Perhaps the most famous (and fascinating) type of human relic from prehistoric times are megalithic constructions. These are symbolic or practical constructions made from enormous stone slabs. (Megalith means “large stones”) Portugal has hundreds, if not thousands, of megalithic sites. These generally include funerary structures (dolmens or antas), standing stones (menhirs or menires), and stone circles or enclosures (cromlechs or cromeleques).
Use the map below to browse or search among the various megalithic sites. Clicking on a cluster (a coloured circle with a number in it) will zoom in and disperse the cluster. Highlighted map markers indicate sites that are described on this website. More posts are added as sites get visited. (If you know of a megalith that should be added to the map, please let me know!)
Below the map is a list of all the megalithic sites on our website …so far!
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Vale Maria do Meio Cromlech
Portuguese name: Cromeleque do Vale Maria do Meio Nestled in a cork oak forest, the stones stand in an elongated group. The hot breeze blows past them and through the trees, making the leaves tremble and rustle slightly. That’s the only sound you hear, along with the buzz of insects. The stones reflect the intense…
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Anta de Agualva
Also called: Anta do Carrascal The buzz of traffic is fairly constant. People and dogs come walking by frequently. This is an urban setting, with houses and apartment blocks, shops and businesses all around. You walk along cement pathways, and approach the tomb along wooden boardwalks. There it lies, surrounded by green hedges, nestled in…