Serra da Estrela


Lose yourself among green valleys and mountains or discover the therapeutic properties of relaxing spas.
Here, the bustle of the city is behind and, from the front, we find only the intense silence of the mountains and mountain towns.
 

 
Escape in the Mountains
In a region as rich as Serra da Estrela, what is not lacking are opportunities to discover the beauty of the mountains around you. Explore the more than 300km of trails of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and discover the springs of the largest Portuguese rivers, the stunning glacier valleys of Loriga and Manteigas, or the most fascinating species of birds nesting here.
 
In winter, Serra da Estrela is the only place in Portugal where you can have fun in the snow with your skis, sledding or snowboarding. In summer, the region's river beaches are the most obvious destination. But the Serra da Estrela Natural Park also offers you 25 lagoons for a refreshing getaway.
 
In the Ecological Park of Gouveia, an interactive space where you can participate in activities that combine leisure with environmental education in a fun way, interact with your four-legged friends.

Be sure to visit Belmonte, the homeland of Pedro Álvares Cabral, to discover through the streets and houses of this medieval village the Jewish heritage of the last Sephardic Jews in Portugal.
 
It is also in this paradisiacal setting that the tastiest snacks of Portuguese cuisine are born. Combine your stay in nature with Beira Interior wine and a cheese from Serra da Estrela.
 
 
A Relaxing Break
Here, nature is truly generous and offers you the freshest springs, with waters with therapeutic and relaxing properties.  The resort combines well-being with leisure, in a unique combination full of luxury and comfort. In the Thermal Baths of Almeida - Fonte Santa you can find the purest waters in a landscape of infinite green. The Cró Thermal Baths offer you the perfect escape from the stress of daily life with medicinal waters in a unique wellness environment. 
The longroiva termas resort is especially indicated for the treatment of rheumatic problems, while the Caldas de Manteigas Spa, in the heart of the hydrothermal mountain region, are the most suitable for treating respiratory pathologies.
 
 
 
Adventure for All
From the fascinating biodiversity of the Serra da Gardunha to the Woolfest modern art festival in the Serra da Estrela region, adventure is for everyone.
 



Source: Tourism Center

| counties in the region

find out what to visit

Almeida

Almeida

The Municipality of Almeida, the district of Guarda, is located in the Region of the Center and Beira Interior Norte, borders Spain to the source, to the south finds the municipality of Sabu...
Belmonte

Belmonte

Belmonte is located on the left bank of the Zêzere River, in the middle of Cova da Beira, at the foot of the Serra da Estrela. The village settled on the granite hill of Serra da Boa Esperan...
Celorico da Beira

Celorico da Beira

Located in the district of Guarda, Celorico da Beira is a village that is the host of a municipality consisting of 16 parishes. With an area of 247.22 km2, this municipality has about 6,583 ...
Covilhã

Covilhã

Covilhã is the main gateway to serra da Estrela. Land of the wool industry, birthplace of 16th century discoverers, is today a cosmopolitan university city. Located on the southeast slope of...
Guarda

Guarda

Guarda is the highest Portuguese city (1056m altitude), with 26,565 inhabitants in its urban perimeter, capital of the Guarda district, located in the statistical region of the Center and su...
Gouveia

Gouveia

Gouveia is a city in the Portuguese district of The Guard District, located in the province of Beira Alta, in the Region of the Center (Beiras Region) and sub-region of Beiras and Serra da E...
Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo

Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo

Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo is a portuguese village in the Guarda district, in the province of Beira Transmontana, in the central region and serra da Estrela sub-region, with about 5,148 inh...
Fornos de Algodres

Fornos de Algodres

Fornos de Algodres is a Portuguese village belonging to the Guarda District, in the province of Beira Alta, central region and sub-region of Beiras and Serra da Estrela, with about 4,403 inh...
Fundão

Fundão

Fundão is a Portuguese city in the district of Castelo Branco, in the province of Beira Baixa, central region (Beiras Region) and sub-region of Beiras and Serra da Estrela, with about 26,503...
Manteigas

Manteigas

Surrounded by great landscapes, The Village of Manteigas is in the middle of the mountain range of Serra da Estrela, the highest in Mainland Portugal.
Mêda

Mêda

Mêda is a city in the District of Guarda district, in the province of Beira Alta, in the central region (Beiras Region) and sub-region of Beiras and Serra da Estrela. It is the headquarters ...
Pinhel

Pinhel

Pinhel is a city in the Guarda district, in the province of Beira Alta, in the central region and sub-region of Beiras and Serra da Estrela, with approximately 8,092 inhabitants. Also known ...
Seia

Seia

Seia is a city in the Guarda district, located in the province of Beira Alta, central region and sub-region of Serra da Estrela, with about 21,755 inhabitants....
Sabugal

Sabugal

Sabugal is a city in the Guarda District, in the province of Beira Alta, in the central region and sub-region of Beiras and Serra da Estrela, with about 11,280 inhabitants....
Trancoso

Trancoso

Trancoso is still surrounded today by walls, from the Dinisian era, with a beautiful castle also medieval, crowning this majestic fortified set.
Serra da Estrela

| Inform

Downtown News

"BEST TOURIST VILLAGES 2023"
Viseu Dão Lafões Region

"BEST TOURIST VILLAGES 2023"

In the wonderful central region of Portugal, we are pleased to share the exciting news that two incredible destinations have been distinguished as "Best Tourist Village 2023" by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Manteigas and the Historic Village of Sortelha, located in Sabugal, are the two jewels awarded in this edition. This is a remarkable achievement, with Castelo Rodrigo in 2021 and Castelo Novo in 2022 also having won this title, showcasing the incredible heritage our region has to offer. With this distinction, Manteigas and Sortelha join an exclusive global network of 190 villages around the world that share this honor. UNWTO commends these villages for their commitment to preserving their cultural and natural values, as well as their dedication to innovation and sustainability in all areas. In Portugal, two other villages, Ericeira, in Mafra, and Madalena, in the Azores, were also recognized, demonstrating the diversity of our tourist attractions. This international distinction is a tribute to the tireless efforts of the communities of Manteigas and Sortelha. "Living in the Center of Portugal" congratulates the Municipality of Manteigas and the Historical Villages of Portugal - Tourism Development Association for this remarkable achievement. Visiting Manteigas means exploring the heart of the majestic Serra da Estrela, with stunning scenery, unique cuisine, and a captivating community lifestyle. Sortelha is a journey back in time to medieval times, with its rocky landscapes that captivate everyone's imagination. These destinations highlight the positive impact of tourism on low-density areas and show their potential to delight visitors. Congratulations to all involved in this remarkable recognition from the United Nations! Source: Turismo do Centro de Portugal
The website Live in Center of Portugal uses cookies. By browsing you agree to its use. Learn more about the use of cookies. Accept
Find what you're looking for here