Serras d'Aire e Candeeiros

Serras d'Aire e Candeeiros is a natural park in the Central-West region of Portugal, close to Porto de Mós. It covers roughly 384 km2 and is the country's most important limestone area. The landscape is pure karst: caves, sinkholes, rocky plateaus and pale, rugged hills.

What makes it special?

The park protects classic karst formations. Over millennia, water dissolved the limestone and carved underground passages, chambers and depressions. The result is a varied mix of geology and climate tied to karst topography, which appeals to geologists and travellers looking for less obvious scenery.

Since when is it protected?

The area was designated a protected area in 1979. The aim was to preserve its natural character as well as the architectural and cultural heritage linked to local communities. So the park is not only rock and caves, but also villages, dry-stone walls and traditional buildings that share the landscape.

Which caves can you visit?

The best known are the Mira de Aire caves, described as the largest tourist caves in Portugal. The system stretches for around 11 km, but only about 600 m is open to visitors. Tours are guided and last roughly an hour.

The park also has an interpretation centre about the underground world, set up in the Algar do Pena cave, discovered in 1985. Some sources place it near Alcanede rather than Porto de Mós itself, so check the exact location before you go. Another curiosity is Algar da Cerejeira, a large cave whose roof has partly collapsed, letting daylight in.

What else is there in Porto de Mós?

The town is best known for its castle, which in the 15th century was turned into a residential palace on the orders of D. Afonso. Porto de Mós also hosts a park office, a good place to ask about trails and attractions.

How to plan your visit

• Allow about an hour for a guided cave tour.
• It is cooler inside the caves than outside, so bring an extra layer.
• Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, as limestone can be slippery.
• Check opening hours and ticket prices with the cave operator or the park's website.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Serras d'Aire e Candeeiros? In Central-West Portugal, across several municipalities including Porto de Mós.

How big is the park? About 384 km2. Other sources give slightly different figures, in the range of 340 to 390 km2.

Is there an entrance fee? The park itself is an open protected area. Some attractions, such as the Mira de Aire caves, charge admission and are visited with a guide.

Is it a good trip with children? Yes. A cave tour lasts about an hour, and the karst landscape offers plenty to talk about regarding geology and nature.

When is the best time to go? The caves can be visited year-round. Walks on the surface are more pleasant in milder months, outside the hottest weather.