Serra da Estrela
Portugal · Centro · 1993 m
Description
The Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range on mainland Portugal and an impressive natural and cultural landscape in the heart of the country. Rising to 1,993 meters, its mountain scenery is shaped by striking granite formations, glacial valleys, mountain lakes and waterfalls. Hiking trails lead through a varied landscape of traditional mountain villages and open highlands, while the higher elevations offer opportunities for winter sports. The Serra da Estrela combines remarkable mountain scenery with a centuries-old pastoral tradition that lives on in sheep farming and the region’s famous Queijo Serra da Estrela, a traditional cheese made from sheep’s milk.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – August or December – February
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Torre (highest point of mainland Portugal)
- Zêzere Glacial Valley
- Poço do Inferno Waterfall
- Serra da Estrela Natural Park
- Serra da Estrela ski resort (December - March)
- Serra da Estrela cheese tasting
- Covão dos Conchos
- Covão do Boi
- Lagoa Comprida
- Nave de Santo António
- Vale Glaciar de Unhais da Serra
- Loriga Glacier Valley
- Loriga natural pools
- Piódão schist village
- Linhares da Beira castle
- Belmonte historic centre & castle(Day trip)
- Belmonte Jewish Museum(Day trip)
- Manteigas village
- Seia Bread Museum
- Bread Museum (Museu do Pão)
- Covilhã historic centre
- Wool Museum of Covilhã
- Serra da Estrela hiking trails
- Rota das Lagoas
- Serra da Estrela waterfalls
- Serra da Estrela winter landscapes (December - March)
- Penhas da Saúde mountain village
- Cabeça Christmas Village (December)
- Foz d'Égua(Day trip)
- Schist Villages of Serra do Açor(Day trip)