Serra da Estrela: Portugal's Highest Mountains

Serra da Estrela is mainland Portugal’s highest mountain range, and a complete surprise to most visitors: glacial valleys, granite peaks, waterfalls, wool mills, the country’s most famous cheese, and in winter, snow and even a ski resort. It’s about 3 hours from Lisbon or 2 hours from Porto.

Quick answer: drive up to Torre (1,993m, the highest point in mainland Portugal), walk the Zêzere glacial valley from Manteigas, see the Covão d’Ametade and Poço do Inferno waterfall, and eat Queijo Serra da Estrela. In winter, ski from late December to March (day passes from about €15–25). Stay in Manteigas or Penhas da Saúde.

Things to do

Torre

The highest point in mainland Portugal, at 1,993 metres, with a road to the top, big views and a stone tower that makes it “2,000 metres”. Snow is common in winter, when roads may close.

The Zêzere glacial valley

A spectacular U-shaped valley carved by ice, running from the high plateau down to Manteigas. Drive or hike it, stopping at Covão d’Ametade, a peaceful picnic spot with birch trees at the source of the Zêzere river.

Poço do Inferno

A waterfall in a granite gorge near Manteigas, especially beautiful in spring and in winter when it sometimes freezes.

Hiking

Marked trails crisscross the natural park, from short walks to lagoons to full-day hikes across the plateau. Bring layers: the weather changes fast at altitude.

Skiing

Portugal’s only ski resort, near Torre, usually runs from late December to the end of March, depending on snow. It’s small but fun, with day passes from about €15 (low season) to €25 (high season). Check conditions before you go. See Serra da Estrela tours.

Wool and cheese

• Burel: the traditional mountain wool, revived by a mill in Manteigas that makes beautiful blankets and design pieces.
• Queijo Serra da Estrela: a soft, buttery sheep’s cheese (DOP), so creamy you spoon it out of the rind. Best in winter and spring.
• Museu do Pão (Bread Museum) in Seia: fun with kids.

Towns

• Manteigas: a pretty town in the glacial valley, the best base for walkers. Places to stay
• Penhas da Saúde: a mountain village near the ski slopes. Places to stay
• Covilhã: a university town with a wool museum, on the eastern slopes. Places to stay
• Seia: on the western side, with museums. Places to stay

Where to stay

• Casa das Penhas Douradas (Burel Mountain Hotels): a beautifully designed mountain hotel with a pool and spa, high above Manteigas.
• INATEL Manteigas: good value in the valley town.
• Luna Hotel Serra da Estrela: at Penhas da Saúde, close to the ski area.
• Luna Chalés da Montanha: mountain chalets, great for families.

Tips

• You need a car to explore. In winter, check road conditions, as roads to Torre may close for snow.
• Pack warm: it can be cold up high even in summer evenings.
• Combine with the historic villages (Monsanto, Belmonte, Sortelha) nearby.

More: Portugal road trip and Portugal in winter.

Some links in this guide are affiliate links (GetYourGuide, Booking.com, Discover Cars). If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps keep our groups and this site free.