Just 300 km from Lisbon, Serra da Estrela is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature and outdoor adventure. As Portugal’s highest mountain range, it offers stunning views, charming villages, and activities for every season. In winter, you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding, while in the warmer months, the hiking trails and refreshing natural lagoons are perfect for exploring.
A scenic 3 hour drive from Lisbon makes it an ideal escape for a day trip or weekend getaway. Whether you’re looking for adventure or just want to relax in nature, Serra da Estrela has something for everyone.
Day Trip from Lisbon to Serra da Estrela: Snow, Nature & Travel Tips
If you’re planning to travel from Lisbon to Serra da Estrela, there are several convenient options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one.
Traveling from Lisbon to Serra da Estrela is easy, with several options to choose from. The most flexible way is by car, with a drive of about 3 to 3.5 hours, giving you the freedom to explore the beautiful countryside at your own pace.
You can also take a bus from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station to towns like Covilhã or Seia, which are close to Serra da Estrela. From there, you can catch local buses or a taxi to reach the mountains.
For a relaxing journey, you can take a train from Lisbon to Covilhã, which takes around 4 hours. From Covilhã, it’s just a short bus or taxi ride to the mountain.
If you prefer a more comfortable and personalized trip, private transfers or booking a private tour from Lisbon to Serra da Estrela are great options, offering door-to-door service.
Best Things to Do and See in Serra da Estrela
Hit the slopes in Serra da Estrela
As one of the few places in Portugal with snow, Serra da Estrela is a unique place to hit the slopes. The resort is open from November to April and welcomes all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts. Although it’s a smaller resort, the excitement of skiing in Portugal, combined with the beautiful mountain views, makes it well worth a visit. Whether you’re new to skiing or an experienced skier, it’s a fun and memorable way to enjoy Serra da Estrela in winter.
Take in the breathtaking views at Torre
Torre is the highest point in mainland Portugal, reaching 1,993 meters. It’s a fantastic spot for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and, on clear days, even see the Atlantic Ocean over 100 miles away. The name “Torre” means “tower,” which refers to a structure built in the 19th century to reach 2,000 meters. Whether you’re hiking, snapping photos, or just enjoying the fresh mountain air, visiting Torre is a memorable experience you won’t want to miss in Serra da Estrela.
Take the trail to Covão dos Conchos
Covão dos Conchos is one of Serra da Estrela’s most fascinating spots. In the middle of Lagoa Comprida, you’ll find what looks like a natural waterfall disappearing into a hole, but it’s actually a man-made structure built in the 1950s to redirect water. You can hike to this amazing site, but the trail can be tough, especially in winter, so it’s important to be prepared. If you’re up for the adventure, the stunning views make the effort worthwhile. Just be sure to take care and plan your trip ahead!
Explore Piódão
Piódão is a charming historic village in the mountains, famous for its stone houses set along the hillside like an amphitheatre. At night, when the lights come on, the village looks magical. Surrounded by green valleys and forests, Piódão feels like a step back in time with its narrow cobbled streets. According to legend, all the windows are painted blue because the local shop only had blue paint available. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape into Portugal’s past, Piódão is a must-visit destination full of natural beauty and history.
Swim in the chilly waters of Loriga
Loriga River Beach, situated in a stunning glacial valley in Serra da Estrela, is a must for nature lovers. It’s the only river beach in Portugal with this unique mountain setting, surrounded by breathtaking views and offering clear, refreshing waters. It’s perfect for families, with low-depth natural pools that are great for kids. You’ll find everything you need here, including parking, bathrooms, a bar with a terrace, and a playground. This beautiful spot is one of the most beautiful places in central Portugal and the perfect place for a cool, refreshing swim in the summer!
Discover Portugal's bread heritage
The Bread Museum in Seia, Serra da Estrela, is a must for anyone curious about Portugal’s bread culture. This unique museum brings together the history, traditions and stories of Portuguese bread in four fascinating exhibition rooms. Here you’ll learn about the importance of bread in Portuguese life, from history and art to religion. Don’t miss the museum’s restaurant, where you can taste freshly baked bread, the cosy library bar and the historic market. It’s a great stop to experience one of Portugal’s tastiest traditions up close.
Taste Serra da Estrela cheese
Serra da Estrela cheese is one of Portugal’s oldest and most unique delicacies, made exclusively from the milk of the Bordaleira sheep. Produced using traditional methods and thickened with a cardoon flower, it has a creamy texture and a rich flavour that captures the essence of the mountains. Produced mainly in towns such as Seia and Celorico da Beira, this artisanal cheese is the perfect accompaniment to local rye bread and wine. If you’re visiting the Serra da Estrela region, don’t miss the chance to taste this delicious piece of Portuguese heritage.
Explore the Natural Park
Serra da Estrela Natural Park is a stunning natural wonder in Portugal, with breathtaking landscapes and unique biodiversity. As the largest park in the country, it features the highest point on the mainland and the only ski resort. Beyond its rich diversity of wildlife, including wolves, eagles, and endemic plant species, the park offers fascinating trails through glacial valleys and serene lagoons. Each season reveals its own distinct beauty: snow-covered fields in winter, vibrant flowers in spring, and golden hues in autumn. It’s a must for anyone who appreciates nature, adventure and tranquillity.
Where to Stay in Serra da Estrela
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Serra da Estrela is truly memorable.
Recomended Hotels:
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Transportation in Serra da Estrela
Getting around Serra da Estrela is easy, with a few transport options to help you explore. The best way to see the mountains and their scenic spots is by car, giving you the freedom to visit villages, viewpoints, and hiking trails at your own pace. If you don’t have a car, you can find taxis in nearby towns like Covilhã and Seia to take you up to the mountain. Local buses also connect these towns with Serra da Estrela, though schedules can be limited. If you’re coming from Lisbon, taking a train or bus to Covilhã or Seia is a great option, and from there, you can use local transport to reach the mountain.
Best Restaurants in Serra da Estrela
We have curated a list of the best restaurants in Serra da Estrela, inspired by the region’s rich culinary and cultural traditions. To create this list, we used trusted TripAdvisor reviews and insider tips from our amazing Lisbon Friends Facebook group, where over 40,000 members share their favourite recommendations.
Restaurante A Torre
European, Portuguese, $$$$
Restaurante Medieval
Mediterranean, European, $$ – $$$
Varanda da Estrela
European, Portuguese, $$ – $$$
Casa das Muralhas
European, Contemporary, $$ – $$$
Best Tours in Serra da Estrela
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Serra da Estrela is truly memorable.
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