Explore Serra da Estrela: Portugal’s Majestic Mountain Escape

Serra da Estrela, located in the heart of Portugal, is one of the country’s most fascinating and enchanting mountainous regions. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, historic villages, and being one of the few places where it actually snows, this is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, food enthusiasts, and snow seekers alike.

Serra da Estrela is part of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, a protected area with rich biodiversity and home to the highest point in mainland Portugal – Torre, standing at 1,993 metres above sea level. The highest point in all of Portugal, including the islands, is Pico, located on Pico Island.

Whether in winter or summer, Serra da Estrela offers unforgettable experiences. During the colder months, it’s the only place in Portugal where snow sports can be enjoyed. In warmer seasons, it becomes a perfect retreat for hiking and swimming in crystal-clear mountain rivers.

In this article, we’ll guide you through what we believe are the top places you simply cannot miss on a trip to Serra da Estrela. We’ve visited multiple times, exploring different routes, and each time, there’s always something new to discover.

This 4-day itinerary was created to allow you to enjoy a variety of must-see spots across the region.

Day 1: Covilhã and Torre

Morning:

Covilhã is a city located at the base of Serra da Estrela. It’s often our starting point to explore the mountain due to its excellent connections to the rest of the country.

Historically, Covilhã was a major commercial hub, and today it still showcases some noble houses, churches, and other historical landmarks.

We recommend the following spots in Covilhã:

• Wool Museum (Museu de Lanifícios): Located at the University of Beira Interior, this museum portrays the rich history of the local textile industry.

• Historic Centre: Wander through the narrow, steep streets adorned with urban art murals, and visit churches such as Santa Maria and Misericórdia.
• Covilhã Pillory: A symbol of medieval judicial power, dating back to the 16th century.
• Portas do Sol: A fantastic viewpoint offering panoramic views.

Afternoon:

Leaving Covilhã and heading toward the highest point of Serra da Estrela (Torre), you’ll be surrounded by the mountain’s lush natural beauty. As you ascend, you’ll notice how drastically the climate and vegetation begin to change.

The first stop we recommend is Penhas da Saúde, a small mountain village with a few shops, restaurants, and various mountain accommodations.

Continuing your ascent toward Torre, make a short detour to admire the Zêzere Glacier Valley, a unique natural formation.

Follow the road toward Manteigas and you’ll come across Covão da Ametade, a magical spot with small bridges over the Zêzere River, which originates here.

At Torre, you’ll find the geodesic landmark marking the 1,993-metre elevation (mainland Portugal’s highest point). There’s also a shop selling regional products such as cheeses, sausages, and jams, and a ski slope.

Several hiking trails also pass through Torre. Be mindful, though – the weather in Serra da Estrela can change very quickly.

Nearby, as you head toward Sabugueiro, you’ll find Lagoa Comprida, a mountain lake offering impressive views.

Day 2: Manteigas

Manteigas is a small village nestled in the Zêzere Glacier Valley. It’s known for its charming and authentic atmosphere and its proximity to Serra da Estrela.

Morning:

On arriving in Manteigas, what strikes you first is the sound of water flowing between rocks — a natural melody that brings a sense of peace.

Stroll through the village, visit its traditional shops and the Church of São Pedro. Don’t miss the Interpretive Centre of the Glacier Valley, where you can learn about the geological and natural history of the area.

Afternoon:

In the afternoon, head to one of our favourite places: Poço do Inferno, a peaceful picnic spot next to a waterfall, surrounded by a dense forest.

Day 3: Loriga and Sabugueiro

Loriga is a picturesque mountain village often called the “Portuguese Switzerland”, reminiscent of places like Piódão.

Its river beach is one of the region’s highlights. During summer, relax on the rocks and enjoy one of Portugal’s most beautiful freshwater beaches. The water is clear and refreshingly cold, fed by mountain streams.

Nearby is a tiny village called Cabeça. At Christmas time, it transforms into a magical “Christmas Village”, with decorated streets and festive markets. It’s accessed via a winding mountain road.

Sabugueiro, located shortly after Lagoa Comprida on the way to Seia, is the highest village in Portugal and is famous for its cheese production.

Day 4: Guarda

Known as the City of the Five F’s – Strong (Forte), Abundant (Farta), Cold (Fria), Loyal (Fiel), and Beautiful (Formosa) – Guarda is the highest city in Portugal. It offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

We visited the following and highly recommend them:

• Guarda Cathedral (Sé da Guarda): The city’s main landmark, blending Gothic and Manueline styles, located in the historic centre. Climb the tower for panoramic views.
• Luís de Camões Square: Surrounded by historical buildings and charming shops.

Mondego Boardwalks (Passadiços do Mondego)

Similar to the famous Paiva Walkways, the Passadiços do Mondego run through the Mondego River valley, featuring suspended bridges, viewpoints, stairs, and lush nature. With a total length of 12 km and over 600 metres of elevation gain, it’s a must for hiking lovers.

You can start the trail either in Videmonte or at the Caldeirão Dam.

Gastronomic Recommendations in Serra da Estrela

Serra da Estrela is renowned not only for its stunning nature but also for its rich traditional gastronomy, which you should definitely explore during your visit. Here are some must-try delights:

• Serra da Estrela DOP Cheese
  This sheep’s cheese is one of Portugal’s most famous. Creamy and intense, it’s perfect to enjoy on its own or paired with rustic bread.
• Serra da Estrela Cheese Museum (Seia)
  Learn about the cheese-making process and taste different varieties for a small fee.
• Recommended Restaurants
  “Varanda da Estrela” (Manteigas) offers traditional dishes made with fresh local ingredients.
  “O Albertino” (Covilhã) is great for regional tapas and a cozy atmosphere.
  “Cantinho da Serra” (Sabugueiro) stands out for its homemade sausages and typical regional dishes.
• Other Local Products
  Try local sausages, artisanal jams, and fresh trout from the mountain rivers. Don’t miss the Bread Museum in Seia for an interactive culinary experience.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of accommodation options in and around Serra da Estrela. On our various visits, we often chose to stay in Manteigas, due to its proximity to many of our favourite spots.

You can check the map below for more accommodation options available on Booking.

Here is a list of some of the available accommodations in Manteigas.

–