国立公園エストレーラのおすすめツーリングルート

Vila Galé Hotel Serra da Estrela.

Beautiful views

Sabugueiro, the village vying for the title of highest in Portugal, is also one of the most authentic ambassadors of mountain life. Among granite houses and comforting flavors (cheese, sausages, roast kid, and honey), you can find the warmth of blankets and burel coats and the company of the faithful Serra da Estrela mountain dogs. Surrounding waterfalls, streams, and lakes remind you that here, nature is as generous as the table.

The Serra da Estrela Natural Park is something truly special. This 1,000-square-kilometer park, spread across six municipalities, was the first and currently the largest protected natural park in Portugal. It is home to the highest point on the Portuguese mainland, the country's only ski slope, the source of two important rivers, and a fascinating, alpine-like landscape formed by glaciers.

At exactly 1993 meters above sea level, Torre is the highest point in mainland Portugal, where the only ski resort is located. The landscape on the upper plateau of the Serra da Estrela is like a sprinkling of granite rocks over low scrub and patches of snow and ice, which the sun threatens to melt soon in the summer and which always returns the following winter. In winter, it sometimes becomes inaccessible.

Gouveia is a picturesque Portuguese town and municipality located in the district of Guarda, on the northern edge of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. With an elevated position that provides it with a mountain climate and picturesque views, Gouveia is considered one of the "gateways" to the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal. The town stands out for its rich historical and architectural heritage, with a charming old town characterized by narrow cobbled streets, traditional houses and monuments such as the Mother Church of São Pedro and the Paços do Concelho (Town Hall). Gouveia is also renowned for the production of the famous Queijo Serra da Estrela, a DOP sheep's cheese, and for its tradition of the Cão da Serra da Estrela dog breed. Its proximity to the Natural Park makes it an excellent base for exploring the natural beauty of the Serra.

The village is famous for its granite houses, cobbled streets and its imposing medieval castle, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. Legend has it that Folgosinho was founded by Lusone, grandson of Noah, which adds a touch of mysticism to its already fascinating history.

It is considered the "capital of Serra da Estrela" and a privileged starting point to explore the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Manteigas is famous for its wool textile industry, especially for the production of fabrics and blankets. Manteigas is also known for its natural beauty, with glacial valleys (such as Zêzere), waterfalls and unique rock formations, including the famous Cântaro Magro.