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Serra da Estrela

Photo of Serra da Estrela

About Serra da Estrela

The beautiful row of peaks and high plateaus which make up the Serra da Estrela - or 'Star Mountain Range', includes the highest point on mainland Portugal. It's a spectacular plateau which has the unusual bonus of being reachable by road. As you might imagine some of the best places to stay in the Serra da Estrela are ski resorts, but this isn't just a destination for the winter, it's a place of outstanding natural beauty in summer too.

What not to miss

  • In the winter months people are drawn to the area for its skiing and the region is home to some lovely resorts.
  • Part of the Serra da Estrela's appeal is its unusual craggy silhouette, which drops quickly into deep gorges lined with mountain streams and lakes. And with those expansive plateaus you can expect some pretty unique views. On a clear day you might even be able to see the sea, more than 150kms away.
  • There are a number of well known walking routes crossing the Serra da Estrela, including a number of great day trips.
  • As well as snow and scenery, the Serra da Estrela is know for it's ancient soft cheese, made from a two thousand year old recipe. Don't leave the area without trying it.
  • Linhares is definitely worth a visit, one of Portugal's official Historical Villages, with an impressive 13th Century castle.

Our selection of the best places to stay in Serra da Estrela are all in the heart of the National Park and are also phenomenal value for money.

The Best Places to Stay in the Serra da Estrela

For great value

  • Casa das Obras offers country house charm and traditional furnishings throughout. Great value too, with rooms from just €68 per night.
  • Casas da Lapa is a great option for couples and famiies alike with contemporary rooms and two apartments for four. There's a great table d'hote too - just make sure you book ahead!

For a luxurious moutain retreat

  • The stunning Madre de Água Hotel Rural is set on a beautiful farm outside Gouveia. Sample the farm's delicious cheese, wine and olive oil in the restaurant and enjoy the hotel's chic rooms. Perfect for a relaxing rural retreat.

For an apartment or villa

  • Explore the options at our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • The nearest airport to the reach is Porto (80 miles).
  • For car hire, visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • If your looking for skiing, the best time to visit Serra da Estrela is from December to March, however our pick of the best time to visit is from June to September.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Serra da Estrela

Best Hotels in Serra da Estrela

  • Casa das Obras Manteigas 6 rooms from $76

    Sights nearby  -  Glacier Valley of Zêzere, the Poço do Inferno Waterfall, Caldas de Manteigas.
    Great walks  -  Good for walkers.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Traditional
    Swimming PoolGardenParking

    A beautiful country house with plenty of history and charm. Set in the rolling countryside just outside a famous little village. Traditional rooms have stone floors, paintings on the walls, antique furnishings, and sweeping views over the valley below. A country escape with lots of peace and quiet. See More

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  • Casas da Lapa Seia, Serra da Estrela 8 rooms from $92

    Active Holiday  -  The Serra de Estrela has a lot of wildlife and landscape to explore.
    Value chic
    Families
    Sights nearby  -  The caves of Moura and Suma.
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenViewsParking
    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    A wonderful Portugese country house surrounded by stunning mountain landscape. Contemporary chic rooms and two apartments (sleep 4 each), wonderful pool and sun deck, good table d'hote, and plenty of outdoor activities and wildlife to discover. Perfect for families. See More

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  • Convento de Belmonte Belmonte, Serra da Estrela 25 rooms from $103

    Romantic Break  -  With charming suites, beautiful countryside views and a great restaurant, book this hotel for your next tranquil romantic break
    Back to Nature  -  Set in the spectacular landscape of the Serra da Esperança, book this hotel for an authentic back-to-nature retreat
    Hideaway  -  Hidden away in the mountains in a former medieval monastery, book this unique bolt-hole for an unplugged getaway
    Sights nearby  -  Take a guided tour of the village of Belmonte, the Jewish Museum and the Old Jewish Quarter through the hotel
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    This hideaway hotel occupies a former medieval monastery on the slopes of the Esperança Mountains in Belmonte. The individually styled guestrooms - named after brothers in the order - are simple yet elegant. Dine al fresco at the hotel's gourmet restaurant after a day out walking. See More

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  • Madre de Água Hotel Rural Gouveia, Serra da Estrela 10 rooms from $133

    Back to Nature  -  Madre de Água offers a variety of expediitons and trips for you to fully appreciate the area's natural beauty
    Country Escape  -  Forget about all your worries at this tranquil rural spot outside Gouveia
    Sights nearby  -  Head into the quaint and historic city of Gouveia, just a five minute drive away
    Great walks  -  Go hiking up the Serra de Estrela and take in the fantastic surrounding views
    Air conditioningSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessParking
    Recommended by  -  Michelin Travel

    Madre de Água Hotel Rural is situated on a wine, cheese and olive oil producing farm outside Gouveia. It offers chic, modern accommodation, some rooms even feature their own fireplace. Be sure to eat at their excellent restaurant serving regional cuisine! A peaceful and rejuvenating spot. See More

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  • Casa de São Lourenço Manteigas (Serra da Estrela) 21 rooms from $195

    Active Holiday  -  With hiking, skiing and cycling all available close to the hotel, this makes a great active holiday
    Back to Nature  -  Set in a tranquil mountain setting, this hotel is perfect for a retreat to nature
    Romantic Break  -  The luxurious suite, spa and restaurant make this a popular hotel for couples
    Great walks  -  With 250km of marked hiking trails to explore in Serra da Estrela, there are lots of opportunities for walkers
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolDisabled accessViewsParkingNo pets

    This five-star luxury hotel occupies a renovated 1940s building overlooking the beautiful Glacier Valley. Rooms boast hand-selected pieces by renowned Portuguese designers; the best suites have private terraces with panoramic views. Sample seasonal local produce in the restaurant. A stand-out hotel. See More

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