This proposed walk takes in the new walkways of the Fragas de São Simão, visits the schist village of Casal and runs along the idyllic banks of the Ribeira de Alge and Fato, where the old watermills still shine, and through the quiet villages of Além da Ribeira, Ponte do Brás Curado and Saondam as well as the river beach of the Fragas de São Simão. After the walk, we suggest a stop at the river beach in the village of Ana de Aviz and a visit to Figueiró dos Vinhos. Another event not to be missed!

Fragas do Casal de São Simão walkways

The Fragas de São Simão walkway is approximately 2 kilometres long and connects the Schist Village of Casal de São Simão to the lofty Fragas de São Simão viewpoint, passing by the stunning Fragas de São Simão River Beach.

Part of the "Peniche Peninsula" geosite, which is a limestone platform that has been eroded by wind, rain and the sea, you can see the beautiful shapes that erosion has created, forming a lapiás.

Casal de São Simão River Beach

The beach is a 15-minute walk (along the footpath) from the village of Casal de São Simão. The water of the Ribeira de Alge, which passes by on its way to the Zêzere, is so clear that you can see the small stones inside.

The abundance of laurel trees and cork oaks gives the air a comforting fragrance and the green of the surrounding hills, which lead to the Lousã mountain range, envelop us in beautiful scenery. The river beach is located between two imposing crags, where climbing is practised with various equipped routes, abseiling and slides. The "smaller" rocks are used as a solarium or diving board. Walking south, next to the beach, you'll find several levadas and cloaks of the region's original flora.

Schist Village of Casal de São Simão

A small village with practically a single street, essentially built from quartzite. It is located on one of the flanks of the quartzite ridge that gives rise to the Fragas de São Simão and has the oldest church in the municipality of Figueiró dos Vinhos.

The village stretches along a ridge almost parallel to the course of the Ribeira de Alge. The entrance is at the highest point and the village ends where the slopes have made it difficult to continue the streets.

- Fragas de São Simão Walkways and Viewpoints - Ribeira de Alge - Casal de São Simão Schist Village - River Beach - Ana de Aviz River Beach - Figueiró dos Vinhos - Mother Church - Malhoa's Cocoon - Municipal Garden - Museum and House of Arts - Jail Tower - Natural Landscapes -