Casa Abrigo do NEL
The place
Renovated shelter house of the Núcleo de Espeleologia de Leiria (NEL), in the heart of the Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, at Chaínça, parish of São Bento, municipality of Porto de Mós (Leiria, Portugal). Set up in the former premises of the local primary school, dedicated to educational activities — caving, adventure sports, and the preservation of natural and environmental heritage. Renovation work carried out over nearly five years, starting in 2019 and continuing through the COVID-19 pandemic, mostly by club volunteers, their families and friends. Includes renovated training spaces, bathrooms, kitchen, and accommodation for trainees. NEL, a non-profit sports association founded in 1981 in Leiria, has been recognised as a public-interest organisation since 1993.
Getting there
Chaínça, São Bento, Porto de Mós, Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Park.
The setting
Serras de Aire e Candeeiros Natural Park, NEL caving club.
