A day outdoors with the family is the best plan imaginable, as it includes a great deal of fun for parents, children, grandparents – and even the dog! So, if you’re looking for a destination with easy paths, picture postcard views, leisure areas and activities that will leave everyone smiling from ear to ear, head to the Sicó Outdoor Centre: the perfect place to explore, learn and create epic memories that will stay in your heart and, perhaps, in a frame on the wall at home!
Sicó with
the family
Sicó as a Family, Adventure for Everyone
Planning your next family adventure? Use our Interactive Map to discover the Sicó Outdoor Centre’s network of trails and explore the points of interest that make the Terras de Sicó a top destination for both kids and adults.
Hiking Trails for Families
Does your idea of family adventure include hikes and fun? The Sicó Outdoor Centre’s hiking trails are the right choice! Well-signposted, circular routes with short to moderate distances and no major climbs have the potential to please everyone. After all, who doesn’t like strolling alongside a crystal-clear river, across a Roman bridge straight out of a period film or through landscapes taken from fairytale books?
On the Bonfim Trail, the family adventure begins by the river in Nabão Verde Park and continues past historic chapels and places where time seems to stand still, such as the 17th-century Ponte da Cal, linked to the legend of Queen Saint Isabel and the tradition of the holy baths.
The Ribeira do Tordo Trail takes you along quiet paths between springs, windmills and fields of flowering watercress. Here, the highlight is the Olho do Tordo, a magical spring that flows from a deep well. On the Ramalhal Trail, you will travel further back in time, discovering traditional villages and the Rego da Murta dolmens, megalithic tombs that are more than 4,000 years old!
Family Cycle Routes
Prefer cycling as a family? The Sicó Outdoor Centre also offers cycling programmes – a fun and safe way to explore nature, ideal even for those who no longer need training wheels but are still getting the hang of it! Just search for the Cyclin’ Portugal Centres’ Green Routes – with flatter trails and wide, well-marked paths – perfect for leisurely mountain biking with no challenging climbs!
Gentle paths along the River Nabão? P11 Green – Ansião is the ideal circuit for those taking their first steps in mountain biking but who also want to enjoy some quality family time. However, with its wide, flat trails among peaceful olive groves, P1 Green – Alvaiázere is also perfect for parents, children and grandparents, featuring paths designed for all ages and all levels of experience!
More accessible and obstacle-free routes? P2 Blue – Alvaiázere is an excellent choice for families that enjoy discovering historical landmarks while cycling on dirt tracks.
A family on wheels? Don’t forget!
- Welcome Centres in Ansião and Alvaiázere: as well as being ideal starting points for a family adventure on wheels, they provide all the necessary support services, including information panels, water supply areas, toilets, changing rooms and bicycle service stations.
- Bike-friendly accommodation: since rest is also part of the family adventure, it’s a good idea to find bike-friendly accommodation that offers secure bike storage, washing areas and even minor repair services.
Areas for Family Adventures
At the Sicó Outdoor Centre, there are spaces designed to unleash the kids’ energy and spark curiosity in the grown-ups! So, the simple act of cycling or taking a break to admire the landscape becomes a fun and memorable experience. Bring the family and come explore the safest trails, green spaces to roam, perfect spots for family picnics… and corners full of stories and the scents of the land!
For example, in Nabão Verde Park, in Ansião, you have 3km of riverside cycle paths, a skate park, a pump track, a children’s playground, shared bicycles and picnic tables – everything you need for a fun-filled family day out. However, if you prefer a picnic with a traditional flavour, head to the Merendas da Melriça Park, where a windmill watches over the fields and the scent of Santa-Maria herb perfumes the air.
The Mata do Carrascal Botanical Park in Alvaiázere is also a fantastic place to discover the region’s rich biodiversity and enjoy an environmentally responsible family day out. And of course, you can’t miss the famous Baloiço de Alvaiázere – a charming spot for a family photo, framed by stunning panoramic views.
Culture and Nature for Families
In Sicó, culture and nature go hand in hand, creating the perfect setting for an educational and enriching family experience. Here, you can explore historical monuments, discover ancient chapels and windmills, and admire breathtaking landscapes along trails surrounded by local biodiversity. Every step is an opportunity for families to learn more about the region’s cultural heritage and connect with nature in a safe and fun way.
For example, you can visit the tower, Manueline palace and unique mosaics of the Roman villa at the Monumental Complex of Santiago da Guarda. Or visit the Sicó Fossil Museum, which portrays prehistory and rural life in the 19th and 20th centuries, or explore traditional crafts at the Alvaiázere Municipal Museum.
You can also enjoy some family time at the Outeiro Windmills, with incredible views of the Sicó mountains, or at the Melriça Windmill, with stunning views of Santiago da Guarda – and round off your family mini-holiday with a walk through the Mata do Carrascal Botanical Park!
Explore Other Adventures As a Family
If you’ve already explored the most accessible trails and are looking for new ways to experience this rich region with your family, we’ve got good news: there’s still plenty more to discover! The Sicó Outdoor Centre trails cross historical paths, surprising landscapes and places full of symbolism — even those that, at first glance, may seem more challenging.
With a little planning, you can adapt and combine different segments of the route to create itineraries tailored to the needs and pace of every family member. This way, even the most demanding trails can become unique experiences, connecting nature with culture, curiosity with fun – and each hike with new memories.
Discover these themes and see how they can inspire your next family adventure!
Tips and Advice for Families
Planning
Choose activities suitable for the children’s age and physical abilities. Check the opening hours of museums and other points of interest, and schedule stops for rest and snacks.
What to take
Bring comfortable footwear for everyone, water, healthy snacks, sunscreen, hats, a small first aid kit, a camera and a few games to keep you entertained during breaks.
Safety
Always supervise children, adjust the pace to the slowest member of the group, teach basic safety rules for trails and activity areas and keep emergency contacts handy.
Support Services
Identify public toilets, picnic spots or cafés/restaurants (ideally with children’s menus) to make your outing more comfortable.
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