Approved Path - Camping and Mountaineering Federation of Portugal
Extreme heat in summer is recommended
Walking Path
The Cabeço da Cruz Route traces a circular path around the town of Mação, offering visitors the perfect way to discover both the heart of the municipality and the serene landscape that embraces it.
It is a route that blends natural heritage, spirituality, and unforgettable panoramic views.
To the north rises the majestic Cabeço da Cruz, the highest point of the trail, reaching approximately 400 meters in altitude. From here, hikers are invited to enjoy one of the most beautiful vistas over Mação, a natural viewpoint where the town unveils itself in all its splendour.
At the top stands the symbolic Cruz de Mação, one of the town’s most iconic landmarks. This is a place of serenity and contemplation — a true refuge of peace, metaphorically watched over by the wings of Saint Michael, reinforcing the spiritual atmosphere of this meaningful location.
As the trail re-enters the town, it turns southward and leads visitors along the Path of the Sacred, a cultural and religious itinerary that passes through sites deeply rooted in local devotion: Saint Anthony, Saint Benedict, the Parish Church, the Misericórdia Church, Saint Sebastian, the Encruzilhadas crosses, and the Calvary. Each of these places tells a chapter of Mação’s spiritual history and is well worth a visit.
The journey concludes at the remarkable Museum of Prehistoric and Sacred Art of the Tagus Valley, a nationally renowned space offering a fascinating journey into the region’s earliest human presence and its ancestral spirituality.