If there is a destiny of nature in Portugal which needs no introduction, is the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. After all, we are talking about the highest mountain in Mainland Portugal, a true mecca for winter sports lovers.
It's true that there are (super) demanding high-mountain trails, recommended only for the most experienced hikers. The good news is that there's also a wide range of trails in Serra da Estrela that don't require much technical knowledge and can be explored even with children. And believe me, many of them are among the best trails in Portugal.
We'll show you some of our favorite trails in Serra da Estrela and share maps and GPS routes for each trail so you can plan your hikes through the stunning Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
Despite being a relatively small country, Portugal is blessed with enormous landscape diversity. And in our opinion, there's no better (or more sustainable) way to discover our country's secrets than by exploring Portugal's trails and hiking trails.
Fortunately, Portugal now boasts a wide variety of well-marked trails and hiking trails. It's safe to say, therefore, that there are trails in Portugal for every taste.
Our selection of the best trails in Portugal includes everything from short hiking trails, perfect for a day trip, to long routes that allow for several days of hiking.
All these trails and paths in Portugal have something in common: they allow us to disconnect from an ever-connected world, commune with nature, discover villages lost in time, and enjoy some of Portugal's most beautiful landscapes. And in the process, we meet fantastic people, reminisce about traditions we thought were lost, and sample some of Portugal's finest delicacies—the kind made by the world's best chefs: grandmothers.
So grab your backpack and set off with us to explore the best trails and hiking routes in mainland Portugal.
Serra da Estrela Routes and Trails – truly unmissable hiking trails in Serra da Estrela:
- Wild Boar and Hell's Well Trail (Manteigas)
- Route/GPS Track of the Wild Boar and Poço do Inferno Trails (Manteigas)
- Glacier Valley Route Trail (PR6 Manteigas)
- Route/GPS Track of the Glacier Valley Trail (PR6 Manteigas)
- Central Massif Route (PR5 Manteigas)
- GPS Route/Track of the Central Massif Route Trail (PR5 Manteigas)
- Beech Route Trail (PR13 Manteigas)
- Route/GPS Track of the Faias Route Trail (PR13 Manteigas)
- Levada Route Trail (Cabeça – Loriga)
- Route/GPS Track of the Levada Route Trail (Cabeça – Loriga)
- Covão dos Conchos Trail
- GPS Route/Track of the Covão dos Conchos Trail
- Trail from Rossim Valley to Nave da Mestra
- Route/GPS Track of the Rossim Valley Trail to Nave da Mestra
- Loriga Gorge Route Trail
- GPS Track of the Loriga Gorge Trail
- Caniça Route Trail (PR10 Seia)
- GPS Route/Track of the Caniça Trail
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.
