Do you have a map in hand (or on your mobile phone) and a strong desire to explore? Then you have everything you need to see the Sicó Outdoor Centre region from a fresh perspective. Take advantage of orienteering to explore oak forests, rural trails, historic villages and karst landscapes that will awaken the adventurer in you!
More than just a sport, orienteering is a way to discover the Sicó Outdoor Centre region through the eyes of an explorer. Between mountains and valleys, alone or with the family, with a competitive spirit or in sightseeing mode, you’ll have the chance to experience something unique – always with a great ally: the orienteering map. The map can be used digitally via the NaviTabi app or on paper, available at the tourist offices in Alvaiázere and Ansião, or printed from the PDF found on this page.
With a specially designed map for both pedestrian and mountain bike orienteering, Sicó is the perfect setting to challenge your ability to find the right path amid nature. Solo or in a group, on timed routes or points challenges, dare to find the best way to reach each checkpoint, hone your map and terrain-reading skills and, above all, let yourself be surprised by authentic landscapes and unique moments deeply connected with the mountains.
Orienteering is the skill of finding the right path with a simple map in your hand or on your mobile phone. But it’s also a challenging and exciting way to identify, among the natural features of the landscape, reference points that help you follow trails strategically and sequentially. And that’s because there isn’t just one path; there are several options depending on your sense of direction and decision-making ability!
Will you accept the challenge? So, whether on foot or by bike, come and try this activity that combines physical exercise with a true game of logic and observation. And yes, you’ll need to read a map, interpret the terrain and plan your route while exploring nature — but you don’t have to be an expert! Orienteering at the Sicó Outdoor Centre is perfect for all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. So, do you already know which path you’re going to take?
Are you ready to cycle through oak forests and discover paths you didn’t even know existed? The Ariques area, in the heart of the Sicó Outdoor Centre, is the ideal setting for an orienteering race! Besides its rich and authentic natural landscape, Ariques boasts varied and rugged terrain, with climbs that challenge your legs and trails that challenge your mind!
The orienteering map created for this area features 150 control points spread across rural paths, technical zones and trails through oak woodlands. The scoring? It works like a game — the aim is to reach at least 100 points by choosing which landmarks to visit and devising your own strategy. Either way, the ideal is to start your adventure at Casal Soeiro, the recommended starting point, and then simply go with the flow, leaving and returning as you please, since this experience in Ansião and Alvaiázere is permanent and can be enjoyed year round.
Are you someone who enjoys combining new technologies with adventures in natural environments? Then you’ll love the NaviTabi app – a mobile app designed to make orienteering even more accessible, fun and interactive.
With NaviTabi, you can access a digital map of the Ariques area directly on your mobile phone, record your route in real time, mark checkpoints and compare results with other participants! All you have to do is download the app, choose your route and start exploring!
Before you start, you have the option to export the map as a PDF for offline use — a handy solution if you’re in an area with poor network coverage or want to save battery life. While navigating, you can re-centre your position, adjust the zoom and access the menu with several useful options. At the end of the route, check your results and discover your ranking in the app’s leaderboard.
If Orienteering has awakened your sense of adventure and left you eager to explore more, there’s good news: at the Sicó Outdoor Centre, the possibilities go far beyond maps and compasses.
From the same trails, you can dive into different experiences — such as challenging your body and mind with trail running, cycling through the mountains and valleys or lacing up your boots for a more contemplative hike. And if the ground is no longer enough, why not take to the skies with a paragliding introductory flight and see the region from a new perspective?
Each activity opens a new door to the Sicó Outdoor Centre. Choose your next one and keep the adventure going.
To navigate confidently, always carry a map – either on paper or via the NaviTabi app – along with enough water, comfortable clothing appropriate for the weather and a fully charged mobile phone. If you’re mountain biking, bring a helmet, gloves and a small repair kit. And if you’re orienteering without an app, a compass can also come in handy!
Before you start, inform someone about your plans and your expected return time. Check the weather forecast and carefully assess the area where you’ll be navigating — steep climbs, dense vegetation or slippery terrain require extra caution. Exploration is key, but ensuring your safety is also part of the adventure.
For effective navigation with the NaviTabi app, keep GPS and mobile data enabled and avoid power-saving mode. Use the map to confirm your position with visual landmarks, and keep the app visible as you approach checkpoints. If you lose your bearings, stop, look around and adjust your route based on the map.
Orienteering is ideal for families, friends or school groups. Besides being fun, it can turn into a game: set challenges and scores and explore collaboratively. Assign roles — such as map reader, timekeeper or point spotter — to make the activity more fun. Always agree on a meeting point or signal to regroup, to prevent anyone from wandering off or getting lost.
With the NaviTabi app, your orienteering adventure at the Sicó Outdoor Centre becomes even more exciting. Choose your route, navigate with the digital map, record your times and see how you rank! All this with no hassle – all you need is your mobile phone and your spirit of adventure.
Access the “Ansião – Serra do Mouro” route and put yourself to the test!
