Portugal's highest mountain range has rugged granite peaks reaching 1,993 meters, rare glacial valleys, and clear mountain lakes. Home to native sheep breeds and the Serra da Estrela dogs.
Serra da Estrela Nature Park covers 2,216 square kilometers in central Portugal's highest mountain range, with Torre peak reaching 1,993 meters. Walk along the rim of Covão dos Conchos to see its bell-mouth spillway drawing water into an underground tunnel, trek through the 13-kilometer Zêzere glacial valley, or watch shepherds and their massive Serra da Estrela dogs guiding sheep across high plateaus. In winter, ski down the slopes at Torre, while summer brings hikers to the park's 25 mountain lakes and ancient chestnut forests.
Ice fields carved out Serra da Estrela's valleys during the Pleistocene period, creating the park's current terrain. Granite rocks from 340 million years ago rise above the landscape, alongside even older metamorphic formations dating back 650 million years. The U-shaped Zêzere valley extends for 13 kilometers, with walls rising 300 meters high. The park's lakes include Lagoa Comprida at 1,600 meters altitude and the human-made Lagoa dos Conchos with its 4.5-meter-wide bell-mouth spillway.
Look up to spot golden eagles circling the peaks, or peregrine falcons diving for prey. Wolves roam the lower slopes, along with wild boars, otters, and foxes. Maritime pines and holm oaks grow below 900 meters, while black oaks thrive between 900 and 1,600 meters. The windswept peaks above 1,600 meters support hardy junipers, gentians, and purple-petaled bellflowers.
The moderate Covão d'Ametade trail runs 7.5 kilometers from Manteigas village through the Zêzere valley floor. For a challenging day hike, take the 12-kilometer 25 Lagoons circuit connecting the park's mountain lakes. Stone shepherd shelters dot the trails, some dating from the 16th century. Pick up trail maps at the park office in Manteigas, where rangers can advise on current conditions.
The ski season at Torre runs from November to April, with four lifts serving nine pistes. The longest run descends 130 vertical meters. Rent equipment at the base station and take lessons at the ski school. Beyond skiing, you can go snowboarding on designated slopes or join guided snowmobile tours across the plateaus.
Serra da Estrela sheep produce milk for the region's PDO-protected cheese. Shepherds use cardosins from thistle flowers to curdle the milk, following methods passed down through generations. Visit the Cheese Museum in Pêraboa to see cheese-making demonstrations and learn about the certification process. The museum opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM.
Drive from Porto in 2 hours via A25 highway. Trains run to Nelas station (4 hours with a change in Coimbra), followed by a 50-minute taxi ride. Buses connect Porto to Serra da Estrela in 3 hours. A car helps you reach remote trailheads and villages throughout the park. The park remains accessible year-round, though some mountain roads close after heavy snow.
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