Being close to nature is essential to take us away from what concerns us.

And to enjoy a few relaxing days, Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain, is the perfect destination.

Serra da Estrela is a land of nature, delicious gastronomy, adventure, and ancient history. From the region’s famous cheese and dog breeds to unique wool clothing, and natural beauty that goes back to the Ice Age. A place to discover and explore.

In cold weather, Serra da Estrela is the only place in Portugal where you can try skiing, snowboarding, or riding a snowmobile.

Let yourself be conquered by the quietness and the silence of the mountain. Come and visit Serra da Estrela and discover new impressive places.

Seia

The town of Seia can be considered the gateway to the impressive Serra da Estrela mountain. A visit to Seia must include the Bread Museum, the Toy Museum, especially for the little ones, and the Interpretive Center of Serra da Estrela (CISE)

This town offers breathtaking views over the surrounding plains.

Sabugueiro

A really typical mountain village. Here you will be able to feel the life of the mountain people, and learn their stories and rooted traditions.

Enjoy the slow rhythm of this place and just relax contemplating the wild nature.

Lagoa Comprida

It is the largest lagoon in this mountain and has a glacier origin. Its special shape is the result of geological and climatic phenomena over the centuries. It is used to produce electricity, but its beauty makes this lagoon an unmissable stopping point.

Covão dos Conchos

A unique place, where we can see the waters of the lagoon falling into a giant funnel and disappearing mysteriously.

Despite its natural appearance, this circular opening with a waterfall in a lagoon was a man built in 1955, during the construction of the Hydroelectric Dam. It is however a beautiful place and well worth visiting.

River Beach of Loriga

A quiet river beach, in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, in the Loriga glacial valley. With beautiful crystal and cold natural water pools, and a magnificent view of the mountain.

Here you will find peace and serenity for your relaxing days.

Manteigas

One of the most charming mountain villages in Portugal is Manteiga, in the heart of the Mountain, it is part of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

Manteigas is famous for its delicious gastronomy, and its singular architecture with white, red-roofed houses clinging to verdant slopes. Nearby, for even more relaxing days, you will find an ancient Spa – Caldas de Manteigas – with healing therapeutic hot-sulfur-rich waters.

Vale do Rossim

Located in Penhas Douradas, in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Mountain, at an altitude of 1.437 meters. It is the highest beach in Portugal, in the largest glacial valley in Europe, the Rossim Valley. It’s a place of pure nature, and the water temperature can reach 22º Celsius.

Covão d’Ametade

Covão d’Ametade is one of the most bucolic places in the Serra da Estrela mountain. It is located at the entrance of the Zézere Valley. It is a very beautiful place, with its surrounding vegetation. The place is almost 1500 meters high, and it is not accessible on the most severe winter days when the roads do not allow going through due to the snow.

Torre

This is the place where a building, located at the top of the mountain, symbolizes the highest point in mainland Portugal. At the top of its 1,993 meters, we can see the magnificent landscape of valleys and rocks.

In the summer, on clear days we can even see the sea. The view can reach the beach of Figueira da Foz.

Linhares da Beira

Located in the Northwest of the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela, the origins of Linhares da Beira date back to medieval times. Because of its location, which enables an effective defense, this village was occupied by Romans, Visigoths, and Arabs, and reconquered by Afonso Henriques, Portugal´s first King.

It is one of Portugal’s most beautiful villages and by walking its labyrinthic streets, you will discover a village where a rustic nobility reigns.

Covilhã

Surrounded by the mountains, Covilhã is one of the gateways to the Serra da Estrela. Famous for the art of making woolen goods.

A visit to the historic heritage of Covilhã must include the old Judiaria (Jewish Quarter), with its narrow streets, the Chapel of São Martinho, the Chapel of Santa Cruz, and the Wool Museum.

Take a deep breath of the clean mountain air and make a stop to enjoy the delicious gastronomy of this city.

Serra da Estrela region is a perfect destination for relaxing, enjoying the beauty and the quietness of the mountains, for nature activities, discovering the delicious Portuguese gastronomy, so influenced by this mountain region, strongly linked to agricultural habits, and tasting the elegant Dão Region Wines.

Contact us to learn more about Portugal´s highest mountain and all that can be experienced in this beautiful and quiet region.