Hike in Buracas do Casmilo

Our first adventure in Portugal took us a bit further from home, requiring some careful logistical planning to gather all participants at the heart of the Rota do Sicó. The goal for this event was clear: to continue our mission of promoting safety in hiking through a hands-on workshop, a practical hike, and valuable feedback sessions with our partner communities.

When we arrived, the weather was hinting at a challenge: the sky was cloudy, and a light rain had just passed. But for our group, this only added to the sense of adventure as we prepared to tackle the trails.

Our day began with an unexpected and wonderful detour. While we waited for the last of the rain to clear in the village of Furadouro, we struck up a conversation with a local resident. The lady generously shared stories about life in the village, showed us her impressive vegetable garden, and even introduced us to her donkeys! This warm, authentic welcome set a fantastic tone for the entire day.

From there, our 10km hike began. The route kicked off with a steep climb that got our hearts pumping, but the reward was immediate: a beautiful chapel perched on a hill, offering a fantastic view and a scenic swing that nobody could resist.

The trail itself was a perfect mix. While mostly an easy hike, the rocky limestone terrain offered some trickier sections that kept us engaged and mindful of our footing. The main event, of course, was reaching the Buracas do Casmilo. It’s hard to describe the scale of these “holes”—massive natural cavities formed by water erosion over thousands of years, creating a dramatic landscape of caves and ravines that felt ancient and awe-inspiring.

This hike was a perfect example of what we aim to achieve. The rocky paths weren’t just an obstacle; they were a real-world classroom for applying the principles from our safety workshop.

But the biggest takeaway wasn’t just technical. It was the spirit of the day, the easy-flowing conversations within the group and the genuine, grounding connection we felt with the locals in Furadouro. We came to promote safety, but we left with so much more: a new appreciation for this stunning part of the country, new skills, and new friends.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to the welcoming community that made this day so special. We’re already planning our next adventure!

Find more info and read more stories of Hike Smart.