Explore the Surroundings of Casal Cura
At Casal Cura, we want to make your stay not only comfortable but also filled with unforgettable experiences exploring the beautiful surroundings of Chão de Couce, Portugal. Here are some travel tips to make the most of your visit:
Ready to embark on an unforgettable journey
Fatima
Fátima, in Portugal, became one of the key centers for the Cult of the Virgin Mary and has been recognised worldwide as one of the most important religious destinations in the world, devoted to Our Lady of Fátima. A place where the spiritual journey begins. In the gardens of Casa de Lúcia, there is a monument commemorating the second apparition of the Angel of Peace and the end of the Via Sacra which begins in the Sanctuary. Along this route, there are 14 chapels donated by Hungarian Catholic refugees in the West. Of particular note is Valinhos, 400 metres from the village of Fátima where monuments commemorate the fourth apparition in 1917 as well as the place chosen by the angel. Here, in 1916, the shepherds saw the Angel of Peace for the first and third times.
Tomar
Is a place of history, mysteries, hiding places... It's a place to unravel! The Templar city from the year 1160.
Its beautiful gardens, such as the Mouchão Park and the Sete Montes Forest. And Albufeira in Castelo do Bode, a body of water surrounded by pine trees and small islands. The Monastery of Christ, the 'jewel of the crown', is a 12th-century monument declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1983. The main attractions are Charola (the original church of the Knights Templar) and the famous Chapter Window (Manueline style), decorated with sea motifs in honour of the time of the discoveries. In Tomar, you can also visit Portugal's oldest synagogue.
Coimbra
Coimbra is a fascinating city located in Portugal, known for being home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Often referred to as the Oxford or Cambridge of Portugal, Coimbra is rich in history and culture. The city is situated on the banks of the Mondego River and is the largest city in the district of Coimbra and the Centro Region. Coimbra was Portugal's medieval capital for over a century, adding to its historical significance. It is a beautiful city to visit.
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Dornes
Beautifully embraced by the Zêzere River, Dornes is a picturesque village where time stands still. An enchanting place to discover off the beaten track, located in the north zone of Castelo de Bode dam, half an hour away from Tomar.
Regarded as one of the most beautiful riverside villages in Portugal, Dornes strikes its visitors for its breath-taking beauty. The History of Dornes dates back to the foundation of Portugal, deeply related to the Order of the Knights Templar in Portugal. ideal for cultural tours or water sports. While in Dornes, don't miss the chance to visit the pentagon-shaped Tower, allegedly built by the Knights Templar as a watchtower of the Zêzere defence line, as well as the 15th century Church of Nossa Senhora do Pranto.
Visit Grutas de Mira de Aire
The Mira de Aire caves were discovered in 1947. To this day, 11 KM are known.
The cave was first opened to the public in 1974. "Only" 600 metres of these 11 kilometres can be visited, and that is no mean feat! These caves are the largest tourist caves in the country and it is impossible to remain indifferent to the immense beauty of the Mira de Aire caves.
The size of the majestic galleries, the crystal threads hanging from the ceiling and the magnificent columns carefully sculpted by nature over thousands of years are impressive. The crystal-clear waters of the lakes, which are of great ecological importance, complete the idyllic picture you find underground. The play of light illuminating the caves only emphasises their charm.
Aveiro
The eternal "Portuguese Venice", the city of lights Aveiro was recently voted "Europe's most romantic city". Embraced by Aveiro's lagoon - Ria de Aveiro - Aveiro can be discovered by boat, on foot or by bike, on one of the city's many free bikes, the BUGA.
In fact, Aveiro's lagoon is the central element of the city's identity. It sets the city's pace and fills it with all the colours of the typical "moliceiros", boats used in the past to transport seaweed to fertilise agricultural land. Today, these boats are a true tourist icon of Aveiro, transporting visitors to the city on unforgettable trips.
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Explore the Lousã Mountain range
Embark on a hike in the Lousã Mountain Range 20 min. known for its stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna. Lousã´s mountain range offers a series of activities that delight nature lovers, such as nature trails, star gazing, a castle dating back to the 7th century, adventure sports (like motocross) or the observation of the existing wildlife.
Discover the Fragas de São Simão
Experience the natural beauty of the Fragas de São Simão 15 min. a hidden gem with crystal-clear river pools surrounded by lush greenery. For a picnic by the water.The wooden paths of Fragas de São Simão connect the Schist Village of Casal de São Simão to the river beach and the viewpoint of São Simão. These wooden paths cross the gorge of Ribeira de Alge river stream. A journey that will lead you across the most amazing landscapes full of contrasts.
National parks Portugal
Beautiful walking and cycling routes, cities like Coimbra 25 min. and Tomar 40 min., and the pilgrimage village Fatima 45 min. for a cultural experience. The Botanic garden in Coimbra 25 min.
The surroundings of the Mira de Aire caves are almost as enchanting as their interiors. Being located in the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, it is the ideal place to spot foxes, badgers, genets and wild rabbits.
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Bird watching
Considered one of the best birding destinations in Europe, Portugal has a relatively small territory but a country with an excellent concentration of different habitats.
This richness and variety attracts a wide variety of species, some 330 of which are regularly found here, some of which are endemic to the Iberian Peninsula.
In a short drive, you can go from the estuaries and other wetlands to the pseudo-stepp
Dino foot prints
The dinosaur tracksite in Pedreira do Galinha, discovered on July 1994 by João Carvalho, a member of STEA (a local speleology and archaeology association), is located on the eastern side of Serra d’Aire, approximately 10Km from Fátima and 16Km from Torres Novas. It lies within the boundaries of the village of Bairro (municipality of Ourém) in the heart of the Serras d’Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park.
This remarkable tracksite of the Middle Jurassic period (approximately 175 million years old) contains not just the oldest and longest sauropod tracks known anywhere, but also exceptionally well preserved traces of some of the largest land animals that have ever lived.
Beaches-Nazaré
If you want to swim in the middle of nature, and exchange the salty sea for the calm, fresh waters of the Portuguese rivers.
Then the river beaches are the ideal solution for those who are looking for places to cool off and that, at the same time, offer peace and tranquillity in a setting surrounded by forest green.
Along the course of the rivers, between valleys and mountains, there are small paradises, hideaways with natural dams and small waterfalls, where you can enjoy the natural shade of the trees and spread out your towel in the grassy areas, relax and sunbathe. Or if you want to go to the see, this is a really nice spot to visit, “Nazaré"