Condeixa-a-Nova - Rabaçal

This stage makes the transition from urban landscape to the rural world. It is therefore an invitation to a more peaceful personal journey, a sentiment transmitted by the surrounding natural motifs.

Before embarking on this journey, take in the palatial town of Condeixa-a-Nova, which will delight you with various attractions, from the House Museum of the writer Fernando Namora (20th century) to the escarpiada, a typical local gastronomical sweet made of bread dough, brown sugar, cinnamon and olive oil. The influence of romanisation is clearly evident here, making a visit to the PO.RO.S - Roman Portugal Museum in Sicó and to the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga, which the actual route passes through, a must.

From that point onwards, the route, which coincides with the Way of St. James, continues along the Rio dos Mouros Valley, a fluviokarst canyon four kilometres in length, which in geological terms represents an evolved karst form, making the transition between the Mondego Basin and the Massif of Sicó. It is this valley, with extraordinary botanical value and an impressive waterfall, that frames the route all the way to Vale Rabaçal like a landscape. Enjoy the path along the right bank of this river with a porous bed.