Explore Portugal’s highest mountain range on an 8-day self-guided walking tour
Experience one of Portugal’s most sensational natural landscapes as you walk the Serra da Estrela mountain range, home to Portugal’s highest peaks! The 8-day Serra da Estrela Walking Tour allows you to explore the landscapes of the extraordinary natural park at your own pace, and the adventure-packed itinerary ensures you’ll experience all the highlights and hidden gems!
The Serra da Estrela Walking Tour begins in Celorico da Beira. Set at the foot of the mountains, the picturesque village will introduce you to the warmth and charm of Portuguese hospitality. Setting out daily walks, you’ll make your way through the enthralling landscapes of the natural park, exploring its lush valleys peppered with olive and chestnut trees, waterfalls, and quaint mountain villages.
Stand triumphantly atop Portugal’s highest peak, La Torre, exploring the granite massif and revelling in the glacial oasis. Visit the beautiful villages of Manteigas, Loriga, São Romão and enjoy overnight stays in fascinating medieval villages and sprawling country estates.
This tour offers a truly authentic Portuguese experience, immersing you in the beauty of some of its most extraordinary and majestic landscapes while inviting you into the heart of its small villages, brimming with soul and charm. Bring your sense of adventure and the rest will be taken care of! Enjoy the freedom of this fantastic 8-day self-guided walking tour in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park!
Highlights of the Serra da Estrela Walking Tour
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Serra Da Estrela Walking Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Arrival
Your tour begins in the medieval town of Celorico da Beira in Central Portugal’s Guarda District. The historic town surrounded by staggering medieval walls is home to a spectacular gothic castle and stunning Baroque-style churches.
If your arrival time permits, spend some time exploring this ancient town and soaking up its sights, sounds, and flavours!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Celorico da Beira
Distance: None
Meals: None
Day 2 Walk the Serra do Ralo and the Village of Linhares
Your walking tour begins today with a scenic jaunt through an open area leading you to the top of the Serra do Ralo, where a sprawling windfarm home to sixteen turbines unfolds. Sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding landscape envelop you as you descend through dense pine and oak forest and sweeping pastures to the beautiful medieval village of Linhares.
While meandering the picturesque town, be sure to visit Linhares Castle, the Roman Forum, and the Royal Houses!
Overnight Location: Hotel in Linhares
Distance: 6 hours, 16 km, 620m of ascent, 350m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 Walk the Beautiful Villages of Folgosinho and Manteigas
Today’s walk is equal in challenge and reward! Following breakfast, a short taxi transfer will take you to the beginning of the route in Folgosinho.
Traversing a spectacularly remote area, you’ll embark on a series of ascents and descents along an old Roman road through a scenic valley. From the route's highest point at Portella do Folgosinho, you’ll find sensational views of the Pico de La Torre.
The route proceeds through further valleys and forests and ends with a steep descent in the village of Manteigas, found in a beautiful glacier valley nestled beneath towering peaks.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Manteigas
Distance: 7 hours, 22 km, 700m of ascent, 550m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 Explore the Heart of the Serra da Estrela
There are two route options to choose from today.
Option 1: Enjoy a low-key day, visiting a local trout farm and enjoying the pretty village of Manteigas at your leisure.
Option 2: Visit the thundering waterfall of Poço do Inferno (1290m, 4232 ft), enjoying a scenic walk through the Buraco Valley.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Manteigas
Distance: Option 1: Flexible
Option 2: 6 hours, 14 km, 650m of ascent, 650m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 Walk to the Pousada de São Lorenço
Today your route takes you north of Manteigas on a historic trail under the shade of fragrant pine forest as you make your way to Pousada de São Lorenço, where you’ll be met with stunning views of the Manteigas Valley.
The rest of the route unfolds amidst colourful farmland before a final descent leads you back to Manteigas.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Manteigas
Distance: 6 hours, 14 km, 630m of ascent, 630m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 Choice of Scenic Walks from La Torre to Loriga
There are two route options to choose from today.
Option 1:
Explore the dazzling glacial valley of Zézere as you make your way to La Torre, walking among scenic mountains, meadows, and forest.
Option 2:
A short transfer will take you to La Torre Recreation Area, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the granite massif of Serra da Estrela and the prehistoric glacial valleys. The route unfolds on narrow lanes, traversing lofty pastures, stark peaks, and sparkling lakes, eventually leading you to the village of Loriga.
Overnight Location: Hotel in Loriga
Distance: Option 1: 6 hours, 18 km, 110m of ascent, 110m of descent
Option 2: 5 hours, 12 km, 50m of ascent, 120m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 Más Tumba, Cabeça da Velha and the Village of São Romão
Your final day of walking will take you inland on a spectacular route through enchanting woods, passing several lovely villages along the way and the exciting sites of Más Tumba and Cabeça da Velha.
Reaching tonight’s overnight location in the pleasant village of São Romão, you’ll make yourself at home in the beautifully renovated “quinta” (country house) located just outside the village.
Overnight Location: Hotel in São Romão
Distance: 7 hours, 19 km, 775m of ascent, 550m of descent
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8 Departure
This morning your walking tour comes to an end. Check out of your accommodations and head to the airport to depart.
Overnight Location: None
Distance: None
Meals: Breakfast
The departure is available on any day of the week. Prices below are per person:
Departure on May 1st – July 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $925 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $675 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $595 USD
Departure on August 1st – 31st, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $975 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $675 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $595 USD
Departure on September 1th – October 30th, 2024:
- Solo traveller: $925 USD
- Sharing a double/twin room: $675 USD
- Sharing a triple room: $595 USD
Accommodation on the Serra da Estrela Walking Tour
This tour is based in carefully selected 2-4-star hotels with one stay at a hostel and a charming country house. The accommodations boast spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and are either equipped with basic or modern amenities.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
You can pay a supplement to have a private room where possible when travelling with your group. Solo travellers are not required to pay a supplement beyond the price listed.
Hotels on Standard Tour
Casa dos Osorios in Celorico da Beira ★★★
Located in the historic center of Celorico da Beira, this former 18th-century manor house provides a tranquil stay and offers guests basic amenities.
Hotel Inatel Linhares in Linhares ★★★
Inatel Linhares offers a cozy retreat in Linhares. Enjoy family-friendly vibes, free WiFi, and amenities like a pool.
Hotel Berne in Manteigas ★★★
In the Serra da Estrela Mountains, this Manteigas hotel offers guest rooms with balconies overlooking forest landscapes of Serra da Estrela.
Pensao Cristovao in Loriga ★★
A unique stay in an old house containing over 100 years of history, this hostel located in Loriga offers guests the opportunity to be swept back in history. Guests will enjoy basic amenities during their stay here.
Quinta do Cresteloin Seia ★★★★
This beautiful “quinta” (country house) is situated on 18 scenic hectares surrounded by beautiful forest and picturesque streams. Guests will enjoy the use of modern amenities during their stay here.
What’s Included in the Serra da Estrela Walking Tour?
Meals
7 breakfasts are included on this tour.
Accommodations
Accommodations for 7 nights are included on this tour.
Transportation during the Tour
Private transfers are included according to the itinerary on Days 2, 3, 6 and 7. All luggage transportation is included.
Also Included
- Digital route notes and maps
- GPS App
- 24-hour phone assistance
Not included
- Flights to and from Portugal
- Airport transfers
- Public transport transfers
- Visas if required
- Travel insurance
- Tourist taxes if applicable
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Fees not mentioned as 'included'
Optional Extras
- Activities and excursions unless otherwise mentioned as included
- Single room supplements
- Airport transfers
- Printed tour materials (in addition to digital)
Frequently Asked Questions about Serra da Estrela Walking Tour
Explore the hidden corners of Europe by bike or on foot with S-Cape. Their self-guided trips have been hand-crafted by local experts to highlight every detail of your destination. S-Cape designs tours that allow you to explore without restrictive timetables and immerse yourself in the diverse culture and natural beauty of Europe at your own pace.
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