Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park

Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park is a protected area in the Central-West region of Portugal, close to Porto de Mós. It covers 383.9 km² (148.2 sq mi) and is the country's most important limestone deposit. For anyone interested in geology, caves and prehistoric traces, it is one of the region's most rewarding places.

What makes this park special?

The bedrock is limestone, and water dissolving it over time has shaped a classic karst landscape. The park is known for its variety of geological formations, including underground caves and sinkholes. Its climate and topography are closely tied to this karst character. The limestone massif draws speleologists, who can explore grottoes and ravines here. The park is also known for its bats, which shelter in the underground spaces.

Since when has the area been protected?

The park was designated a protected area in 1979. The aim was to preserve its natural features along with the architectural and cultural heritage linked to local communities. So the park protects more than rocks and caves; it also safeguards traces of how people have lived on this land.

Are there dinosaur tracks here?

Yes. Inside the park is the Pedreira do Galinha quarry, near Bairro in the Ourém and Torres Novas area. It was a working quarry until the mid-1990s. In July 1994 the tracks were discovered by João Carvalho, a member of a local speleology and archaeology association. The footprints are about 175 million years old, from the Middle Jurassic, and were left by sauropods, the huge four-legged plant-eating dinosaurs. The site preserves 20 trackways, and some are among the oldest and longest sauropod trackways known, one running up to 147 m.

After the discovery the site was protected as a natural monument. Sources give different dates: an agreement between the State and the quarry owner in September 1996, or designation in 1997.

A second geological site in the park, the Vale de Meios quarry, preserves more than 700 theropod tracks, left by meat-eating dinosaurs.

Who is this place for?

• people interested in geology and karst landscapes,
• cavers and cave enthusiasts,
• families and dinosaur fans who want to see real tracks from millions of years ago,
• travellers looking for quiet nature away from the coast.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the park? In the Central-West region of Portugal. Porto de Mós is one of the towns nearby.

How big is it? It covers 383.9 km² (148.2 sq mi).

Why does limestone matter so much here? This is Portugal's largest limestone deposit. It gave rise to the caves, sinkholes and other karst forms, and it preserved the dinosaur tracks.

How old are the dinosaur tracks at Pedreira do Galinha? About 175 million years old.

Can you see wildlife in the park? The park is known for its bats, though seeing them depends on location and time of day.