This hike will allow us to get to know an impressive area of the Serra de Aires e Candeeiros Natural Park, more specifically, the splendid Fórnea amphitheatre, of unparalleled beauty. From here we'll head towards the Santo António plateau, allowing us to take in wide-ranging views that will surprise us at every step. Another event not to be missed!

The origin of the cornea

Fórnea is a natural amphitheatre about 1km in diameter, carved out of the marl limestones, marls and limestones of the lower and middle Jurassic, and is therefore rich in fossils. Located in Polje de Alvados, Fórnea is an extensive depression with a flattened bottom surrounded by steep slopes and temporary streams that are tributaries of the Lena River, the Cabrão River and the Fórnea Stream, which come together to form the Alcaide River.

These temporary springs, which are considered responsible for the formation of Fórnea, through the process of regressive erosion, caused the headwaters of the water lines to recede. It was this process that allowed the slopes of Fórnea to contain the steep relief that characterises it today. About halfway up the slope, you can visit one of the highest springs, where the water comes from the Cova da Velha cave.

The Cova da Velha cave, which can be visited in its initial part, has a gallery some 500 metres long, stretching along the fault where there are lakes and siphons.

- Waterfall - Cova da Velha - Alvados coast - Fórnea amphitheatre - Fórnea stream - Amonites trail - Penas do Castelo - Natural viewpoints - Gravel pits - Serra de Aires e Candeeiros Natural Park - Santo António plateau - Natural landscapes -