Top 4 Caves around São Marcos

The Lake of the Waterfall (sometimes called the Lake with the Waterfall or the Lake of the Stone Steps) is one of the most photogenic and magical spots in Quinta da Regaleira. It forms part of the network of grottoes, tunnels, and symbolic gardens designed by Luigi Manini for Antonio Monteiro. This lake is usually reached through the underground tunnels that connect the Initiation Well with other parts of the estate; one of these tunnels leads directly to a hidden waterfall that flows into this lake.

The waterfall pool resembles a small natural basin, into which the water flows in gentle cascades – perfect for a short break while enjoying the interplay of water and rock. The water flow varies depending on the season, which also changes the atmosphere of the spot. Please stay on the paths and respect the sensitive shoreline so that this idyllic place remains intact.

The initiation well at Quinta da Regaleira leads you down a spiral staircase deep into the earth, feeling like the entrance to another world. Among damp walls, symbolic details, and glimpses of light rising above, you sense a special, almost mystical atmosphere. At the bottom, tunnels and paths await, further igniting your sense of discovery.

Lago da Cascada is a mystical green lake. It can be admired and explored from every angle. Whether from the bridge, from above, or from the grotto... every view reveals a new side of the lake and its waterfall.

Access trail to the famous caves of Olelas, it is a first "path" almost impossible to do with a bike due to the density of the flora, mainly thornbushes and brambles and a few other species. Therefore, it is strongly recommended to wear a long-sleeved shirt and any kind of leg protection (pants or knee-high socks and shin guards). I didn't get much information about the caves, just that some archaeological finds were found there, namely pieces of flint, a stone that in prehistoric times was often used to make rudimentary tools, such as knives and spearheads. Flint is also used, was and continues to be used for starting fires. Some bones of humans as well as animals were also found.

Necropolis caves of Vale da Calada: "The small village of Olelas, twenty or so kilometers from Lisbon, to the Northwest, and about 800m east of the Sabugo station, on the West railway line, to which it is connected by a path, is located at an altitude of 200m on a terrace on the slope of the Serra de Olelas, a series of small, extremely rocky hills, the northernmost of which can be seen the geodesic pyramid of the same name. Northeast of Olelas, between Cabeço do Norte and do Sul, Picôto, is excavated, as we said, a narrow valley called Vale da Calada, with steep slopes where the rock is bare in the upper parts and covered with kermes in the upper parts. lower altitudes. It is even this aspect that distinguishes the two hillocks from neighboring lands, which on the contrary are well used in different cultures and with some trees, making them stand out remarkably in the landscape for those visiting Sabugo station. These two rocky massifs, neatly cut out by the erosion that sculpted countless anfractuosities in them, have on their flanks that form the valley the three aforementioned caves of unequal importance. On the southern slope of the valley, Cova da Raposa, the largest of the three caves, has its double opening facing North and giving on a small terrace cut in half by a curious natural arch, carved in the rock, resembling a butante arch of a Gothic cathedral , quite wide at the top and tapering towards the base that deviates from the plumb to the west side." The two caves are separated, from the mouth to about 4m inland, by rock perforated on both sides and at various points by small openings, which cross it. Cova do Biguino, is a more regular cave, located on the north slope with the mouth facing southwest and opening onto a small terrace at a height greater than 10m above the Cova da Raposa border." - Removed from the website of the Union of Parishes of Almargem do Bispo, Pêro Pinheiro and Montelavar.