Cheleiros · Mafra · Portugal
Cheleiros is a historic village in the municipality of Mafra, just 30 minutes from Lisbon. It holds the distinction of having received the oldest foral (charter) in Portugal. The village sits on a steep slope above the Ribeira de Cheleiros, surrounded by vineyards, ancient mills, and volcanic landscapes.
The area is home to Penedo do Lexim, an extinct volcanic chimney from the Lisbon Volcanic Complex that's over 70 million years old, with traces of human settlement going back to 4000 BC. Nearby you'll find the enchanting Aldeia da Mata Pequena, beautiful waterfalls, and the medieval Roman bridge.
Emergency number: 112. Mobile coverage can be patchy in some valleys. Always tell your hosts at Casas do Rio Verde before heading out on longer walks. Download offline maps or GPS tracks (Wikiloc app recommended) for the PR8 route.