Serra da Estrela Nature Park

Amazing incredible landscape during the snow. We do love it. You can visit this place for free. You can play with the snow or even sleep in the snow. Please, always drive carefully during the snow.

The snow is just falling down on specific days. You might need to ask the authority before going here if there will be snow or not.

"Serra da Estrela Nature Park: Portugal's Alpine Wonderland"

Serra da Estrela Nature Park, situated in the heart of Portugal, is a breathtaking alpine landscape that combines rugged mountain terrains, pristine lakes, and a rich cultural tapestry. My visit to this natural haven was an immersive experience into the diverse beauty and cultural heritage that defines the highest mountain range in Portugal.

Majestic Mountain Peaks:
The park is home to the highest peaks in mainland Portugal, creating a stunning backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The iconic Torre, standing at 1,993 meters, offers panoramic views of the surrounding valleys, making it a must-visit for those seeking a bird's-eye perspective of the region.

Winter Wonderland:
During the winter months, Serra da Estrela transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Blanketed in snow, the landscape becomes a playground for winter sports enthusiasts. The ski resort near Torre provides opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other snowy adventures against the backdrop of Portugal's highest peaks.

Lagoons and Glacial Valleys:
The park is adorned with picturesque lagoons and glacial valleys, such as Lagoa Comprida and Vale do Rossim. These serene bodies of water reflect the surrounding mountains, creating postcard-perfect scenes that beckon exploration. Hiking trails meander through these valleys, offering a close encounter with nature's pristine beauty.

Cultural Riches:
Beyond its natural splendor, Serra da Estrela is steeped in cultural heritage. Historical villages like Linhares da Beira and Sortelha showcase traditional Portuguese architecture, with stone houses and cobbled streets that transport visitors to a bygone era. The local artisanal crafts, particularly the renowned Serra da Estrela cheese, add layers to the region's cultural identity.

Star Gazing Paradise:
Designated as a Starlight Tourism Destination, Serra da Estrela offers exceptional opportunities for stargazing. The clear mountain skies provide an unobstructed view of the stars, making it an ideal destination for astronomy enthusiasts seeking to connect with the cosmos.

Fauna and Flora Diversity:
The park boasts a rich biodiversity, with a variety of plant and animal species. From the elusive Iberian wolf to the vibrant wildflowers that carpet the meadows in spring, the park provides a habitat for diverse ecosystems. Birdwatchers will appreciate the chance to spot golden eagles, griffon vultures, and other avian residents.

Visitor Centers and Interpretation:
Well-equipped visitor centers, such as the one in Seia, offer educational exhibits and information about the park's natural and cultural assets. Knowledgeable staff provide insights into the region's geological formations, flora, and fauna, enhancing the visitor experience.

In conclusion, Serra da Estrela Nature Park is a true gem, offering a harmonious blend of alpine landscapes, cultural richness, and outdoor adventures. Whether you're drawn to winter sports, hiking trails, or immersing yourself in traditional village life, the park invites exploration and appreciation for the diverse wonders that Portugal's highest mountains have to offer.

One of the most beautiful place on earth. If you have a chance to visit you’ll going to be back again and again. You need to try the Cheese from Serra da Estrela is the best cheese Portugal has to offer in my opinion. The “Queijo Serra da Estrela” is a cheese made in the mountainous region of Serra da Estrela. Serra da Estrela is a district of Guarda if you coming from Lisbon you can go by train or bus from Lisbon to Covilhã by train is around 4 hours. From Covilhã, you can take a 20 minute taxi for to Serra da Estrela. You can also take a bus from Oriente Station in Lisbon to Covilhã that takes 6 hours. I would recommend staying in the village of Manteigas.

Despite the fact that it rained for two weeks non stop, and half of the mountains were in cloud, we loved the scenery: great roads, great views, lovely restaurants.

The day I went the weather was great, not cold, beautiful, I like the mountains.❄🥰🇵🇹🇹🇭

The best place to go when on the plain like in a frying pan.

Absolutely stunning … a really beautiful place to visit 😍

Wonderful environment and natural scenery. Beautiful view from atop the mountain, is very scenic and the road winds through the valley majestically.

A must see when visiting Portugal.
Serra de Estrela offers a lot, from hiking, sightseeing, water sports, regional food and delicacies and amazing nature and landscapes, winter sports and more.
Easily accessible by car, you won't run out or places to visit.
Start the day by hiking in Rota das Faias or maybe Glacier valley, have a picnic in Covão de Ametade and relax among the trees. See a shepherd with his cattle on top of the mountain, jump from rocks in the Zêzere river, walk inside the lush forest of Faias and visit the beautiful Lagoa Vale do Rossim.
Enjoy!

Looking for the ultimate Portuguese hiking experience? Then this place is for you. Hundreds of trails will carry you around the mountain range through the Portuguese natural magic. The region is becoming quite popular for tourists nowadays but many trails are not exactly well marked, so tourists tend to stay away from hiking (winning). That means that you'll have days of solitude and little to no pollution of our nature. Keep it that way if you go and take a bag with you to collect the little trash you find!!

What a fantastic place! 1900 m above sea level. Empty and very well built streets, few people and cars and a stunning view in all directions. However, there are no marked paths for a walk. I drove from Covilha to Seja and stopped at Torre, where you can get some food and drinks.

Even without snow at this time of the year, it just beautiful to visit and enjoy the fresh and pure air.
Amazing landscapes and the locals are just super nice.
Amazing cheese and ham to eat and to buy.

Nice spot. Proper for hiking in all seasons. Only backside is that the top of the hill is crowded for weekends, mainly by people coming to visit shopping mall and restaurant by busses and cars. Yes, shopping mall on 2000 meters of altitude, not something I am used from mountains in other countries. Therefore I felt a bit like an outsider doing actual outside activity, road cycling till there.

Return every year to this place, breathtaking winter or summer. Never get tired of the mountain. The vale glaciar views, the walkings, beautiful spots.On the top there is a shopping center with regional food and souvenirs. Hotel and chalets. Highly recommended the visit.

If you choose reach highest point of Portugal by feet, you will discorev nice mountain pass and freedom, instead of huge people amount at big road. Try it!

Wonderful hiking and nature area! Great for picnics in Spring 👌🏻🌸

Beautiful part of Portugal, some excellent views & good roads but not for the faint hearted, weather can change rapidly at this altitude 2,000 metres
Sun, rain & even hail during thundershowers in late May

One of the most beautiful parks. Must see.

Highest group of mountains of Portugal (not considering Azores, Pico). I strongly advice to use the road from Manteigas to Torre, the highest point of Estrela. There's so much to see and explore in this region. A most do for outdoor/ nature lovers.
This region is highly recommended for cheese, traditional smoked meats and local spirits.
Look into some recommendations for local food around Gouveia, Sabugueiro and Loriga. This areas have amazing restaurants.

Absolutely stunning views, we went in Feb 2020 and it was around 20 degrees. Will definitely be planning a trip back to have a longer look around.