When it comes to natural destinations in Portugal, the Serra da Estrela Natural Park needs no grand introduction. After all, it is home to the highest mountain in mainland Portugal, a true mecca for winter sports enthusiasts.
While it’s true that there are some highly challenging high mountain trails, recommended only for the most experienced hikers, the good news is that Serra da Estrela also offers a wide range of hiking trails that don’t require extensive technical knowledge and are even suitable for children. In fact, many of these trails rank among the best in Portugal.
We are excited to share some of our favorite Serra da Estrela trails with you, along with maps and GPS routes for these hikes so you can plan your walks through the stunning Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
Despite being a relatively small country, Portugal is blessed with an incredible diversity of landscapes. And in our opinion, there is no better or more sustainable way to discover the hidden gems of our country than by exploring the hiking trails of Portugal on foot.
Fortunately, Portugal now boasts a wide variety of well-marked trails and hiking routes. You can confidently say that there are trails in Portugal to suit every taste.
In our selection of the best trails in Portugal, you’ll find everything from short hikes perfect for a day’s outing to longer routes that allow for several days of walking.
All these trails share something in common: they allow us to disconnect from our always-connected world, commune with nature, discover villages lost in time, and enjoy some of the most beautiful landscapes in Portugal. Along the way, you’ll meet wonderful people, rediscover traditions that were thought to be lost, and taste some of Portugal’s best delicacies, made by the finest chefs in the world: the grandmothers.
So grab your backpack and join us as we explore the best hiking trails and routes in mainland Portugal.
Serra da Estrela Routes and Trails – Truly Unmissable Hiking Paths:
- Trilho Rotas do Javali e do Poço do Inferno (Manteigas)
- GPS Route/Track for Trilho Rotas do Javali e do Poço do Inferno (Manteigas)
- Trilho Rota do Vale Glaciar (PR6 Manteigas)
- GPS Route/Track for Trilho Rota Vale Glaciar (PR6 Manteigas)
- Rota do Maciço Central (PR5 Manteigas)
- GPS Route/Track for Trilho Rota do Maciço Central (PR5 Manteigas)
- Trilho Rota das Faias (PR13 Manteigas)
- GPS Route/Track for Trilho Rota das Faias (PR13 Manteigas)
- Trilho Rota da Levada (Cabeça – Loriga)
- GPS Route/Track for Trilho Rota da Levada (Cabeça – Loriga)
- Trilho do Covão dos Conchos
- GPS Route/Track for Trilho do Covão dos Conchos
- Trilho do Vale do Rossim à Nave da Mestra
- GPS Route/Track for Trilho do Vale do Rossim à Nave da Mestra
- Trilho Rota da Garganta de Loriga
- GPS Route/Track for Trilho Rota da Garganta de Loriga
- Trilho Rota da Caniça (PR10 Seia)
- GPS Route/Track for Trilho Rota da Caniça
The entrance to the Serra da Estrela Natural Park can be reached in about 30 minutes by car from Quinta da Palmeira – Country House Retreat & Spa.