Covilhã is the city of navigators, cosmographers and men of art.

Pêro da Covilhã was born here. An explorer who provided invaluable information toward the successful discovery of the sea route to India by Vasco da Gama

Land of shepherds since Lusitanian times, however, the actual development of the wool industry, that began during the time of D Sancho I, was due to the Jewish community of Covilhã.

During the reign of D. João V, all Portuguese army uniforms were produced in Covilhã. In 1763 this industry gained a new impetus under the action of Marquês de Pombal who founded the Royal Fabrics Factory, becoming the largest wool production centre in Portugal.

What to visit in Covilhã

• The Museum of Lanificios that occupies three impressive exhibition centres filled with a vast historical heritage.
• New hand lab a contemporary space that allows young designers, stylists, photographers and artisans to develop and exhibit their work
• Arte Urbana da Covilhã (Street art) – At the tourist office ask for the map and set out to discover the emblematic works of various artists such as Rodolfo Passaporte. Third, Vhils, Add Fuel, Arm collective, Gijs Vanhee, Samina, Tamara Alves, Bordalo II, among many others.
• Carpinteira pedestrian bridge – designed by the architect João Luís Carrilho da Graça, it makes a zigzag path above the valley of the Carpinteira stream.

The Torre is 18km from Covilhã and is the highest point in mainland Portugal.

Along the way, stop at the different viewpoints and admire the landscape. The road ends at a roundabout, at the centre of which is the geodesic landmark that marks the 1993 meters altitude. Legend has it that the Tower (=Torre), which gives the place its name, was built by D. João VI and has precisely 7m so that Serra da Estrela could stretch up to the 2,000 m height landmark.

It is also here that the Geopark da Estrela Interpretation Center is located and where you may learn about the Serra da Estrela heritage, its flora and fauna.

Please be aware that his road, due to the snow, may occasionally be closed

Those who go up to Serra da Estrela by the road N399 that connects Covilhã to the Tower, are surprised by the magnificent image of Nossa Senhora da Boa Estrela carved in a large granite rock. Seven meters high, it is of extraordinary simplicity and beauty that even makes a non-believer stop to contemplate it.

Sculptured by António Duarte and imagined by Padre Morgadinho, a local parish priest, who wanted to honour the Sheperd’s Saint Protector, Nossa Senhora da Boa Estrela, who protects and accompanies the lonely shepherds through the cold and rough terrain that they roam with their sheep and guides them safely back home

The monument was inaugurated in 1946 and since then, every year, on the second Sunday of August, the festivities of Nossa Senhora da Boa Estrela do Covão do Boi take place, attracting many visitors

Manteigas is in the glacial valley of the Zézere moulded 20,000 years ago by ice. It is a starting point to explore a vast territory recognized for its air quality and a landscape rich in biodiversity. Excellent for hiking, mountain biking or paragliding from its impressive ravines.

All of this natural heritage can be discovered in the Interpretative Center of the Zézere Glacier Valley.

Be sure to visit

• The waterfall of Poço do Inferno
• Covão da Ametada – one of the most photographed places in Serra da Estrela. Of great beauty and romanticism whatever the time of year. The landscape consists of a small bridge that crosses the River Zézere lined with trees that become iridescent with the autumn foliage, or crystal clear with the winter snow.
• Manteiga’s Trout farm – A trout farm that takes advantage of the waters from the mountains. Produces for sale as well as restocking the Serra da Estrela waters

Near the Penhas Douradas, at more than 1400m, is the river beach of Rossim Valley. A protected lagoon where it is possible to rent kayaks.

Lagoa Comprida is situated in a depression of glacier origin. This lagoon was the most significant natural lagoon in the region. In 1912, the Lagoa Comprida dam project started, fed by the reservoirs of Covão dos Conchos and Covão do Meio, which are connected to it through two long tunnels.

Covão dos Conchos

About an hour and a half walk from Lagoa Comprida along trails scarcely outlined but of great natural beauty you will find Lagoa do Covão dos Conchos. A reservoir made through the deviation of Ribeira das Naves stream. Following the sound of moving water, you will perceive the Covão dos Conchos. For those viewing it for the first time, the imagination goes into hyperactivity and weaves wonderful stories: A portal to another dimension, the Portuguese Bermuda triangle. However, it is only the beginning of a tunnel through which the water from this reservoir gushes down to Lagoa Comprida.

For those who come from the Portuguese coast, Seia is the doorway to Serra da Estrela.

In Seia take the opportunity to visit

• Toy Museum – Discover and revisit your childhood toys among the more than 4500 exhibits that span all generations.
• Museu do Pão (Bread Museum) – The history related to something as simple but essential as bread

River beach of Lapa dos Dinheiros is just 8 km from Seia, next to the village with the same name. A small delightful beach in a valley surrounded by trees. With crystalline green waters that reflect the nature around you, this paradisiacal beach awarded the Blue Flag invites you to a refreshing dip

A river beach of rare beauty with crystalline waters situated in a glacial valley, surrounded by immense boulders that create quiet and relaxing hideouts

Imagination or not this clump of rocks resembles an old woman’s head

To know her, walk up the beaten path from Senhora do Desterro.

Sandomil is a small village in the municipality of Seia, bathed by the river Alva. It offers the perfect romantic setting: serene and of great beauty.

Watermills, roman bridges and river beaches beneath leafy, cool trees invite you to stop and relax. A place to be enjoyed not only for its freshness on hot summer days as well as its intense autumnal colouring

Legend has it that, after the brave inhabitants of this village had unexpectedly defeated the Romans, the Romans pondered a new attack but soon gave up because they considered that “not even if they were a thousand” (“sendo mil” – Sandomil”) could they defeat them.

Burel is a handmade fabric made of wool from which local shepherds coats are made.

Characteristic of this region, it has in recent years been recovered due to a group of visionary people who incorporated it into several other fashion products, such as shoes, decorative items and even wall cladding.

To learn more about Burel and closely accompany the manufactury processes that go from shearing to weaving visit the Ecolã factory, the oldest certified artisan production unit.

Burel Factory in Amieiros Verdes is another factory recognized for its originality and creativity in applying Burel in architectural design

Serra da Estrela Cheese– Do not miss the opportunity to purchase or taste the real Serra da Estrela cheese. Check if the word DOP appears on the label as well as the producer’s number stamped on the cheese itself

The real Queijo da Serra can only be made from the milk of the Bordaleira sheep. A sheep that produces less milk than other breeds and requires that they be fed in a grazing regime, foraging the fields of this mountain range. They cannot be fed on rations as it changes the milk flavour and therefore the cheese. Serra da Estrela cheeses are produced during the winter and made in the traditional way, as they were hundreds of years ago. The milk is curdled with salt and with a plant native to the region, the thistle flower.

Nowadays, given the work and dedication that this type of production requires, there are only about two dozen certified producers, with an average of 100 sheep each. Therefore, urge yourself to taste this delicacy of the gods, possibly in danger of extinction to be replaced by other cheeses

Wine from the Dão region

Lamb

The village of Foz D’Égua belongs to the parish of Piódão in the Serra do Açor, right on the at the meeting point of the Piódão river with the Chãs river, creating a river beach of great beauty and charm

This small village with typical houses of schist and blackboard, surrounded by nature, seems to come straight out of a magical fairy tale

Hidden in the Serra do Açor, Arganil, you will find one of the prettiest historical villages in Portugal: Piódão.

Cascading down the hillside, its shale houses and slate, with wooden windows painted in a cheerful blue invite you to go to wander around is narrow and winding streets. Also nicknamed “village crib”, more so at the end of the day, when the last rays of light disappear in the valley and the electric lights come on.

Legend has it that famous characters such as João Brandão, Zé do Telhado, and Diogo Lopes Pacheco, one of the murderers of Inês de Castro, took refuge here while fleeing the royal troops

A local speciality is a bread bun made of potatoes called Pecados de Piódão (Sins of Piódão), perfect to accompany a regional liquor.

Worth the detour

What are the Historical Villages of Portugal?

The Historical Villages were established over several reigns with the chief role to defend and stronghold the Portuguese border.

Twelve charismatic medieval villages that retain their character and are a testimony of the nation’s history

Of the 12 Historic Villages of Portugal, nine belong to the Serra da Estrela region. These are Trancoso, Marialva, Castelo Rodrigo, Almeida, Castelo Mendo, Belmonte, Sortelha, Castelo Novo and Linhares da Beira.

For more information on the Historical Villages, click here

It is one of the coolest woods of the county gaining special beauty by the oaks, chestnut trees, cherry trees, elms, holly, ash and laurel trees. Hidden in its interior is the waterfall Fraga da Pena, a place only known by a few, where the water makes its way between the rocks and cascades down a height of 2m, forming a small lagoon.

Enjoy the many trails and walk through the woods in search of the many orchids that grow there.