4.0
(3)
15
riders
5
rides
Mountain biking around São João Da Ribeira offers diverse terrain within and near the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. The region is characterized by rugged limestone landscapes, plateaus, and valleys, providing varied conditions for mountain bike trails. Riders can explore areas featuring unique geological formations and the historic Rio Maior Salt Pans. This varied topography creates an engaging environment for mountain biking.
Last updated: July 15, 2026
5.0
(2)
4
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
3
riders
30.6km
02:24
500m
500m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

Sign up for free
3
riders
54.6km
04:10
530m
530m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
45.2km
03:29
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
24.0km
01:55
440m
440m
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Salt is extracted from compartments – pits – made of cement or stone, of varying sizes and shallow depths, to which salt water is taken from a well through irrigation channels. Currently, the water is raised by means of a motor and distributed according to a system that is jointly accepted and respected (not always) by all the owners. The sewers, threshing floors and wooden houses for storing salt complete the set of what is called the Salt Mines of Rio Maior. According to technicians, a large and deep rock salt mine, crossed by an underground current that feeds a well, makes the water extracted from it salty, seven times saltier than that of the sea. The salt is obtained from its exposure to the sun and wind and the consequent evaporation of the water, deposited at the bottom of the pits, which is then placed in pyramid-shaped piles to dry until it is collected. The process is rudimentary and similar to that used in the salt mines on the seashore. The only difference is the picturesque valley that surrounds them, the well, the unique style of the sailors (as the men who work in the salt mines are known), the wooden houses and the country air that can be breathed.
3
0
Fantastic Single Track of low difficulty. This trail runs through a leafy forest, almost parallel to the Ribeira de Alcobertas. It can be done in both directions. During the rainy season it can become slippery and muddy in some places.
0
0
top to roll
1
0
old railway
0
0
In Fonte da Bica, the old school and the fountain that gives it its name mark the landscape. As you cross the village, you will be greeted by views of the salt pans and the typhonic valley, carved over millennia by the erosion of the salt deposited there since the Jurassic period.
1
0
Unfortunately someone who doesn't understand what a highlight is on Komoot, added dozens of photos (70) that have nothing to do with this place.
4
0
Arrouquelas Mountain Bike Trail. According to the information posted, this is a mixed trail (pedestrian and mountain bike) that is 11 km long. I only walked part of it, as I don't know the entire route. It is commendable that more and more local authorities are creating and signposting pedestrian and cycle trails.
3
0
The place where the steam locomotive was supplied with water. The locomotive transported coal from the Rio Maior mine to the Vale de Santarém Railway Station, and then continued on to other destinations. The dock, which had a double track, was also used to unload, on exceptional occasions, other ordered goods.
1
0
There are 5 mountain bike trails available around São João Da Ribeira, offering a variety of experiences for riders.
The mountain bike trails in São João Da Ribeira typically range from approximately 24 km to 55 km in length. For example, the Rio Maior Salt Pans – Restaurante Cumbido de Jarras loop from Rio Maior is about 24 km, while the Old Public Fountain of Cercal – Rio Maior Salt Pans loop from Rio Maior extends to about 55 km.
Most mountain bike trails in São João Da Ribeira are rated as moderate, suitable for riders with some experience. There is also one difficult route for more advanced mountain bikers.
Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Rio Maior Salt Pans – Restaurante Cumbido de Jarras loop from Rio Maior is rated as difficult. This route offers a more demanding experience with significant elevation changes.
You can expect varied terrain, characteristic of the region's proximity to the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park. This includes rugged limestone landscapes, plateaus, and valleys. Trails often traverse through mountains and offer both scenic paths and technical off-road sections.
Yes, all the mountain bike routes listed for São João Da Ribeira are circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Pina Manique Palace – Paúl de Manique do Intendente. loop from Manique do Intendente, Vila Nova de São Pedro e Maçussa and the Terra Chã Viewpoint – Rio Maior Salt Pans loop from Rio Maior.
Several trails offer the chance to see the unique Rio Maior Salt Pans. These include the Terra Chã Viewpoint – Rio Maior Salt Pans loop from Rio Maior, the Old Public Fountain of Cercal – Rio Maior Salt Pans loop from Rio Maior, and the Rio Maior Salt Pans – Restaurante Cumbido de Jarras loop from Rio Maior.
Along the trails, you can encounter several interesting sights. The Pina Manique Palace – Paúl de Manique do Intendente. loop from Manique do Intendente, Vila Nova de São Pedro e Maçussa passes by the historic Pina Manique Palace and Paúl de Manique do Intendente. Many routes also feature the unique Rio Maior Salt Pans. Other nearby attractions include the Assentiz Roman Bridge and the Royal Monastery of St. Mary of Almoster.
The region offers good conditions for outdoor activities throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn generally provide pleasant temperatures for mountain biking. While trails can be ridden in winter, it's always advisable to check local weather forecasts for rain and trail conditions, as the limestone terrain can become slippery when wet.
While there are no trails specifically designated as 'easy' in this selection, the moderate routes can be suitable for families with some mountain biking experience. These trails offer varied landscapes without extreme technical challenges, making them enjoyable for those comfortable with longer distances and some elevation changes.
Many of the routes start from towns like Rio Maior or Manique do Intendente, where public parking facilities are typically available. It's recommended to check the specific starting point of your chosen route on komoot for more detailed parking information.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Mountain bikers often praise the varied terrain, the unique natural features like the Rio Maior Salt Pans, and the engaging environment provided by the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park.


Browse the best MTB trails in other regions.