Attractions

From the tip of the mountain, about 7km (4 1/3 miles) from town at Caramulinho, you can see for miles. The panoramic sweep includes the Lapa, Estrela, Lousa, and Buçaco ranges; the Serras da Gralheira and de Montemuro; and the coastal plain. To reach the best viewing place on the 1,000m-high (3,280-ft.) peak, take Avenida Abel de Lacerda from Caramulo west to N230-3 and then go less than 1km (3/4 mile) on foot. Another panoramic vista spreads out from the summit of Cabeça da Neve, off the same road you'd take to go to Caramulinho.

Museu do Caramulo (tel. 23/286-12-70; www.museu-caramulo.net) houses at least 60 vintage cars, including a 1905 four-cylinder De Dion-Bouton, a 1909 Fiat, an 1899 Peugeot, a 1902 Oldsmobile, a 1911 Rolls-Royce, and a 1902 Darracq. The cars have been restored to perfect condition. A few early bicycles, one dating to 1865, and motorcycles are on exhibit as well. The museum is not just about transportation, though -- it also contains Portuguese and foreign paintings and art by such diverse artists as Dalí, Picasso, and Grão Vasco. Admission is 6€ for adults, 3€ for children 6 to 12, and free for children under 6. The museum is open daily 10am to 1pm and 2 to 6pm (until 5pm in winter).