The Small Route of Balsamão begins and ends at the information panel located at the Convent of Balsamão, owned by the Congregation of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception. This route begins with a descent to the Azibo River, next to the Poço dos Paus Geosite, which consists of rocks that formed at the bottom of an ocean that has since disappeared. The dikes (bands of dark-colored rock) are channels through which lava rose to the bottom of that ocean. On the way back to the convent, the Short Route passes by the Termas da Abelheira Geosite (a thermal spa that is no longer in operation) and climbs again, following the “Passos do Senhor” (Steps of the Lord), represented by a set of eight chapels. This route is entirely part of the Morais Site of Community Importance (Natura 2000 Network), which stands out for being one of the largest continuous units of serpentinite (metamorphic rock) in Portugal, as well as for being home to the largest population of Iberian wolves in the country, making it of great geological, botanical, and faunal interest.

START POINT

Convento de Balsamão (41º28'28.2"N I 6º51'22.75"W)
41º 28' 28.20" N
6º 51' 22.75" W

TYPE

SHORT ROUTE

EXTENSION

5.2 KM

DURATION

2H

DIFFICULTY

EASY