Nature and Viewpoints in Santarém District

The Santarém District features a landscape shaped by the Tagus River and extensive limestone massifs. This collection includes the Estremenho Limestone Massif's cavern systems, such as the Grutas da Moeda and the Almonda spring cave. Significant water features include the Zêzere River's Castelo do Bode reservoir and the river beaches of Penedo Furado. Strategic viewpoints like Portas do Sol and Almourol offer panoramic vistas of the Tagus valley and the medieval Almourol Castle.

Moeda Caves

Descending down these caves feels like stepping down to the core of the Earth.

Albufeira de Castelo do Bode

One of Portugal's largest reservoirs, created by a 115-meter-high dam on the Zêzere River. It supplies drinking water to Lisbon and serves as a center for water sports.

Mouchão park

Located on an island in the Nabão River, this park features the Roda do Mouchão, a traditional wooden water wheel once used for local irrigation.

Gruta do Alviela

A karst spring cave that forms part of the Alviela River source. It is home to one of the largest and most diverse bat colonies in Europe.

Pracana Dam

Pracana Dam is a concrete buttress dam on the Ocreza, a right tributary of the Tagus.

Miradouro Portas do Sol

Located within the old castle walls, this terrace offers expansive views of the Tagus River floodplains and the 19th-century Dom Luís I Bridge.

Miradouro do Almourol

A panoramic overlook providing views of the 12th-century Almourol Castle, situated on a rocky islet in the middle of the Tagus River.

Penedo Furado

A high-altitude observation point featuring a distinctive rock with a natural opening and views over the surrounding mountain range and river valley.

Praia Fluvial do Penedo Furado

A river beach known for its natural pools and waterfalls. Wooden walkways connect the swimming area to the nearby rock formations and viewpoints.

Barquinha Parque

This seven-hectare riverside park integrates contemporary outdoor sculptures by Portuguese artists with walking paths and sports areas along the banks of the Tagus.

Praia Fluvial da Castanheira

Located on the Castelo do Bode reservoir, this beach features a floating swimming pool and facilities for wakeboarding and other nautical sports.

Miradouro dos Cónegos

A viewpoint offering a perspective over the limestone plateaus and rugged terrain of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park.

Gruta da Nascente do Almonda

Portugal's longest cave system, spanning over 10 kilometers. It is a major archaeological site containing evidence of human activity from the Lower Paleolithic onwards.