Buracas do Casmilo Private Hiking Tour from Coimbra
Active
4h - 5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
We invite you to live an experience in the imposing Massif of Sicó that shapes this wild scenery, as well as the way of life of the people. Here, side by side, stone and man steadfastly resist the wear and tear of time. You look around and the entire landscape appears dominated by the sharp edges of the stone.
On the way to Buracas valley, we will hike in fields of lapiás, authentic “stone cemeteries”, dolinas (sinkholes) and hold your breath for the most impressive scenery of all: the Casmilo caves, popularly known as “the mouths of the mountains”. Then we will enter the canyon and hike to the Our Lady of Circulo Santuary, in the top of the mountain, and visit the Outeiro windmill! In this hike we will also pass in three mountain villages.
IMPORTANT: Feel safe, we have the "Clean & Safe" seal from Turismo de Portugal!
Available options
Buracas Casmilo Morning Hike
Optional: Hotel, Hostel or Guest House paid locally.<br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>Optional: Pic-nic or restaurant paid locally<br/>4WD Vehicle<br/>Morning tour: Come with us and live an unforgettable nature experience...!<br/>Pickup included
Buracas Casmilo Afternoon Hike
Optional: Hotel, Hostel or Guest House paid locally.<br/>Duration: 4 hours<br/>Optional: Pic-nic or restaurant paid locally<br/>4WD Vehicle<br/>Afternoon tour: Come with us and live an unforgettable nature experience...!<br/>Pickup included
What's included
One souvenir photo
Driver/guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected)
Professional photographer guide
Meals as per itinerary (L=lunch, D=dinner) are optional and paid separately on site.
All activities
Transport by private vehicle
Detailed itinerary
1
The Buracas do Casmilo (Casmilo caves) is an incredible and surprising monument sculpted by nature over thousands of years.
They are the result of the collapse of the core part of a conduit – a speleological phenomenon called incassion – which exposed the extreme lateral parts, remnants of the cave that was previously hidden inside the mount.
2
Dolina do Casmilo (Casmilo sinkhole) results from the dissolution of limestone. These sinkholes are depressions where water is deposited; they serve, therefore, to support agriculture and pastoralism, representing true “oases in the desert”.
3
The Outeiro mill is an old revolving mill. This fragile and crude artefact, whose structure allowed it to rotate in the most favorable direction, proves the ancestral art of using the wind to grind cereals.
4
The sanctuary owes its name, Nossa Senhora do Círculo, to the circular stone wall that surrounds the sanctuary.
From the top, you can see the mountains of Buçaco and Caramulo and the Serra da Estrela itself, on sunny days, shows its highest villages. The look still leads us to distinguish the entire coast, from Ovar to Peniche, to Figueira da Foz and the fields of Mondego.
What's not included
Food and drinks, unless specified
Souvenir photos without logos (available to purchase)
Available languages
Guide guide
PT
EN
ES
Reviews breakdown
Viator
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2 reviews
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Important information
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
A maximum of 10 people per booking
May be operated by a multi-lingual guide
Meeting point
Green 4x4 vehicle with logo.
About Coimbra
Coimbra, known as the City of Students, is a historic city in central Portugal with a rich academic tradition. It's home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra, and is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant student life, and cultural heritage.
Top Attractions
University of Coimbra
One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture and a rich history.
Historical
2-3 hours
€12 (general admission)
Coimbra Cathedral (Sé Velha)
This Romanesque cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Portugal, featuring beautiful architecture and historical artifacts.
Religious
1-2 hours
€3 (general admission)
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha
A ruined monastery that was once the home of Queen Saint Isabel, offering a glimpse into the city's medieval past.
Historical
1-2 hours
€4 (general admission)
Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra
A beautiful and serene garden with a diverse collection of plants, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
Nature
1 hour
Free (with University of Coimbra ticket)
Portugal dos Pequenitos
A miniature park featuring scaled-down replicas of famous Portuguese monuments and buildings, ideal for families and children.
Cultural
1-2 hours
€7 (general admission)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Cozido à Portuguesa
A hearty stew made with various meats, vegetables, and beans, cooked slowly in a clay pot.
Dinner
Contains meat and beans
Bacalhau à Brás
A popular dish made with shredded salted cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.
Dinner
Contains fish and eggs
Leitão à Bairrada
Roast suckling pig, a specialty of the Bairrada region, served with a crispy skin and tender meat.
Dinner
Contains pork
Pastel de Tentúgal
A traditional pastry from the Tentúgal region, filled with sweet cream and topped with cinnamon.
Dessert
Contains dairy and sugar
Popular Activities
Hiking in Bussaco Forest
Kayaking on the Mondego River
Visiting thermal spas in Luso
Strolling along the Mondego River
Exploring the University of Coimbra
Visiting the Coimbra Cathedral (Sé Velha)
Swimming at nearby beaches
Visiting the Festa das Latas (Bottle Caps Festival)
Best Time to Visit
May to September
This is the best time to visit Coimbra for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with students and tourists.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Portuguese
- Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (Western European Time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Coimbra is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport • 110 km from Coimbra
By train
Coimbra-B Station, Coimbra A Station
By bus
Coimbra Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system is efficient and covers most parts of the city.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Alta
Baixa
Sé Nova
Day trips
Conímbriga
15 km from Coimbra • Half day
Conímbriga is a well-preserved Roman settlement with impressive mosaics, ruins, and a museum.
Luso and Bussaco Forest
20 km from Coimbra • Full day
Luso is a charming spa town known for its thermal waters, while Bussaco Forest offers beautiful hiking trails and a historic palace.
Aveiro
60 km from Coimbra • Full day
Aveiro is a charming coastal city known as the 'Venice of Portugal' for its canals and colorful moliceiro boats.
Festivals
Queima das Fitas (Ribbon Burning Festival) • Late May
Festa das Latas (Bottle Caps Festival) • December
Pro tips
- Visit the University of Coimbra early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
- Try local specialties, such as Cozido à Portuguesa, Bacalhau à Brás, and Pastel de Tentúgal, at iconic eateries like O Sucesso, Zé Manel dos Frangos, and Café Santa Cruz
- Explore the city's neighborhoods, such as Alta, Baixa, and Sé Nova, to discover hidden gems, local shops, and cultural sites
- Take a day trip to Conímbriga, Luso and Bussaco Forest, or Aveiro to experience the region's history, nature, and unique culture
- Attend a Fado performance at the University of Coimbra for a traditional Portuguese music experience
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
