In the center of Portugal there is a destination that consecutively demonstrates the self-regenerating power of Nature. Despite the serious fires that broke out here in 2022, the scenic beauty and extensive biodiversity of the Beiras and Serra da Estrela region are still alive. The affected areas rise even more vigorously from the ashes, while the virgin areas continue to offer visitors all the physical and mental benefits of nature in its purest form.

But Beiras and Serra da Estrela are more than “just” magnificent natural landscapes. This territory is presented as a 360º destination, where nature, culture, gastronomy, health and well-being are translated into various tourist proposals for all ages and preferences, spread over the 15 municipalities – Almeida, Belmonte, Celorico da Beira , Covilhã, Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo, Fornos de Algodres, Fundão, Gouveia, Guarda, Manteigas, Mêda, Pinhel, Sabugal, Seia and Trancoso – which make up its approximately 6,305 km2. Come with us to discover the diversity of Beiras and Serra da Estrela.

Nature, Adventure and Wellness

With ⅓ of its territory covered by Classified Areas – Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve, Serra da Gardunha Protected Landscape, Vale do Côa ZEPA and Faia Brava Reserve – there is no denying the power of nature in Serra da Estrela , whose extraordinary beauty guaranteed it the status of a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2020.

Between slopes, forests and valleys, water is here an element of strength. In butters, the thousand-year-old Glacier Valley serves as a route for the Zêzere river that flows towards the Tagus. On its shores you will find true natural treasures such as the Covão d’Ametade and the Poço do Inferno waterfalls, while in seia you will have the opportunity to discover the waterfalls of Poço da Broca. In Cortes do Meio, in Covilhã, the 12 natural pools bathe body and soul through refreshing dips in its crystalline waters or simple moments of contemplation. If you are looking for a river beach to enjoy the warmer days, add Praia Fluvial da Ratoeira to your itinerary in Celorico da Beira and the river beach Pontes dos Juncais in cotton ovensboth bathed by the waters of the Mondego.

In Almeidatake the opportunity to release any stress or tension in the local spa (one of the five spas found in the territory of Beiras and Serra da Estrela), and in Barca d’Alva, Castelo Rodrigo fig treeTake some time to discover the fauna and flora on board a boat at the crossroads of the Águeda and Duero rivers.

If, between moments of relaxation and introspection, you feel the need for a little more adrenaline, you will surely have plenty to entertain yourself in the more than 150 kilometers of mountain bike trails that run through the Mountain Villages and the Great Route of the Villages Historical (GR22). The alternative to two wheels will be the walks along the extensive pedestrian routes distributed throughout Guard and Manteigas, habitually traveled by shepherds and mountain rangers in their daily routine.

Culture and History

From the power of its natural landscapes, we move on to the intensity of its traditions, customs and historical heritage, which are kept alive in places like Marialva in I ofand Sortelha in sabugal, both are part of the list of 9 Historic Towns (out of a total of 12) located in Beiras and Serra da Estrela. Discovering picturesque towns, visit the town of Cidadelhe in pinhel. Take the opportunity to explore the Côa and enjoy the landscapes in Bogalhal Velho.

Medieval castles, a centuries-old Jewish heritage and unique architecture offer a journey to the origins of Portugal, a bit across the whole territory. Lose yourself in the historic center of Guarda, where the Cathedral occupies a prominent place, explore the Museum of Discoveries and the Jewish Museum in belmonte and cross the Portas D’el Rei in quiet to later explore its flowery streets.

The route of the historic towns is joined by the Towns of Pizarra such as Barroca and Janeiro de Cima, in the background, where you can let yourself be enchanted by the contrast of the dark colors of the schist with the bright tones of the flowers that decorate its streets and balconies. In the search for a return, albeit temporary, to a simpler, more uncomplicated and pure lifestyle, the destination to include in the itinerary will be the Aldeia de Montanha de Folgosinho, in Gouveiapart of a network of 31 Mountain Villages located in the Serra da Estrela region.

Now we move away from the rusticity of the towns to head towards the center of the city of Covilhã, the first city to integrate the Creative City of Design category, within the scope of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Stroll through its streets following the Urban Art Route, admiring the works scattered on the walls of local houses used as canvases, and visit the Wool Museum of the University of Beira Interior to learn more about arts, techniques and textile materials such as the burel, made with the wool of the Serra da Estrela sheep.

Sensations and Flavors

The essence of Serra da Estrela is also reflected in unique flavors that leave a mark on whoever experiences them. Talking about local gastronomy necessarily implies a reference to its most famous cover letter, the Queijo da Serra da Estrela, with an intense flavor and texture, made with the milk of the Bordaleira sheep, an endogenous breed of the region.

In the food, the strong flavors of game meat stand out, but also of kid and lamb. Savor the intensity of its famous sausages and toast with wines from Beira Interior, Dão and Douro and the famous ginginha. There are no restrictions or diets here: it is impossible to resist cherries, jams, honey, almonds, chestnuts and sweet sardines.

The warmth of its people, the depth of its traditions, the intense flavors of its gastronomy, the relevance of its history and its natural beauty are still alive in Beiras Serra da Estrela. An even stronger, more welcoming and attractive territory is born from the ashes.

From March 1 to 5, come and learn more about Beiras and Serra da Estrela and the 15 municipalities that make up the BTL – Lisbon Tourism Exchange. The ideal opportunity to start planning your next getaway or vacation in Portugal in detail.

This promotional action is part of the Intermunicipal Project of Integrated Tourism Products, developed by the Intermunicipal Community of Beiras and Serra da Estrela, in collaboration with Turismo Centro de Portugal, co-financed by Portugal 2020, Centro 2020 and the European Union through the European Fund. of Regional Development.