The best MTB trails around Castro Daire

At Portas de Montemuro, the landscape stretches out without limits. Here, tables and benches invite you to take a break and enjoy the view, while the national road 321, popular with cyclists, marks the 1,215 metres of altitude. The highest peak of the Montemuro mountain range, at 1,381 metres, is nearby, to the east. Nearby, the ruins of the Wall of Portas de Montemuro preserve echoes of a distant past. Mentioned in the Inquiries of 1258, they reveal traces of an ancient fortified settlement from the Iron Age, possibly linked to the Castro culture. Later, the site was reused by the Romans and, at the time of the Reconquista, by D. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal.

The Ermida do Paiva, also known as the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição or the "Templo das Siglas", is a remarkable Romanesque monument from the 12th century. Originally, this church was part of a Premonstratensian monastery, the only one of this order in Portugal, founded by two French monks, D. Roberto and D. Afonso. The ruins of the cloister attached to the church are still visible today. The church is famous for its many sculptures and enigmatic symbols engraved in the stones, both inside and outside. It is believed that these "siglas" were the signatures of the master builders who worked on the construction. Its architectural lines, although simple, are robust and integrate beautifully into the surrounding green landscape. Today, the Ermida do Paiva is classified as a National Monument and represents a fascinating testimony to medieval Portuguese architecture and spirituality.

Here the adventure takes shape and to cross the Paiva River at this point you have to carry your bike on your shoulder, or push it with the wheels in the river, and jump from one rock cube to another to reach the other bank. You can also take advantage of the nearby beach for a refreshing break.

Pedaling here, the road offers you a beautiful view of the terraced hills. The Paiva River cuts through the green valley and on the crests of the hills you can see the clusters of houses.

The Pelourinho de Mões is an old pillory (stone column that was once used as an instrument of public punishment) believed to date back to the 17th century. Its current appearance is the result of a restoration carried out in 1957.

The Santuário de Nossa Senhora da Ouvida is a place known for its elevated and panoramic position, offering spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. It is a place of Marian devotion, characterized by an atmosphere of peace and spirituality, you can stop for a well-deserved break.

Moura Morta is a small village located on the slopes of the Serra do Montemuro. It is a rural area with really nice traditional houses.

Castro Daire is a Portuguese municipality located in the district of Viseu, in the Centro region. It is characterized by a predominantly mountainous landscape, dominated by the Serra do Montemuro, which gives it a rich and uncontaminated natural environment. The municipality is known for its rural traditions, archaeological heritage (with several "castros", ancient fortified settlements) and a typical cuisine that I recommend you try!