Manteigas attractions

This all-terrain tour of the Serra da Estrela takes you away from the usual tourist routes to explore the mountain’s more authentic sides. Local residents will guide you, sharing their knowledge of the landscape and its stories. The outing is suited to those who want a peaceful visit with moments of adventure, culture and quiet contemplation. Along the way you will walk down little-exploited trails and cross valleys, rivers and natural viewpoints, with new landscapes unfolding at each turn. You can enjoy an off-road 4x4 ride and taste local products and good wine, including the region’s famous Serra da Estrela cheese. At each stop your guide will explain what makes this territory distinctive, giving context to the sights and helping you relax and take in the sense of freedom that the mountain offers.

On this tour you will have the opportunity to explore the dramatic mountain landscapes of Serra da Estrela. The area’s natural scenery is striking and varied, shaped by rocky peaks, open ridges and wide mountain valleys. You will move through a landscape that feels both remote and distinctive, with broad views that change with the seasons. As you travel around Serra da Estrela you will see the range dressed in snow during winter and showing colourful meadows and slopes in summer. Along the way you will take in panoramic vistas and the seasonal contrasts that make the region special. The focus is on the scenery itself: vast mountain forms, shifting light and the different moods of the landscape across the year, so you can appreciate why Serra da Estrela is known for its unique natural beauty.

This experience offers a different look at Guarda through the people who shaped it — the Timeless Giants of Guarda. You will travel back in time to the 12th century with D. Sancho I, exploring his role as colonist and the main concerns that guided his actions. As you move into the 14th century, the magnificent Sé Cathedral of Guarda will be a focal point; you will see its interior and take in the view from the terraces. Along the way you will wander the ancient streets with their giant steps, cross the old walls and the span of centuries, and return to the present to learn the story behind the Rooster that is judged and burned at the stake every year. The experience also introduces other notable figures who filled the city’s history, including Rui de Pina, Frei Pedro do Guarda, Lopo de Carvalho and Sousa Martins, and José Maria Pedrosa, bringing their contributions to life as part of Guarda’s unfolding story.

This experience takes you into the landscape around the Côa River, where winding river meanders and ancient trails tell the story of local agriculture. Along the way you’ll learn about the region’s history and the role of the so-called black gold that once sustained communities. You’ll also take part in assembling a model caster mill and see how it works. A snack of traditional products prepared by locals will be offered, and on hot days you may take a swim in the calm waters—bring a bathing suit and towel if you hope to do so. Back in Sabugal you’ll pause for lunch, either bringing your own meal or sampling dishes from local restaurants. You’ll have the chance to visit Sabugal’s castle and museum to explore more of the area’s past. The route is circular, covering 11.5 km with an accumulated slope of 312 m, and is rated moderate difficulty (2 out of 5 on the MIDE scale).

This walk through the Mondego Passages immerses you in a dramatic natural landscape threaded with recent history. You start at Caldeirão Dam Parking Park and climb to the Miradouro do Mocho Real for a wide view before the descent into the Mondego Valley. About five hundred wooden steps lead down to where the Caldeirão Falls reveal their rare beauty. As you move through the valley, you will cross the old Mizarela Bridge and pass natural rock sculptures. The route goes by old factories and includes stories about the Papa's blanket. You will reach the Pateiro Hydroelectric Power Station, the oldest in the Guarda, and hear accounts of the exploration of black gold. Along the way you will cross suspended bridges and come upon the mills in Ribeira dos Moinhos. The walk finishes at the park Videmonte, where you may cool down in the waters of the Mondego—bring a bathing suit. The route covers about 12 km with an accumulated tilt of 600 m and is rated moderate (MIDE 2/3 of 5).

You’ll join the farm owners on a hands-on eco-adventure at their family farm. Through direct interaction with animals, gardens and the surrounding landscapes, you’ll move beyond a typical farm visit into a more immersive, relaxed experience. As you explore, the owners will share how the farm is managed in harmony with nature and you’ll gain a clear, practical sense of the place and its rhythms. Along the way you’ll learn a simple, inspiring overview of food self-sufficiency, permaculture principles and eco-friendly living. The visit combines learning, exploration and meaningful connection in an authentic atmosphere. It will offer ideas, values and everyday practices that you may be able to bring home and share with family or friends. Overall, the experience aims to help you reconnect with nature, animals and what matters in daily life.

You will start in Manteigas, in the Serra da Estrela natural park, and move through a landscape where nature and culture meet. The route crosses the Glacier Valley of the Zêzere River, offering wide views and the sense of local legends. Along the way you will follow paths once used by ancient shepherds and walk through forests that change with the seasons. The walk takes you to the Poço do Inferno, a 10-metre waterfall on the Leandres River, and brings you to emblematic sites such as the Casa da Guarda‑Florestal, the Vale do Buraco, the Carvalhal and the Viveiro das Moitas, all noted for their biodiversity. The experience finishes with a handmade snack as you breathe the pure mountain air, and then returns to the starting point of the track. The route covers about 12.3 miles with an accumulated ascent and descent of 666 m each and is rated Moderate/High Difficulty (Level 2/3–5 MIDE).

On this e-bike tour you will explore the surroundings of Vila de Manteigas and the Zêzere Glacier Valley. As you ride, you will enjoy views over the Central Massif of Serra da Estrela and discover some of the mountain’s most beautiful forests. The route will take you through varied landscapes, giving a broad sense of the local scenery. The experience provides a fun, sustainable way to experience Serra da Estrela. Using an electric bike will let you cover more ground with less effort, so you can focus on the scenery and the valley’s viewpoints as you move through the area. Along the way you will be able to appreciate panoramic vistas and the wooded sections that characterise this part of the massif.

On this tour you'll have the opportunity to discover the fantastic mountain landscapes of Serra da Estrela Mountain, which is considered the Swiss Alps of Portugal. The route will bring you into a natural setting that is unique and striking, where broad ridges and high slopes are often capped by a snow-covered mountain range. As you move through the area, you'll explore the region's dramatic scenery and take in wide panoramas of rocky outcrops, winter-white summits and open highland terrain. Along the way you'll learn about the character of this landscape and how the snow and elevation shape its appearance through the seasons. The experience will focus on the natural beauty and atmosphere of Serra da Estrela, offering time to appreciate the quiet majesty of Portugal’s highest mountains.

This experience takes you through the streets of Belmonte so you can see its heritage on display. Situated in the heart of Cova da Ribeira, Belmonte sits with a privileged view over the eastern slope of Serra da Estrela. As you move through the town, you will take in the setting that frames its history and landscape. Along the way you will explore a place tied to Portugal’s past: the land where Pedro Álvares Cabral was born. The town is presented as the birthplace of good people and of endless landscapes. You will encounter layers of centuries of history and the cultural heritage that remains visible in the streets and views. This experience focuses on being in the town itself, seeing its heritage, and appreciating the connection between the people, the place and the surrounding Serra da Estrela slopes.

This guided tour in a vehicle with a driver/guide takes you through the natural and cultural highlights of Serra da Estrela. In the morning you'll visit Poço do Inferno, the largest waterfall in the mountains, then explore the Vale Glacier and Covão d'Ametade. The route also reaches the highest point of the mountain, Torre at 2,000 m, where you can take in the wide views and learn about the area's geological and human history. After a lunch stop in Folgosinho (not included), the afternoon includes visits to Folgosinho itself, Cabeça do Faraó, Covão da Ponte and the Vale do Mondego. Along the way the guide will point out both natural features and local cultural aspects. There is also the option to visit a traditional burel factory, which is not included in the price.

On this private guided route in an off‑road vehicle, you will explore the best-known natural, human and cultural sites of Serra da Estrela with a driver/guide. The itinerary includes the Tower (the highest point in Serra da Estrela and in mainland Portugal), Poço do Inferno (the largest waterfall in the mountains) and the Covão da Ponte recreation area on the Mondego river. You will pass through the Mondego river valley and see the chapel of Nª Srª de Assedasse. Along the way you will also visit the glacial Zêzere valley and Covão d’ametade, as well as viewpoints and features such as Santinha, Cabeça do Pharaó, Azinha and the Corredor dos Mouros, finishing with a view towards Capela S. Lourenço. There is the option to include nearby villages and spots such as Folgosinho, Linhares da Beira, Penhas Douradas and the Vale do Rossim Dam. The route may be adjusted according to your group’s departure and arrival location, the time available and atmospheric conditions. The operator guarantees the best experience in Serra da Estrela.