Serra da Estrela Natural Park

The Serra da Estrela Natural Park spans 101,060 hectares across six municipalities, featuring granite peaks, glacial valleys, and numerous crystalline lakes at different elevations.

Established in 1976 as Portugal's first natural park, this protected area contains ancient Roman roads and traditional irrigation systems from Arab and Visigothic periods.

Local shepherds maintain centuries-old traditions of sheep herding with Serra da Estrela dogs while producing the region's distinguished mountain cheese using cardosins.

The park provides year-round access to hiking trails, winter sports facilities, and accommodations, with a ski resort operating at Torre, mainland Portugal's highest point.

Twenty-five natural lagoons formed by glacial activity dot the landscape, creating water reservoirs that feed three major Portuguese rivers: Mondego, Zêzere, and Alva.

Location: Guarda

Location: Castelo Branco

Inception: 1976

Operator: Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas

Address: Serra da Estrela, 6270, Portugal

Opening Hours: 24/7

Website: http://www2.icnf.pt/portal/ap/p-nat/pnse

GPS coordinates: 40.41838,-7.53539

Latest update: September 15, 2025 08:13