Serra Da Estrela

Mainland Portugal’s highest mountain at 1993 meters (6,539 feet), the Serra da Estrela Natural Park is the largest protected area in the country. “Estrela” refers to “star” in Portuguese, and the striking mountain vistas are less than an hour’s drive from your doorstep in Muxagata.

The Serra offers stark and stunning landscapes with massive granite boulders, steep mountain drops, a wide-ranging diversity of plants and animals, vibrant creeks and rivers, and gorgeous mountain lakes. The area is excellent for hiking, biking, swimming in some of the pristine lakes, or simply touring through the park on its open, winding roads to admire the views. In the winter, skiing is available in Portugal’s only ski resort. Scattered throughout the park are quaint villages and towns where you can have a coffee and taste the special local cheeses, meats, and pastries.

Also check out the Mondego Walkways (Passadiços do Mondego) which are located near Guarda, in a territory recognized by UNESCO as Geopark Estrela. It is a hike along a boardwalk and trails, totaling about 12 km, along the River Mondego. The route offers breathtaking landscapes and includes crossing areas, walkways and suspension bridges. For the bravest, there is also an opportunity for a slide crossing.