ACTIVITIES

The Marinhas do Sal activities don´t end in salt production.

There is a strong will to make way to a quality cultural tourism, in order to promote this singular place.

Rio Maior is in the central area of Portugal, at 75 km from Lisbon, 30 km from Santarém and 20 km from Caldas da Rainha. It belongs to the Região de Turismo do Oeste. Rio Maior stands in a transition area and it´s culture is influenced by Ribatejo (from south) and by Estremadura (from north). The north area of Rio Maior integrates the protected area of Parque Natural das Serras d'Aire e Candeeiros, which envolves the salt mines of Rio Maior.

At only 3 km from the center of Rio Maior city, the visitants can find a small typical village facing the salt-marsh, along with shops with tradicional produts and resturants.

These salt-marsh are a Nature's whim. A subterranean stream passes through a extensive and deep salt mine and feeds a well where a water seven times more salty than the Atlantic Ocean is extrated. Thought it is believed that the salt extraction occured in prehistoric time, the oldest document known is under the date of 1177.

These salt-marsh are a true museum where the salt extraction methods had little change along its eight centuries of history.

The cooperative society, along with the Town Hall of Rio Maior, promotes, free guided visits (see Contacts).

In the summer, the FESTA DO SAL is an event with a important traditional meaning: regional gastronomy and a historical recreation (photo gallery) are part of fantastic familly activity.