Overview
On this tour, you'll visit Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, a protected park since 1979 that stands in the most important repository of limestone formation in the country. Here you have the chance to visit a variety of geological formations associated with karst topography such as salt pans, caves, poljes, ponors and sinkholes, among others.
Besides that, Tugabuddies is a sightseeing tour agency that has been creating and delivering customized tours through the Center and West of Portugal (and a few other stunning places) since April 2016.
We focus on carefully preparing each experience to meet all customer’s expectations and tastes. Our team’s work is based on the passion we all share for our home country, Portugal, but also on knowledge, experience and a great will to serve with care and quality.
We won’t just be your tour guide; we will be Your Portuguese Best Friend!
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Private transportation
Pick up and drop off in your accomodation
On-board WiFi
Knowledgeable guide
Mira D'Aire Caves entrance
Bottled water
In-vehicle air conditioning
Lunch
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
Good to know
Este ingresso oferece entrada direta
What to expect
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Salinas de Rio Maior
30 min
The Rio Maior Salt Pans are a natural phenomenon, far away from the sea, still working nowadays and for at least 900 years.
The water from this spring is seven times more salty than sea water, and some say that these salt pans were already explored by Romans and Moors. -
10 min
In this old quarry you will find dinosaur footprints belonging to the Middle Jurassic Period, with about 170 million years age. The owners of such footprints were recognized as theropod dinosaurs (2 feet ) and sauropods (4 feet ).
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Algar do Pena
10 min
Discovered in 1985, the Algar do Pena cave is a 35 meters deep pothole with a huge chamber at the bottom. This is the biggest natural chamber of Portugal and where you can find numerous speleothems.
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Grutas de Mira de Aire
1 hour
Elected one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, these caves were discovered in 1947. The entrance is 300 metres above the sea level, but inside they reach 180 meters in depth. Their formation goes back 150 million years to the Middle Jurassic age, when the dinosaurs populated this region.
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10 min
The Polje of Minde or "Sea of Minde", as it is commonly known, is a large karstic depression located between the villages of Mira d'Aire and Minde, which becomes frequently flooded during the rainiest winters. The lake created by the flood gives this place an impressive landscape with a unique fauna
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Fornea - Miradouro
1 hour
The Fórnea is a pronounced amphitheatre-shaped retreat from a low zone into a limestone plateau. Apart from the scientific explanation, the locals call it, to this day, Fôrnea because of its shape which resembles an oven.
Here we will go for a hike to Cova Velha springs, passing by the Fórnea's brook and its cascade. -
5 min
A swing with a magnificent view over the surrounding areas of the Natural Park.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Lisbon).
Additional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 7 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park Full Day Private Tour from the West
Can I cancel Aire e Candeeiros Nature Park Full Day Private Tour from the West for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 8–9 hours.
Is pickup offered?
Pickup is offered for all travelers.
What's included?
- Private transportation
- Pick up and drop off in your accomodation
- On-board WiFi
- Knowledgeable guide
- Mira D'Aire Caves entrance
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's not included?
- Lunch
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits Salinas de Rio Maior, Algar do Pena, Grutas de Mira de Aire, Fornea - Miradouro.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish.
What fitness level is needed?
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Tugabuddies
