Sumidouro da Ribeira dos Amiais

Useful Information

Location:	R. do Alviela n51, 2025-398 Amiais de Baixo. A1 exit 7 Torres Novas/Abrantes on A23, after 500 m exit Alcanena/Minde, N243 to Videla 1 km, at roundabout N365-4 3.6 km, N361 2.2 km, N365-4 2.3 km, turn right on CM1442 towards Amiais de Baxo. 1 km before Amiais de Baxo, turn right, signposted. (39.4461104, -8.7154277)
Open:	no restrictions. [2025]
Fee:	free. [2025]
Classification:	Ponor
Light:	bring torch
Dimension:
Guided tours:	self guided
Photography:	allowed
Accessibility:	no
Bibliography:
Address:	R. do Alviela n51, 2025-398 Amiais de Baixo.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then. Please check rates and details directly with the companies in question if you need more recent info.

History

Description

Sumidouro da Ribeira dos Amiais (Sink of Amiais River) is exactly what the name says. The Amiais river flows through the village Amiais de Baixo, then it reaches the river sink, where it vanishes underground. After an underground flow of about 300 m it reappears at the Spring Nascentes do Alviela. The cave between those two places is only accessible to cavers, most of it is underwater and requires cave diving.

The river sink as well as the resurgence and other karst related sites in the area are well worth a visit. It’s best to follow the Persurso Interpretativo dos Olhos d'Água do Alviela (Alviela Water Eyes Interpretive Trail) to see this. When you drive to the spring the road narrows and there is a sign which tells lorries to stay out. Actually the road narrows so much that only tiny cars can use it. We strongly recommend to take the parking lot on the right side and walk the last 50 m.