Parque Natural das Serras de Aire e Candeeiros

If one did not know the Aire and Candeeiros Hills, one could believe that their elevations at 577 and 613 metres, respectively, meant nothing extraordinary in terms of landscape. Nonetheless, this massif that spreads between Ourém, to the north, and Rio Maior, to the south, is a true kingdom of stone (calcareous) that totally stands out from the green farmlands that crouch around them. The Natural Park of the Aire and Candeeiros Hills comprises the parishes of Alcanena, Porto de Mós, Rio Maior, Santarém, Torres Novas and Vila Nova de Ourém. It includes, besides these two hills, the Mendiga Hill, the Santo António high plain and a part of the São Mamede plain. Because there are no water courses on the surface (the Arrimal lagoon is a true oasis in the landscape) the atmosphere is particularly dry and exotic in its shapes. Because there are many subterranean streams, there are many interesting caves. A special note to the Natural Monument of the Dinosaur's Footsteps as well.