The best walks and hikes around Manteigas (Santa Maria)

The Serra da Estrela mountain range, and especially the Manteigas area, is spectacular for hiking or cycling. 👍🥾

Located within the Planalto Superior biogenetic reserve, the Rossim Valley is a unique location of great scientific, environmental, and scenic value that deserves to be protected and enhanced. Although it is an artificial lake, over time, conditions have been created that have transformed this area into an excellent leisure and recreation area that attracts countless tourists. The Vale do Rossim recreation center is located at an average altitude of 1,437 meters. Before the dam was built, it was one of the best high-altitude pastures in the municipality of Gouveia. The area has almost always been frequented by transhumance herds, flocks that gathered here from São João to the Sr. do Calvário festivities in August.

In the heart of the Serra da Estrela, Manteigas is a mountain town that doesn't need grand monuments. Nestled above the Zêzere Glacier Valley, it enchants with grand landscapes, sparkling snowy winters, and soul-warming cuisine. Carved by Europe's southernmost glacier thousands of years ago, the surrounding mountains are the stage for endless adventures, legendary trails, and corners of pure tranquility. Here, every turn reveals a new landscape, each season paints the town with different colors, and each visit leaves you feeling like you've truly entered the heart of the mountain.

At over 1,400 meters above sea level, the Rossim Valley Reservoir is a haven of granite, pine trees, and crystal-clear waters in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Mountains. It's the perfect setting for strolls, summer swims, and admiring nature in all its splendor, one of Portugal's highest jewels.

Covão da Ponte is an idyllic and picturesque place, a true hidden gem in the Serra da Estrela. Situated along the upper reaches of the Mondego River, it is renowned for its serene beauty and enchanting landscapes. Featuring wide grassy expanses, water-polished granite rocks and groves of trees, it is an ideal place for relaxation, picnics and quiet walks. The Mondego River flows here peacefully, forming small pools and waterfalls that contribute to the atmosphere of peace and harmony. It is especially appreciated for its fresh air and the feeling of isolation from the daily hustle and bustle, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.

At an altitude of 1,700 metres, in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, stands the impressive Nave da Mestra, a granite colossus that holds a centuries-old secret: the Barca Herminius. Built in 1910 by craftsmen from Manteigas, who climbed the mountain with mules and hydraulic jacks, this house nestled between rocks looks like something out of a fairy tale. It is said that it was designed as a summer retreat by the Matos Preto family, but the legend goes further: clandestine meetings against the regime, led by judge José Pereira de Matos, are said to have taken place there. That is why, to this day, it is called the Judge's House. Running along these trails is a real spectacle!

At an altitude of 1,700 metres, in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, stands the impressive Nave da Mestra, a granite colossus that holds a centuries-old secret: the Barca Herminius. Built in 1910 by craftsmen from Manteigas, who climbed the mountain with mules and hydraulic jacks, this house nestled between rocks looks like something out of a fairy tale. It is said that it was designed as a summer retreat by the Matos Preto family, but the legend goes further: it is said that clandestine meetings against the regime, led by judge José Pereira de Matos, took place there. That is why, to this day, it is called the Judge's House.

Right next to Capela de São Lourenço, there is a group of beautiful centuries'old oak trees that invite you to sit and enjoy their company and take in their majesty