Serra do Caramulo
A moutain ridge in central Portugal

The “Serra do Caramulo” is a mountain ridge consisting of granite and slate. The area is traditionally known for it´s pure air, and used to have no less than 16 sanatoriums. The Quinta the Bispos provided the sanatorium of the Armed Forces (now also a hotel) with citrus fruit.

On clear days the Serra provides a wide view of the area. In the south you can see the Serra da Estrela across the wide valley between the two mountain ridges, and in the west the city of Aveiro and the sea

A well-known look-out point that can be reached by car is the “Cabeço de Neve” (“Snowy Peak”), but if you take the trouble to climb the “Caramulinho”, the highest point of the ridge at 1.075 meters, you have an even better view.

But the view is not the only attraction. High up the Caramulo the landscape is dominated by pasture and bushes, providing a wonderful pallet of colours in the springtime. The lack of trees at this altitude gives the large rock formations typical of the Caramulo a great prominence.

Here you can still see people herding their cows, in the wintertime protected from wind and rain by the traditional black woollen capes.
Further down, there are woods with oak trees, chestnut trees and pines, interspersed by brooks and waterfalls, while the orange groves and the granite houses and chapels of the the villages also add their touch to the landscape.
Many of the Roman roads with their typical large uneven stones have survived the ages. All this makes the the Caramulo an excellent walking, horse riding and All-Terrain-Bike area.

In May and June you can admire the wonderful abundance of the blossoming rhododendrons at the Botanic Reserve of Cambarinho

For those who like to practise outdoor activities such as climbing, sliding or paint ball, there is the Desafios do Caramulo, (“Challenges of the Caramulo”), an experienced company that organizes these and similar events for groups.

Finally, for the art lovers and lovers of antique cars, there is the Caramulo Museum.