Hiking in Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela is one of the best places to hike in Portugal! Much of its length can be accessed by bicycle, allowing you to cover more distance and see more places. However, there are areas with rougher terrain that can only be explored on foot. It’s in these more inaccessible places that you’ll find the most beautiful hiking trails on this mountain.
On this page you’ll find the best hikes and trekkings in Serra da Estrela. You can download the GPX files of the ones you prefer, to use on your GPS or smartphone.
If you have no experience of mountain trails, read our TIPS before you set off on your adventure.
Need help planning your visit to Serra da Estrela? Get in touch! We’ll be happy to help!
What you find on this page:
Climbing to Torre
Yes, it’s true. You can go up to Torre the highest point in mainland Portugal, by car. But it’s different on foot. It’s challenging, the views are breathtaking and it’s also more sustainable. And at the end you get that feeling of achievement…
The trails presented here are physically demanding and take place on footpaths for most of their length. Although they don’t present any major technical difficulties, they are recommended for hikers with some experience of mountain trails. If this is not the case, we advise you to do them with a guide.
The routes are linear. You can return along the same route or request a cab to take you from the Tower to the starting point.
Do you want to climb to Torre with local guide?
Climb Loriga - Torre
10.5 km (one way) | 1060 m D+ | Start: Loriga
From Loriga, known as the Switzerland of Portugal, you ascend to Torre via the Loriga Glacier Valley, also known as the Loriga Gorge. This valley is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Serra da Estrela landscape.
The Penha dos Abutres and the Penha do Gato preside over the landscape and you’ll see them all along your route.
The trail initially runs through verdant high-altitude meadows with unbeatable views of the town and the Serra do Açor in the background.
As you climb through the valley formerly covered by the ice of the Loriga glacier, the landscape becomes increasingly harsh, more mountainous, but at the same time more beautiful.
Before reaching the Tower, you’ll pass several glacial cirques, reservoirs and high altitude lagoons.
This is considered by many to be the most beautiful climb to the top of the Tower.
Climb - Alvoco da Serra Torre
6.3 km (one way) | 1230 m D+ | Inicio: Alvoco da Serra
Alvoco da Serra is the closest town geographically to Alto da Torre. Like Loriga, it is a beautiful mountain village on the southwest slope of the Serra da Estrela.
This is the shortest ascent at just 6.3 km long, but it’s also undoubtedly the most demanding. Along the route you’ll face the famous “Alvoco vertical KM”. In this segment, you’ll climb 1,000m in altitude in just 3.7km.
The climb to Torre from Alvoco is extremely scenic, with unobstructed views along almost the entire route.
An excellent option for those looking for a more challenging trek.
Climb Manteigas - Torre
13,6 km (ida)| 1280 m D+ | Inicio: Manteigas
Situated to the north of the Serra da Estrela Massif Central, Manteigas is known as the Heart of the Serra da Estrela and was recently awarded the BEST TOURISM VILLAGES 2023 by UNWTO.
Longer ascent and very rich in points of interest. You’ll pass through some of the most imposing landscapes in the Serra da Estrela. The ascent is for long periods gentle, so there are also quite steep areas and somewhat technical terrain with one or two easy climbs.
First, you’ll hike along the Zêzere Glacier Valley, one of the ex libris of our Serra da Estrela. You’ll climb up to Portas da Candeeira for a magnificent view over this high altitude valley, which can only be reached on foot. Pass by the famous Covão d’Ametade and then the imposing glacial cirque of Covão Cimeiro, surrounded by the imposing Cântaros, the best-known peaks of this mountain.
A short detour (optional) allows you to climb up to Cântaro Gordo to enjoy the views. Then, on less steep terrain, you’ll walk along the upper plateau until you reach the highest point, the Torre.
Trekkings in the Central Massif of Serra da Estrela
Landscapes very different from those we are used to in our daily lives. The Central Massif of the Serra da Estrela offers unique views in Portugal and is home to several species that don’t exist anywhere else in our country.
There are lagoons, colossal rock formations, views to infinity…
This is what awaits you up there.
As with the ascents to the Torre, you need to bear in mind that these are demanding mountain trails.
Would you like a trekking on the central massif with guide?
Central Massif Route
10,3 km (circular) | 570 m D+ | Start: Covão d’Ametade
Undoubtedly one of the most impressive circular routes in the whole mountain. Don’t be fooled by the “modest” distance and accumulated gradient statistics. This is a demanding trail.
But rewarding. Very rewarding. You’ll start at Covão d’Ametade and climb up towards Cântaro Gordo. In just 2km you’ll climb from 1,400m to 1,800m. You’re now at the foot of Cântaro, which you can optionally climb.
On the upper plateau, the terrain is gentler, so take the opportunity to contemplate some of the most beautiful lakes in Serra da Estrela.
A somewhat steep descent with some easy switchbacks will take you to the Candeeira Valley. This is the most remote valley in our entire mountain range and you’ll walk all the way through it.
At the end, you’ll cross the slopes of the Zêzere Glacier Valley with extraordinary views.
One of the most exciting mountain routes in Portugal!
Upper Plateau Circular
8 km (circular) | 250m D+ Start: Torre
A short route around the Torre plateau. This is a relatively accessible route as it takes place at altitude, with no great accumulated gradients.
You’ll leave the Torre towards the Loriga Glacier Valley where you’ll see some glacial lakes and cirques, then in the Salgadeiras area you’ll visit some of the most beautiful lagoons in the Serra. At the end, heading back to the starting point, you’ll have the best views of the three Cântaros and the grand Covão Cimeiro.
This route is almost entirely on footpaths. Indispensable for those who want to discover the most alpine landscapes in Portugal.
Crossing the Western Plateau
14 km (one way) | 560m D+ | Start: Vale das Éguas (Penhas Douradas)
The highest areas of Serra da Estrela are essentially made up of two plateaus divided by the Zêzere and Alforfa Glacial Valleys.
The western plateau is more remote and its most interesting areas can only be accessed on foot.
You’ll start in the Vale das Éguas, a sui géneris landscape with vegetation that changes color throughout the year and views of the Rossim Valley bathing area. The imposing granite blocks are already here and will accompany you all the way.
You’ll visit the Nave da Mestra and the Judge’s House built under a huge granite block, one of the most special places in Estrela.
You’ll then head towards the upper plateau, where the landscape begins to grow and the views become more and more impressive, until you reach the end of your route, near Alto da Torre.
One of the most beautiful and diverse routes in Estrela.
5 lagoons route
8,5 km (circular) | 200m D+ | Start: Lagoa Comprida
On this route you’ll see Lagoa Comprida, the famous Covão dos Conchos and the Covão do Forno dam. These three artificial lagoons are part of the Serra da Estrela hydroelectric system. You’ll also pass by the beautiful and secluded Lagoa Redonda and Lagoa Seca.
A short route with plenty of water, mountain and panoramic views.
From Covão dos Conchos, the return is on a footpath, sometimes somewhat closed off by undergrowth. GPS is essential.
Hikes in Serra da Estrela
Hikes of moderate or even easy physical difficulty. Most of them on footpaths.
There are several to choose from, and they are very different from each other.
Some take place on plateaus, others in deep valleys and some take you to magical corners with dense forests and crystal-clear watercourses.
On these walks you’ll find very different landscapes, which one will suit you best?
Do you want to hike in Serra da Estrela with a local guide?
Visit to "Nave da Mestra"
14 km (circular) | 545 m D+ | Start: Vale do Rossim (Penhas Douradas)
This circular route has many points of interest. In fact, you start in the beautiful bathing area of the Rossim Valley with beautiful views of the Penhas Douradas crags. It’s uphill all the way to the Nave da Mestra, but the views of the Rossim Valley and the great crags of the Penhas Douradas from another perspective will delight you.
The Nave da Mestra is an excellent place to stop and contemplate. If you discover the crevice, carefully climb down it to the bottom of the giant granite block.
On the way back you’ll pass through Vale das Éguas with its unique views. At the end, you’ll walk along the banks of the Rossim Valley reservoir back to the starting point.
Manteigas Glacial Valleys
6,5 km (circular) | 400 m D+ | Start: Covão d’Ametade
A short route to discover the Glacial Valleys of Manteigas. The famous Zêzere Glacial Valley and the hanging Candeeira Valley.
After a short walk of about 1 km along the road, you’ll descend into the Zêzere valley along the banks of the river with fantastic views of the peaks of the Serra da Estrela.
You’ll then ascend a moraine to Portas da Candeeira. You’ll have to stop here for a while to enjoy the breathtaking views.
You’ll return to the starting point via a path halfway up the Zêzere Valley. This section of the trail includes some steep sections and an easy scramble.
A very interesting route with numerous traces of glaciation 30,000 years ago!
Caniça Route
6,60 km (circular) | 320 m D+ | Start: Lapa dos Dinheiros
As the name suggests, this route takes you along the meanders of the Caniça stream.
Souto da Lapa, with its century-old chestnut trees, is for me the highlight of this route and it’s right at the beginning. But there’s more.
The Caniça waterfalls are fantastic and the Lapa dos Dinheiros river beach is enchanting!
There are also the Cornos do Diabo (Devil’s Horns), a peculiar rock formation, and the Sumo da Caniça, where the stream disappears from the surface and continues its journey underground to reappear further on!
A beautiful and varied walk.
Bridges Route
8 km (circular) | 350 m D+ | Start: Cortes do Meio
Cortes do Meio is known as the capital of natural pools. Much of the route runs along the banks of the Ribeira das Cortes, with its crystal-clear waters, corners of great natural beauty and, of course, small natural pools along the way.
You’ll walk through the Cortes Valley with its agricultural terraces and views of Alto da Pedrice, which gets bigger as you go.
You’ll also visit the villages of Bouça and Cortes do Meio.
On warmer days, take the opportunity to go for a swim!
Inferno Well
2,8 km (circular) | 120 m D+ | Start: Inferno Well parking lot (Manteigas)
A short but stunning hike. The route is bumpy but very rewarding.
In the vicinity of the Poço do Inferno waterfall, you’ll climb a steep, rocky path (be careful if the path is wet or damp) to discover other small waterfalls and superb views. Afterwards, you’ll pass through one of the most beautiful forests in the Serra da Estrela, with several species of hardwood and coniferous trees that are not very common in our country.
Perhaps one of the most beautiful walks you can do in the Serra.
Tips: What you should know before you set off to discover Serra da Estrela
Always check the weather forecast before you go. The weather can be quite severe in Serra da Estrela, especially in the higher areas. If bad weather or fog is forecast, it’s best to postpone the adventure.
Weather conditions can change suddenly, so always take extra shelter.
The technical and physical difficulty of ascents to the Torre and trails on the High Plateau increases greatly if there is ice or snow. If you have no experience, hire a guide or postpone the adventure.
Even on the lower routes, care must be taken on days with rain or high humidity, as parts of the route can be very slippery.
The trails at higher altitudes take place in places with no shade. Take sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat.
Always take enough food and water. Bear in mind that although the routes are not very long, they are on mountain paths with steep gradients. They will take longer to complete and you will expend more energy.
Always carry a cell phone with a charged battery and a GPS with the route you’re taking.
You must not feed or interact with any wild animal. If you find an injured animal, keep some distance and contact CERVAS +351 919 457 984.
Do not use fire
Avoid noises or attitudes that disturb the natural environment where you are
Stay on the trail
Don’t leave your garbage on the mountain
- Take nothing but photos
In case of emergency GNR – Protection and Relief Intervention Group – + 351 961 188 070
Estrela Ebike is here to help you make the most of your visit to the region.
See you in Serra da Estrela!
With love,
Júlia & Nuno
Do you have any questions?