If you have only a couple of hours to get to know the central and southern part of Mação, this is the route we recommend.
Leave Mação in the direction of the famous village of Pereiro, Capital of the decorated streets, and from there continue to the town of Castelo. Once in this village follow the signs that indicate the way to the Picnic Park of Brejo (6058) and once there enjoy as much as you can all the corners of this fabulous space. Then go to the Baloiço Panorâmico da Serra do Bando (6063) and let yourself be dazzled by the magnificent views from its Viewpoint (6061). You are now very close to the Chão do Brejo Waterfalls (6056); if you have time don't stop going there.
Leave now to Chão de Codes and drive to Cerro do Outeiro (6139), the most picturesque village in the municipality of Mação. It is enchanting the way the little houses balance themselves up the slope, inviting us to go up or down it, to dive into its alleys. And the old fontanary, has it passed through?
It's time to continue your journey, now to the outskirts of the village of Aboboreira, where you will discover a fantastic waterfall: the Penha do Avento (6136). From Aboboreira follow the journey to Queixoperra (by the road of the Serra) and stop as soon as you see the house of this village at your feet. Walk up the slope and a few meters ahead let yourself be amazed by the view from the Miradouro da Serra do Corvo (6128). Return to the car and follow now to the centre of the village where you will easily find signs indicating the way to Poço das Talhas (6169). Go and have a picnic by the Ribeira do Rio Frio or in the shade of the trees that border the old watermills.
The destination is now Penhascoso. At the crossroads of the Santo António Chapel, right next to the Clock Tower, turn left and follow one hundred metres. Now cut right to the Estradão da Carregueira and follow slowly. You will find in this road, a few hundred meters after the crossing, one of the most beautiful fountains in the whole municipality, Fonte Velha de Penhascoso (6103). Return to Mação.
TECHNICAL NOTE:
Download the TRACK for GPS from the Itinerary HERE. (DOWNLOAD, FILE, DOWNLOAD)
OR
Click on SIGNAL + (green), on the right side and download.
We recommend the route, in a vehicle with some height of the ground and preferably 4X4.
Although there are areas accessible to city vehicles (Parque Merendas do Brejo, Cerro do Outeiro, Penha do Avento and Fonte Velha), there are others of greater difficulty of access in dirt road (Miradouro Serra do Bando, Baloiço de Mação, Poço das Talhas and Miradouro Serra do Corvo).
Finally, the Chão do Brejo Waterfalls are only accessible in pedestrian mode.
In order for the journey to be and end happily, we recommend caution in the approach to the places and ask civism in the treatment of the areas of passage.
Do not spoil, subdue or destroy. Nature is grateful.