Portugal Surf Campers > Serra da Estrela in a camper van
First of all,, Serra da Estrela is the highest mountain range in mainland Portugal and an excellent destination for anyone interested in exploring Portuguese nature and the countryside.
Reaching over 1,990 meters (6,529 feet) high, one of the wonders when visit the” Serrra da Estrela” is get to the top known as “Torre”.
Dotted with charming villages covered in breathtaking natural landscapes, this part of Portugal is full of unique culture and unparalleled sights.
furthermore, discover Serra da Estrela in a camper van is our propose for that here are some tips and ideas for things to see, to do and where to stay .
You can rent it here
Spend a day or weekend hiking
The choice is yours , There are no shortages of routes in and around the Serra da Estrela for every level of hiking.
Therefore, Exploring by foot is no doubt one of the best ways to appreciate the rocky terrain, meadows and enjoy the silence of the natureand the best times to visit are late spring and all summer long.
Many places are only avaiable for who walking till there.
One of the reachable wonders in a hiking is Poço do Inferno, a beautiful waterfall, be sure to snap a few photos , against a dream backdrop.
After a hiking day, park the camper van at one of many beautiful camp sites in or around Serra da estrela , enjoy the view and the quiet .
Natural Park, Seia-Covilha, Seia, Centro, Portugal, +351 238 310 230
Poço do Inferno, Rua 1º de Maio 6260-101, Portugal
Visit Covão dos Conchos
One of the most amazing sights in the Serra da Estrela is without a doubt a waterfall-like hole in the middle of a lake.
Although it looks like a mysterious natural phenomenon, this hole was created in the 1950s to direct water from the Ribeira das Naves to Lagoa Comprida.
While it is possible to visit this spot on foot, the hike isn’t for beginners.
It becomes more difficult during the winter months, so visitors are cautioned to do their research first and be careful.
Go skiing during winter
Although Portugal be known for its paradises for surfing, has a skiing paradise too.
The Serra da Estrela is one of the only places that receives snow in Portugal and the only there its possible enjoy ski slopes .
The Estância de Ski is open every day from November to April and offers tracks for all experience levels, from beginers to experts
Estância de Ski, Rua da Estrada Nacional 339, 6200-073 Covilhã, Portugal
Buy homemade souvenirs
This region is one of the best in Portugal to buy local cheese and honey, which will make great gifts and souvenirs.
Keep in mind that the creamy sheep cheese from the Serra (Queijo de Ovelha) has a strong flavour .
The local homemade honey is rich in local flowers flavours like, “urze ands queiro” and its wondeful!
Tipical wool clothes will too make great souvenirs and gifts.
Enjoy the local cuisine
The local cuisine in the Serra da Estrela is heavily influenced by the land
It’s more than worth trying (the small family-run spots are the best restaurants tend to be).
Rice dishes, and beans are common, the wonderful flavourings of local gastronomy is provided by local herbs.
Must taste the pork-based charcuterie, goat, lamb.
Food from this region is hearty and satisfying and certainly one of the best places in Portugal for meat lovers.
Find more landmarks by camper van
The camper vans gives you the best of two worlds, confort and freedom.
Camper vans also give the oportunity to explore the Serra da Estrela in the easiest and fastest way, that is driving through the Serra, this allows visit more landmarks in a shorter time
So hop in your camper van (or rent one from portugalsurfcampers.com ) and hit the windy road.
Late spring, summer, and early fall is the best time to do this is when the weather is most likely to cooperate.
You must add some landmarks to you itinerary, the highest spot in the range called the Tower; the seven-meter-high (23 feet) Senhora da Boa Estrela (a carving into the rock of the local Saint of Shepherds);
The exquisite Santa Maria Church (Igreja de Santa Maria) in the town of Covilhã.
Senhora da Boa Estrela, Unhais da Serra, Portugal
Visit the bread and/or cheese museums
Bread and cheese lover? Who doesn’t ? Learn about their productions at the local museums.
These two places are iconic to the region, visit them.
Try birdwatching or look for other types of wildlife
Portugal has many spots where nature enthusiasts can capture a few photos of the wildlife, including a wide variety of birds.
The Serra da Estrela is one of the best places to do it.
The bird communities will vary from larger mountain species to woodland species depending the altitude.
Don’t miss a glimpse of the Serra da Estrela dogs
One of the oldest and most beautiful dog breeds in the Iberian Peninsula is natural of Serra da Estrela.
Do you known them? Are the Serra da Estrela breed dogs.
Traditionally used to help guard the sheep and other livestock, in addition to the farms and homes.
They are very much loved and undeniably regal in appearance, and their best features is that they are Smart and loyal.
Explore the local villages/towns/cities
Piódão, lies on the edge of the Serra da Estrela and its one of the 2017 winners of the of the Seven Wonders of Portugal in the village category.
Many others charming, beautiful and historic villages pop out of the mountainsides all along the region the landscape is covered in stone homes and ancient roads.
Located on the northeastern side of the range there is also Guarda that is historicaly relevant.
Once that has helped protect the country from Spanish and other European invasions.
In a Camper van you will not only Driving through these towns, you will be able to sleep in some of them.
Use the app PARK4NIGHT that gives you all the tips you need to park the camper van !
While you driving trough Serra da Estrela you will find beautiful places and views.
Peaceful spots for rest and relaxation, enjoy it!