nature – Hotel da Montanha – "Back to Nature"

Discover more about Point 17 of the N2

admin — Fri, 27 Nov 2020 13:55:00 +0000

Point 17 on the N2 is none other than Pedrogão Grande, a municipality in the district of Leiria, located in the Beira Interior region.

In Pedrogão Grande you will find two fantastic dams: the Cabril dam, which you can admire from our hotel, and the Bouçã dam, located in the parish of Graça. These two elements have significantly altered the region, contributing to a milder climate. In addition to the dam, the Roman bridge is also a major tourist attraction, as are the river beaches.

Along the Zêzere River dams, there are several spots where you can find river beaches. However, the river beach at Mosteiro is also a must-see. In this location, the river has been transformed into a kind of pool with a stone bottom. At any of these locations, you can find food and drinks at the bars in the area.

If you are a fan of religious attractions, at Point 17 on the N2 you will find the Chapel of Mercy, built in the 15th century, which currently houses a museum of sacred art with rare altarpieces in Portugal.

The National Road 2 has a lot to offer, whether you take the entire trip at once or visit its points one by one. Whatever your choice, the Hotel da Montanha will always have its doors open to allow you a moment of rest and relaxation.

Discover more about Point 18 of the N2

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2020 13:54:00 +0000

The village of Sertã is located in a schist valley, with a forested area predominantly composed of maritime pine and, more recently, eucalyptus. The entire western part of the municipality is bordered by the Zêzere River.

According to legend, it is believed that the castle of Sertã was built in 74 BC by Quintus Sertorius, a Roman soldier who had been exiled for political reasons. He remained in the town around 80 BC, allying himself with the Lusitanians. Sertorius was allegedly betrayed and murdered during a banquet by Perpena, a lieutenant acting on Roman orders.

Gastronomically, Sertã is very rich. The maranhos and stuffed bucho stand out. These are traditional sausages from the area worth discovering.

If you’re traveling along the N2 highway or simply looking for a place to enjoy a relaxing weekend, Sertã is a must-see. We recommend reading the post “3 Wonders in the Municipality of Sertã” to discover the best places to visit.

The best ways to discover our history.

admin — Fri, 02 Oct 2020 13:43:00 +0000

The Philippine Bridge dates back to the period between 1607 and 1610, having been built during the Philippine dynasty. Due to its age, it features a construction with large granite blocks and has three arches. This bridge was the only way to connect to Pedrogão Grande until 1954, when the Cabril Dam was built.

To get there, make sure you have the right clothes and shoes, and don’t forget to bring water so you can make the most of this nature walk.

By hiking the Pedrogão Pequeno Shale Trail, you will have the opportunity to observe all the biodiversity that exists in the region.

This path was previously used by our ancestors who lived there; nowadays it is a well-marked route that allows you to independently explore the region and its fantastic landscapes.

To begin this journey, you will have to travel to the Pedrogão Pequeno market and from there follow a Roman road, called Via Romana, towards the Zêzere River. At the end of the descent of this road, simply take a small detour and you will find the Philippine Bridge.

Along this route, you will find interpretive panels showcasing much of the environmental and heritage richness of the region.

After the Philippine Bridge, you can continue along the Pedrogão Pequeno Shale Trail, passing through the Moinho das Freiras Tunnel, the Moinho das Freiras (to learn more about this place you can read our article on the “3 wonders of the Sertã municipality” ), the Miradouro viewpoint, Painho, and the Fonte das Aveleiras fountain. This route is circular, so it starts and ends at the same point, at the Pedrogão Pequeno Market.

Are you ready for your next adventure?

National Road 2 – The third longest road in the world.

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2020 13:25:00 +0000

The legendary National Road 2 crosses Portugal from North to South and is a unique opportunity to get to know our country. With breathtaking landscapes, full of history, heritage and culture, you can get lost and learn a little more about our country. It also boasts the art of hospitality and fantastic gastronomy that takes you on a journey through an explosion of flavors.

Starting in Chaves (Km 0) and ending in Faro (Km 738.5), this route allows you to explore the interior of the country, passing through numerous towns and villages, more precisely, 11 districts (Vila Real, Viseu, Coimbra, Leiria, Castelo Branco, Santarém, Portalegre, Évora, Setúbal, Beja and Faro) and 8 provinces (Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Beira Alta, Beira Litoral, Beira Baixa, Ribatejo, Alto Alentejo, Baixo Alentejo and Algarve).

This road is ideal for a longer adventure, allowing you to discover every nook and cranny, enjoying the tranquility of the countryside and escaping the mass tourism so common in other parts of the country. It’s an opportunity to explore the country while staying safe during these complicated times.

It’s a versatile route that you can choose to do by car, motorcycle, or even bicycle. The choice is yours, but you’re guaranteed to create memories and experience moments that will last a lifetime.

If you’re a traveler who enjoys adventure and surprises along the way, you can go without GPS and follow the wind, guided by landmarks along the path. Essentially, you become a navigator who, with only your means of transport and knowledge of the stars, will reach safe harbor.

To share this experience with your friends, you’ll have no shortage of breathtaking landscape photos, and for those who still doubt it, you can get the National Route 2 passport, which contains a small map with the points of passage where you can collect stamps. You can do this at some tourist information points and at the main monuments.

However, to fully enjoy this adventure, you’ll have to decide where you’ll sleep. There are options ranging from campsites to hotels along the entire route.

Embark on this adventure!

And because the heat is intense, shall we go for a swim in the countryside?

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2020 13:56:00 +0000

Yes, there are also excellent beaches in the wonderful interior of our country. Come explore the beaches of our interior and bring the children, we promise everyone will love it!

Cabril Reservoir

Cabril Dam, Pedrógão Grande

On the border between the municipalities of Sertã and Pedrógão Grande, on a line separating the districts of Leiria and Castelo Branco, this dam is the perfect destination to enjoy the best that the Zêzere River has to offer. The reservoir, the result of one of the largest dams in the country, also houses the Pedrógão Grande Nautical Club, which offers boat, canoe, and kayak trips. The site also has a boat ramp with capacity for about 20 boats. Fishing, especially for bass, is another activity possible in this location, which is also known for hosting triathlon events.

St. Simon’s Rocks

Casal de São Simão, Figueiró dos Vinhos

The beach is a 15-minute walk (via the pedestrian path) from the village of Casal de São Simão. The water of the Alge stream, which flows towards the Zêzere River, is so clear that you can see the small stones within it. The abundance of laurel and cork trees gives the air a comforting fragrance, and the green of the surrounding mountains, which lead to the Serra da Lousã, envelops us in a beautiful setting. There is a viewpoint on site so that you can fully appreciate the landscapes of the region. The river beach is located between two imposing crags, where climbing is practiced with several equipped routes, as well as rappelling or zip-lining. The smaller rocks are used as a sunbathing area or diving board.

Monastery

Monastery, Pedrógão Grande

A beach that is also a Schist Village, bathed by the Pera River. It has large green spaces, an extensive body of water, and a small waterfall with a stream running perpendicular to the river. The pine forests are tall and dense, providing cool and pleasant shade. This river beach offers its visitors a range of cultural and sporting activities.

Ribeira Grande

Sertã

A river beach nestled within a vast urban area with various leisure and sports facilities for the whole family. Located in the center of the village, this beach offers beautiful urban and cultural walks. It features a bar with a terrace, bicycle parking, a leisure area, parking, and a picnic area with a barbecue.

Rocks

Pear Chestnut Tree

A leisure, entertainment and fun complex located on a lake almost a kilometer long, right in the heart of Castanheira de Pera. An island in the center of the beach, a wave pool (the largest in the country), a reservoir and a centuries-old bridge create a special environment where it is possible to enjoy waves… 80 kilometers from the Atlantic coast.

In the clear waters of the Pera river, you can also take a ride in a rowboat or on pedal boats.

Troviscal

Sertã

The seclusion, tranquility, and contact with nature are the charms of this beach, located at the Troviscal bridge, right on the Sertã river, far from any town.

The beach resort features a bar, restrooms with easy access for people with reduced mobility, and boats for rent. In addition to the bar, the beach has a picnic area with various tables, benches, and a barbecue grill. The space was designed with children in mind, through the implementation of a shallow river area and a small playground.