candal is strategically placed next to Estrada Nacional 236, which connects Lousã to Castanheira de Pera. This village is used to receiving visitors. The climb to the viewpoint, through the sloping streets, is rewarded with a beautiful view over the valley through which Ribeira do Candal winds. Next to the road there is a fountain with drinking water and also a cafe / restaurant.

LouzanPark has facilities to support all activities carried out in Serra da Lousã, such as hiking trails, mountain bike trails in their various forms (Downhill, Cross Country and Enduro), trails, and also off-road tourist trails. LouzanPark has changing rooms, an auditorium, a café, a meeting room, a bicycle workshop, a transport service and an information desk.

The "witches" and "witches" most commonly found in this area no longer ride broomsticks, but rather two-wheeled flying machines, which they call "mountain bikes". It is easy to see groups of five, six or more, riding their flying machines, winding at breakneck speeds down the steep slopes of the mountain towards Lousã. Humour aside, in addition to being a pleasant place for picnics and rest, this spot also includes several of the most famous mountain bike (downhill) trails in the Lousã mountain range (a world championship final has already been held on these trails), which is why it is common to see mountain bikers here, coming from all over the country and abroad.