The best MTB trails around Figueiró Dos Vinhos

The Eye of the Thrush is a mysterious spring that gushes from the bowels of the earth, forming a stream that sleeps in the summer. Among ancient mills and vestiges of bygone eras, the water resurfaces from a deep grotto, a natural spectacle of rare beauty.

The Albufeira do Castelo do Bode is a large and spectacular reservoir, created by the dam of the same name on the Zêzere River. It is one of the largest reservoirs in the country and a popular destination for water activities such as swimming, sailing, canoeing and fishing. The surrounding landscape is characterised by green hills, forests and small picturesque villages, such as Dornes, that jut out into the water, creating a scene of great natural beauty. The reservoir is also an important ecosystem, home to several species of birds and fish.

Dornes is a truly enchanting village, a true hidden gem in Portugal, famous for its picturesque location on a peninsula that juts out into the spectacular Albufeira do Castelo do Bode. This large dam and the resulting lake create a breathtaking landscape, and Dornes is one of the most charming spots. The village is dominated by its iconic Pentagonal Tower, a unique medieval fortification that stands majestically offering panoramic views of the water and surrounding hills.

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.

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.

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.