The best walks and hikes in the Serra da Estrela Mountains

The Loriga Glacial Valley is an impressive geological formation of glacial origin, approximately 6.5 kilometers long, located in the municipality of Seia, right in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Shaped during the last ice age, this "U"-shaped valley stands out for its steep granite slopes, staircase-like cirques, and the famous village of Loriga, often nicknamed the "Portuguese Switzerland" due to its mountainous surroundings.👍🥾

The way is arduous, but the destination is worth it.

The Devil's Horns are a prominent granite rock formation with two horn-like points, located in the Serra da Estrela mountain range, near Lapa dos Dinheiros and Senhora do Desterro (not in Gerês, but in Seia, Portugal). They are the highlight of a famous circular hiking trail that follows a water channel and the Caniça stream, offering stunning landscapes, lagoons, and waterfalls. 👍🥾

The history of Manteigas is linked to the abundance of livestock and butter production, which gave rise to its name. It's a central location in the Serra da Estrela mountain range, known for its natural heritage, such as the Zêzere Glacial Valley, and its thermal springs, with sulphurous waters at CISE. Founded with its own municipality, the town has a rich cultural and ethnographic history, also standing out for its wool production (Burel Factory) and the beauty of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, making it a strategic point for exploring the mountains. 👍🥾

Covão dos Conchos is an artificial lagoon located in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal, near the mountain village of Sabugueiro. Covão dos Conchos became famous for its bell-mouth spillway[1]. The spillway was built in 1955 to allow water to be transferred from the Ribeira das Naves River to Lagoa Comprida. It is part of the Serra da Estrela Hydroelectric System. This science fiction-style spillway became famous when photographs of the hole went viral on social media in 2016. Over the past 60 years, the growth of vegetation at the funnel's mouth has created extraordinary biodiversity and increased its ethereal allure. It is 4.6 meters high and 48 meters in circumference. The tunnel that collects the water is 1,519 meters long.

Covão dos Conchos is an artificial lagoon located in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal, near the mountain village of Sabugueiro. Covão dos Conchos became famous for its bell-mouth spillway[1]. The spillway was built in 1955 to allow water to be transferred from the Ribeira das Naves River to Lagoa Comprida. It is part of the Serra da Estrela Hydroelectric System. This science fiction-style spillway became famous when photographs of the hole went viral on social media in 2016. Over the past 60 years, the growth of vegetation at the funnel's mouth has created extraordinary biodiversity and increased its ethereal allure. It is 4.6 meters high and 48 meters in circumference. The tunnel that collects the water is 1,519 meters long.

The Lapa dos Dinheiros river beach is in perfect harmony with nature. Located in the parish of Lapa dos Dinheiros, on the Caniça River, a right-bank tributary of the Alva River, this bathing area is nestled in a mountainous landscape dominated by the Lapa Souto (south of Lapa) and imposing granite outcrops. With clear water, very appealing for swimming, the beach boasts the award for accessible beach and has lifeguards and a bar available to visitors. The rugged terrain of the valley causes the river to form a succession of small waterfalls nearby. The Lapa Souto, in addition to its valuable collection of centuries-old chestnut trees, is also home to a high level of biodiversity. From the bridge, a pedestrian path leads to the Moura Hole and a viewpoint over the Caniça Waterfalls. The Buraco da Moura is a natural cave system created by the sliding and accumulation of large granite blocks, which formed a complex system of rooms and galleries. How to get there? Once in Seia, follow the EN231 to S. Romão. From there, continue uphill for about 5 km, toward Loriga/Lapa, until you find the sign for Lapa dos Dinheiros on the left. Once inside the town, simply follow the beach signs. Coordinates: 40º 23′ 07.0″ N / 7º 41′ 50.1″ W

Located within the Planalto Superior biogenetic reserve, the Rossim Valley is a unique location of great scientific, environmental, and scenic value that deserves to be protected and enhanced. Although it is an artificial lake, over time, conditions have been created that have transformed this area into an excellent leisure and recreation area that attracts countless tourists. The Vale do Rossim recreation center is located at an average altitude of 1,437 meters. Before the dam was built, it was one of the best high-altitude pastures in the municipality of Gouveia. The area has almost always been frequented by transhumance herds, flocks that gathered here from São João to the Sr. do Calvário festivities in August.