Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain in mainland Portugal, with an altitude of around 2000 metres at its highest point, Torre. It's also the only place in Portugal where you can regularly find snow, which attracts many visitors in winter. But Serra da Estrela isn't just a snow destination. It's also a natural park that offers stunning landscapes, historic villages, delicious gastronomy, hiking trails, river beaches, lagoons and waterfalls. There's plenty to see and do in Serra da Estrela, both in winter and summer.

Discover some of the activities you can do in Serra da Estrela, depending on the season.

In winter

Snow Activities

If you like snow, winter is the best time to visit Serra da Estrela. Between November and April, you're likely to find the mountains covered in white, especially in Torre da Serra da Estrela, where Portugal's only ski resort is located. Here you can go skiing, snowboarding and sledging. You can hire the necessary equipment at the resort or in local shops. If you have no experience, you can also take lessons with qualified instructors.

Or you can just have fun making snowmen or having snowball wars. And observe the vast horizons seen from the top of the mountain.

Explore nature and mountain villages

But Serra da Estrela in winter isn't just about snow. It's also a magical setting where you can enjoy the beauty of nature and the mountain villages, including stargazing.

Some of the villages worth visiting are: Manteigas, in the Zêzere valley, where you can see the Poço do Inferno waterfall, enjoying an electric bike tour; Loriga, known as the "Portuguese Switzerland", where you can see the river beach of glacial origin; Piódão, a schist village that looks like a nativity scene; Belmonte, associated with the history of the Jews and the Romans, which you can discover on an electric bike tour; Linhares da Beira, a historic village with a medieval castle; and Sortelha, one of the oldest and best preserved villages in Portugal.

Discovering Historical and Cultural Heritage

Another activity you can do in Serra da Estrela in winter is to visit some of the cultural and historical points of interest in the region.

In addition to the villages already mentioned, you can also visit the Bread Museum, in Seia, where you can learn about the history, tradition and art of Portuguese bread; the Toy Museum, in Seia, where you can see a collection of old and modern toys; the Cheese Museum, in Oliveira do Hospital, where you can learn about the process of making Serra cheese; the Natural Museum of Electricity, in Seia, where you can see an old hydroelectric power station; and the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Boa Estrela, in Torre, where you can see a statue carved into the rock that honours the patron saint of shepherds.

Taste the local cuisine

Another activity you can do in Serra da Estrela in winter is to sample the local gastronomy, rich in flavours and traditions. You can't miss the famous Serra da Estrela cheese, made from sheep's milk and considered one of the seven gastronomic wonders of Portugal.

Other typical products include bread, ham, honey, sausages, sweets and liqueurs. You can find these products in the region's shops, markets and restaurants. Some of the most popular dishes are roast kid, Portuguese stew, míscaros rice, chestnut soup and curd cheese with pumpkin jam.

In summer

Adventure and Sport

If you prefer the heat, summer is also a good time to visit Serra da Estrela. One of the best ways to explore the mountains in summer is to go hiking along the various trails that exist in this natural park, which allow you to get to know the fauna, flora and geology of the mountains.

Some of the most famous trails are the Faias trail, which passes through the highest beech forest in Europe; the Passadiços do Mondego trail, visiting the old woollen factories; the Lagos trail, which passes several lagoons of glacial origin; the Ribeira do Caldeirão trail, embracing the history and culture of the region; the Vale do Rossim trail, which passes the river beach of the same name; and also the Rota das Minas trail, which passes through old gold and tin mines.

Serra da Estrela is also a marvellous destination for lovers of nature and outdoor sports. Sport fishing, for example, is an activity that can be practised in various lagoons and reservoirs in the Serra da Estrela, where you can find species such as trout, rainbow trout, brook trout and barramundi. However, you need to be aware of the rules and fishing periods, which vary according to the water bodies and the time of year.

You can also enjoy a hiking adventure in the Serra da Estrela, through incredible landscapes in imposing mountains and discovering the region's history and customs. In addition, you have the opportunity to take an e-bike tour of the Serra da Estrela mountains, exploring the mountains of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and enjoying the tranquillity that nature provides.

Paragliding is also an exciting activity that allows you to fly freely through the skies of Serra da Estrela, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the feeling of freedom. One of the best places to paraglide in the Serra da Estrela is Linhares da Beira, a historic village in the municipality of Celorico da Beira, which is known as the "cathedral of paragliding".

Enjoy the river beaches

Another activity you can do in Serra da Estrela in the summer is to take advantage of the river beaches in the region. These are great options for cooling off, relaxing and having fun with family or friends.

Some of the most beautiful and popular river beaches are: the river beach of Loriga, which has a natural pool surrounded by rocks; the river beach of Vale do Rossim, which has an extensive area of sand and grass; the river beach of Unhais da Serra, which has a pedestrian bridge over the river and where you can take thermal baths; and the river beach of Aldeia Viçosa, which has a picnic area and a children's playground ideal for family picnics. Take advantage of the banks of the River Zêzere, which offer landscapes and peaceful places to relax.

Taking part in cultural events and summer festivals

There are various events and festivals taking place in Serra da Estrela, especially from June to October, such as:

• the Serra da Estrela, Beiras and Raia Histórica Festivals, three cultural projects that cover 15 municipalities in the region and involve music, theatre, dance, cinema, literature and visual arts shows, with the aim of enhancing the territory's cultural and environmental heritage;

• the Serra da Estrela Piano Festival, an event that brings together pianists of national and international renown, as well as young talents, to present recitals and chamber concerts in the Cineteatro of the Casa Municipal da Cultura de Seia;

• and Summer at CISE, a programme of activities promoted by the Serra da Estrela Interpretation Centre (CISE) that includes hiking trails, workshops, games and nature observation, aimed at families and children.

Serra da Estrela is a truly fascinating destination all year round. Whether in winter or summer, its stunning landscapes, diverse activities and welcoming atmosphere provide an enriching experience for all who visit, making it a place of choice for lovers of nature, adventure and culture.

Choose the best things to do in Serra da Estrela and make the most of your adventure!

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