ALJUBARROTA
Leaving Alcobaca towards Aljubarrota on the NS visit the The Wine Museum (Museu doVinho) on your right showing the history of wine production. A few miles on up the hill is Aljubarrota a pretty village with recently restored 1 8th century architecture and churches.The local legendary heroine a bakeress called, Brites de Almeida, attacked escaping Castillians with her wooden bread shovel after the historically important 14th Century battle fought nearby At the actual site some miles further on an interesting Military Museum dedicated to the battle can be found at Sao Jorge on the Nl near Batalha
PORTO
DE MOS
From Aljubarrota follow the signs to Porto de Mós (mós means mill stone) named after the many water mills in the area and visit the unusual Castle remodelled in the 15th century by the Count of Ourem on an ancient fortified site. This fantasy castle, overlooking the town with its twin pointed turrets and glistening green tiles can be seen from far off. Walk through the old town and visit the churches and museum.
CAVES
Leave Porto de M6s on the 243 onto the Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros with its spectacular views and visit the fascinating Caves (Grutas) of Mira de Aire, Alvados and Santo Antonio. The latter is claimed to be one of the largest in Europe where one may experience a fairytale subterranean world. The caves were first discovered by two workmen who followed a bird through a crack in the rocks. Close to the Santo Antonio grotto is a Donkey Reserve which offers donkey rides and day treks. More information about hill walking and the Serras de Aire and Candeeiros Park can be found at the PNSAC Exhibition Centre in Mira d'Aire and at the ECOTECA-Serras de Aire e Candeeiros in the Jardin Municipal (Municipal Gardens) in Porto de Mos.
DINOSAUR FOOTPRINTS
Return to the scenic 243 road travelling south east towards Mira de Aire, take the 360 left and at Boleiros turn right on the 357 towards Bairro. Here at the most northerly point of the Serra de Aire mountains is the town of Bair-ro where a vast area has been excavated in an old quarry to uncover acient Dinosaur footprints petrified in pre-historic marshland at the Pegadas de Dinossaurios visitor centre and picnic area. The footprints are more clearly visible when the sun is at a low angle. (Summer opening hours 10am- 12.30am and 2pm-8pm)
This route introduces some of the lesser known beaches of the region. Bach has its own style and character, offering variety for the adventurous.
North of the beautiful bay beach of Sao Martinho do Porto lies GRALHA designated a Golden beach. Encompassed by steep sided cliffs it is not easily accessible but has pleasant walks once down below.