Leave Mação in the direction of the village of Caratão but before, even upon arrival at Casas da Ribeira, walk along the Ponte Velha (6084) and let yourself go in time.
Do not cut to Caratão now. We have a surprise for you. Go ahead and go to the charming Chapel of São Gens (6064), on the outskirts of the village of Santos, one of the most sought after by visitors. The view from above is superb.
Come back. Was it worth it or not?
Before Caratão, besides Castelo Velho (6090), we suggest you not to miss the Cobragança Archaeological Station (6094), two very worthy points in the history of the territorial occupation of this area thousands of years ago. Not so old, but equally worthy of a visit, the Estreito Bridge, Aziral (6091) will surprise even the most demanding visitors.
It's now time to continue towards the village of Carvoeiro, right in the heart of this municipality, and discover its many natural treasures. We talk about the geositium known as GEOSSÍTIO Estruturas erosivas Fragas de Degolados (3049) and the im-ba-tí-vel view from Alto do Poio. But first, we suggest you not to miss the Misericórdia de Carvoeiro Church (3035) and, of course, the Fluvial Beach (3000) which placed this village definitely on the map of Portugal.
If you still have a few minutes left, try to find your way to Laje, an abandoned village (3028), with so much history to tell.
Now, finish this walk in one of the most intact viewpoints of Mação: Alto do Poio (3017), near the village of Rouqueira, less than 5 kilometres from Carvoeiro.
Enjoy the sunset, if it's time, and return to Mação.
TECHNICAL NOTE:
Download the TRACK for GPS from the Itinerary HERE (DOWNLOAD, ARCHIVE, DOWNLOAD)
OR
Click on SIGNAL + (green), on the right side and download.
The only places accessible by light vehicle (city) are Aldeia da Laje, Praia Fluvial do Carvoeiro, Misericórdia do Carvoeiro Church and Ponte Velha das Casas da Ribeira.
The rest we recommend to travel by 4X4 or car with some height of the ground.
In the cases of Castelo Velho do Caratão and Ponte do estreito-Aziral, the access is pedestrian.
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.