Cascata do Labaredas
Waterfall in the upper Zêzere Valley, not far from Covão d'Ametade. After the spring snowmelt, it carries the most water; in late summer, it's often just a trickle.
Portugal
Beiras and Serra da Estrela
Region
The Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range on the Portuguese mainland. Granite, glacial valleys, mountain lakes, and sheep pastures define the landscape, surrounded by granite cities like Guarda, Covilhã, and Belmonte.
by Felix Gillen
The Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range on the Portuguese mainland. Granite, glacial valleys, mountain lakes, and sheep pastures define the landscape, surrounded by granite cities like Guarda, Covilhã, and Belmonte.
The inland region is rugged and sparsely populated. Its highest point is the Torre at 1,993 m. In summer, you hike through glacial valleys like the Vale do Zêzere near Manteigas; in winter, there's often snow up high and a small ski resort. Further east, towards the Spanish border, you'll find fortified villages like Monsanto and Belmonte. Without a car, getting around here is arduous.
Sights in Beiras and Serra da Estrela
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Lagoa Serrano
Small mountain lake west of Torre, nestled among granite blocks. Accessible via hiking trails on the high plateau. A peaceful place away from the road.
Miradouro, Vale de Loriga
Viewpoint above the Vale de Loriga, one of the striking glacial valleys of the Serra. The U-shaped valley stretches down to the village of Loriga with its terraced fields. The light is best in the morning and late afternoon.
Cântaro Magro
Slender granite tower above Covão d'Ametade and one of the landmarks of the Serra. The summit is reserved for climbers, but from below and from the surrounding paths, the steep rock needle is a striking photo motif.
Vista panorâmica Covão Cimeiro
Viewpoint near Covão Cimeiro with views over the high plateau and the Cântaros. However, in fog, which quickly rolls in up here, you'll see very little.
Covão d'Ametade
Green hollow near the Zêzere's source, right below Cântaro Magro cliffs. Birches line the young river, picnic tables available. Good base for hikes into the glacial valley towards Manteigas. In autumn, birches turn yellow.
Dining & Drinks
Culture & Tradition
The area has lived off sheep farming and wool for centuries. Covilhã was long the center of the Portuguese textile industry, a story told by the university's Wool Museum. From the milk of Bordaleira sheep comes the Queijo Serra da Estrela, a creamy raw milk cheese often eaten with a spoon. The Cão da Serra da Estrela, a large shepherd dog, also originates from here.Belmonte is the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral and has a Jewish community that has preserved its faith in secret for centuries.
Traveling
A rental car is the most practical solution. The road over Torre (N339) is occasionally closed in winter due to snow. Covilhã and Guarda are located on the Linha da Beira Baixa; Guarda is also on the Linha da Beira Alta. The mountain villages are rarely accessible by bus.ExcursionsVale do Zêzere: Glacier valley near Manteigas with hiking trails.Monsanto: Granite village between giant boulders.Aldeias Históricas: Villages like Sortelha or Piódão in the wider area.
