Walking Tour in Serra da Estrela

Loop Walking Tour "Rota do Carvão” (Coal Route) | 21 km / + 1175 m
Start this lovely hike from your hotel in Manteigas and enjoy this true test for lovers of hiking. With the Nave da Mestra as the highlight of this walk, we intend to give an insight into the natural and rural resources of the Serra da Estrela, which symbolize what is natural and unique about the Serra da Estrela. We highlight the altitude meadows, the meadows of various species of heather, not forgetting the pastoral activity, their customs, and traditions that are clearly emptying in the face of strong desertification that we are witnessing. All this, in a scenario with unique landscapes, a wide plateau typically mountainous that will certainly endure for a long time in our memories.
Overnight at Hotel in Manteigas.

Free day
Time to relax and/or do your own thing.
(Optional) - Guided Visit to Burel Factory; Guided visit to Zêzere Glacier Valley Interpretation Center.
Overnight at Hotel in Manteigas.

Linear Walking Tour “Rota do Antigo Glaciar” (Old Glacier Route) | 16 km / +1330 m
Morning check-out.
Start your Climbing Walk “Rota do Antigo Glaciar” from your hotel and ending at the Tower, the highest point in continental Portugal.
The immense valleys of the Serra da Estrela are not only beautiful landscapes, with geological features that are unique in Portugal (glacial valleys), but also reveal the best symbiosis between Man and Nature, the birthplace of important testimonies of the way of life of this people. Along its paths it is possible to see how they have been shaped by fluvial erosion and/or glacial erosion, possessing forms that are, without a doubt, a privileged scenery to visit, besides guaranteeing endless photo sessions. An authentic natural "relic" for those who wish to visit.
Transfer from the Tower to the Penhas da Saúde (15 min.)
Check in and overnight at Hotel in Penhas da Saúde.

Loop Walking Tour “Rota da Varanda dos Pastores” (Shepherds' Balcony Route) | 13 km / +500 m)
This route begins and ends at your hotel in Penhas da Saúde and will immerse you in a profound connection with the pure and majestic nature of the mountain, where time simply flows much slower than in the stressful day-to-day life of the city. In each valley, on each plateau, on each cliff, we will uncover the secrets of Estrela, authentic hidden treasures that can only be fully understood by exploring them on foot.
Overnight at Hotel in Penhas da Saúde.

Departure
Check-out at Penhas da Saúde and 20 min transfer to Covilhã Train Station.