SERRA DA ESTRELA NATURAL PARK
Serra da Estrela, the highest mainland peak, is located right in the heart of Portugal and is part of the largest protected area in Portuguese soil. The nearest airport is Francisco Sá Carneiro, in Porto, and the best way to explore the park is to drive up there. Only that way you have the freedom to decide where to head to without having strict plans.
Serra da Estrela was kept as a secret for a long long time. It was only way after Portugal was declared a country, that the first expedition to Serra da Estrela was organised. Until then, this region of mountains and valleys was only known through myths and old tales. The inhabitants were considered mere peasants, farmers and uneducated people. But the beauty lies here, as over the centuries, the old customs and ancient traditions were kept alive and passed through generations. That is why, when you step in some of the most traditional villages, it seems like you travel back in time…
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There are uncountable reasons to visit, but the highlights are the landscapes, the variety of fauna and flora, the local gastronomy and the human, cultural and historical heritage.
Picture enormous U-shaped valleys formed by glacier erosion, river springs, beautiful lagoons and waterfalls, and huge rock formations with more than 2000 meters. Nature lovers will easily fall in love with the landscape. How not to?
Picture enormous U-shaped valleys formed by glacier erosion, river springs, beautiful lagoons and waterfalls, and huge rock formations with more than 2000 meters. Nature lovers will easily fall in love with the landscape. How not to?
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We also have to mention the incredible biodiversity. There are some species you cannot find anywhere else in the world as they only exist due to the specific conditions the mountain provides. Some plants are used to make homemade remedies, rubs and teas. They also feed hundreds of reptiles, insects, birds and, most importantly, the ovelha Bordaleira - the local sheep breed. This sheep is famous for two reasons: the wool and the milk. Local people have relied on them for wool weaving and cheese production for hundreds of years and both activities are quite important in this region.
The woollen clothes and beanies protect shepherds from the frosty air of the mountains, which at times can be unforgiving. Nowadays there are factories taking inspiration from the old traditions, and producing more modern clothes and other woollen accessories, which are sold across the country.
Queijo da Serra, the cheese made in Serra da Estrela, holds the title for the most famous throughout the whole country. It’s a delicious soft and strong flavoured cheese that can be tried alongside the locally made rye bread. Gastronomy plays a huge role around this area and it is hard to name a favourite dish. Whatever you chose to try you’ll sure rate it highly and it will definitely be heart-warming food. Starting with tasty charcuterie, preceded by the terrific roasted lamb and, to top it all off, cottage cheese with pumpkin compote! Don’t forget to pair these delicacies with a glass of Dão, a wine that marries beautifully with the bold flavours of Serra da Estrela.
The woollen clothes and beanies protect shepherds from the frosty air of the mountains, which at times can be unforgiving. Nowadays there are factories taking inspiration from the old traditions, and producing more modern clothes and other woollen accessories, which are sold across the country.
Queijo da Serra, the cheese made in Serra da Estrela, holds the title for the most famous throughout the whole country. It’s a delicious soft and strong flavoured cheese that can be tried alongside the locally made rye bread. Gastronomy plays a huge role around this area and it is hard to name a favourite dish. Whatever you chose to try you’ll sure rate it highly and it will definitely be heart-warming food. Starting with tasty charcuterie, preceded by the terrific roasted lamb and, to top it all off, cottage cheese with pumpkin compote! Don’t forget to pair these delicacies with a glass of Dão, a wine that marries beautifully with the bold flavours of Serra da Estrela.
Weaving factory
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Queijo da Serra
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Rye bread and wine from the Dão region
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When to visit?
It is hard to pick the best time of the year to visit Serra da Estrela as each and every season has its surprises. However, we have a soft spot for winter. Serra da Estrela is one of the few regions in the country where it snows, particularly between January and March, and the only one with snow sports facilities. During the colder months the scenario changes abruptly and from some hilltops you get a bird’s eye view of the snow blankets that cover everything. If you make little detours from the main sights, you can really get immersed in the purest of nature, where the silence is almost overwhelming. Hiking is another activity that people seek, as the park has more than 300km of trails that zig-zag through several natural treasures. Exploring the area on foot is breathtakingly beautiful and the best time to do so is during late Spring and Autumn, as the temperatures are milder and it is not as crowded. They also offer stunning landscapes. Spring turns the fields bright green and you can spot wild flowers blooming. Autumn, on the other hand, turns the leaves yellowish and red, and brings a breeze that shakes off the summer blues. No matter the time of the year, sport junkies have an amazing array of options to chose from, such as mountaineering, paragliding and BTT. There are also options for the ones not so keen on the adrenaline rush: laidback walks, horseback riding, birdwatching, or just strolling around the picturesque villages. For the ones looking to sit back and chill, there are SPAs and other relaxing activities as well. |
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Serra da Estrela is really the perfect place to unwind and escape the bustle of the city!
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