From Covilhã: Tour Serra da Estrela e Covão d’metade

A Friendly Breakdown of the Covilhã to Serra da Estrela Tour

If you’re dreaming of exploring Portugal’s highest mountain range, this tour from Covilhã to Serra da Estrela might just be what you need. It offers a solid mix of natural beauty, local flavors, and iconic viewpoints — all packed into about four hours. We haven’t personally done this trip, but based on reviews and the detailed itinerary, it seems like a thoughtful way to soak in some of Portugal’s most impressive scenery without the hassle of planning every detail yourself.

What really appeals is the chance to visit Serra da Estrela’s famous spots, like the highest point in mainland Portugal and the largest glacial valley in Europe, all while enjoying some authentic local products. The tour’s flexibility — with stops for photos, tastings, and exploring — shows they understand what travelers love about scenic day trips. On the flip side, it’s a short window of time, so if you’re after an in-depth hike or a more leisurely exploration, this might feel a bit rushed.

This experience works best for those who want a guided snapshot of Serra da Estrela’s highlights with a comfortable, organized approach. If you’re a nature lover, curious about Portugal’s natural wonders, or simply want to enjoy stunning views with local bites, this tour could fit the bill. Just keep in mind it’s a private group, which tends to mean more personalized attention — but also a slightly higher price point.

Key Points

• Beautiful scenery from viewpoints like Varanda dos Carqueijais and Piornos.
• Local flavor with cheese and liqueur tastings, showcasing regional specialties.
• Highlights include Europe’s largest glacial valley and Portugal’s highest point.
• Comfortable and informative guided experience with personalized service.
• Timing is flexible, with start options at 09h00 or 14h30, fitting different schedules.
• Ideal for travelers who want a curated, scenic adventure without extensive walking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Serra da Estrela Tour in Detail

The Pick-Up and Introduction

The tour kicks off with a convenient pickup at your accommodation in Covilhã, usually around 09h00 or 14h30. This is a big plus because it takes away the stress of finding your way to meeting points. The guide, who speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and English, accompanies you throughout, providing insights that make the scenery even more engaging. From the start, it’s clear the focus is on delivering a well-rounded experience that combines natural wonders and regional culture.

The Scenic Drive and Miradouro da Varanda dos Carqueijais

One of the first stops is the Varanda dos Carqueijais viewpoint. This spot is known for breathtaking views of Cova da Beira, a lush valley dotted with farms and tiny villages. The guide’s commentary makes this more than just a photo op; you learn why this area is so special. Expect about 40 minutes here, giving you enough time to snap photos and take in the landscape.

Travelers have raved about the vistas here, with one reviewer saying, “les vues sont à couper le souffle” (the views are breathtaking). It’s a perfect start to get your eyes and camera ready for the natural beauty ahead.

Piornos and Covão d’Ametade

Next, you’ll visit Piornos, a scenic spot where you can appreciate the rugged terrain and contemplate landmarks like Nave Santo Antônio and Poio do Judeu. The highlight here is a 40-minute stop, giving you a chance to breathe in the mountain air and capture more stunning photos.

Then, the tour heads to Covão d’Ametade, a place that makes many visitors pause. Here, you’ll get a good look at the Gordo, Raso, and Magro caves, as well as the source of the River Zêzere. The reviews point out that this area is truly remarkable, with one traveler mentioning that their guide “made the tour even more magical” by explaining the significance of each site.

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Nossa Senhora da Boa Estrela and the Iconic Torre

Continuing along, the group stops at Nossa Senhora da Boa Estrela, a peaceful spot with a view that’s perfect for reflection. Then, you’ll head to the Torre, the highest point in Portugal, where you can step out for pictures, wander around, and even pick up some souvenirs in the small shops. Expect about an hour here, which is enough time to soak in the panoramic views, explore the area, and grab a snack or a souvenir.

Multiple reviews mention how special the Torre is, with one traveler describing it as “a must-see that offers a literal high point in Portugal.” And the guide’s detailed explanations about the significance of this spot add depth to the experience.

Descending into the Glacier Valley

One of the special features of this tour is the descent along the Manteigas side, where you’ll get to see Serra da Estrela’s glacier valley. This area is often called one of Portugal’s natural wonders, and the guide’s narration helps you understand why it’s considered one of the seven wonders of Portugal.

The Covão d’Ametade stop is particularly noteworthy as it’s the base for seeing the Gordo, Raso, and Magro caves. You’ll also get a chance to see the Zêzere River’s origins, which is a pretty impressive sight. Travelers often mention how the landscape here feels almost otherworldly, with the dramatic cliffs and lush valleys.

Tasting and Local Products

No trip through Serra da Estrela would be complete without sampling local specialties. During the tour, you’ll visit traditional shops to taste Serra da Estrela cheese, one of Portugal’s seven gastronomic wonders, along with regional liqueurs. These tastings add a flavorful dimension that complements the visual feast of the scenery.

One reviewer explicitly mentions that the cheese and liqueur tasting was “wonderful,” and that it made the experience even more memorable. These moments offer a taste of regional craftsmanship and give you a break from all the sightseeing.

Final Return and Reflection

After the last stop at Torre, the group heads back to Covilhã, usually arriving around the original pick-up time. The entire journey, at four hours, strikes a good balance — it’s long enough to see the highlights but short enough not to feel exhausted.

Price and Overall Value

At $85 per person, the tour offers a lot of value. It includes transportation, a local guide, and tastings, which are significant perks considering the often high costs of guided excursions. While it doesn’t include lunch or entrance fees to monuments, the value is in the convenience, the curated route, and the insights provided. One review lauds the “very attentive” guide, Manuel, who made the experience even more special.

The tour’s small group or private setup also means a more tailored experience, which many travelers appreciate. For those who prioritize comfort, local knowledge, and scenic variety over a casual, self-guided trek, this package hits the right notes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a snapshot of Serra da Estrela’s highlights without the hassle of planning or extensive walking. Nature lovers will enjoy the viewpoints and landscapes, and those interested in regional gastronomy will appreciate the cheese tastings. It’s suitable if you’re okay with a 4-hour commitment, and you’re looking for a well-organized, informative experience.

However, if you’re after an in-depth hike or more time to explore each site, you might find this tour a bit rushed. It’s perfect for travelers with limited time who want to see Portugal’s natural emblematic sites in a comfortable setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
The information doesn’t specify restrictions, but since it involves sightseeing in mountain areas, it generally should be fine for older kids who can handle a few hours in a vehicle and some walking. It’s always best to check with the provider if you have very young children.

Are meals included in this tour?
No, lunch isn’t included. You can plan to eat before or after the tour, or perhaps bring snacks. The focus is on sightseeing and tastings of regional products.

What languages are the guides available in?
The tour guide speaks Portuguese, Spanish, and English, making it accessible for most international travelers.

How long is each stop, and how much free time do I get?
Stops are typically around 40 minutes each, with an hour at the Torre. This allows enough time to take photos, explore, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Is there an option to cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility if your plans change.

What should I bring on the trip?
It’s recommended to bring your passport or ID card, suitable clothing for mountain weather, and perhaps a camera or smartphone for photos. Food, drinks, backpacks, alcohol, drugs, or animal feed are not allowed on the vehicle.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a carefully curated, scenic day trip from Covilhã that combines Portugal’s natural beauty with local flavors, this guided tour offers a compelling package. From panoramic viewpoints and Europe’s largest glacial valley to regional cheese tastings, it hits most of what makes Serra da Estrela a must-see.

The knowledgeable guide, the stunning vistas, and the personalized service all contribute to a memorable experience — especially if you prefer a structured, comfortable way to explore rather than navigating on your own. While it’s not a deep dive into every corner of the mountains, it hits all the key highlights for a well-rounded taste of Portugal’s natural treasures.

For those who love scenery, culture, and a touch of adventure, this tour from Covilhã offers a solid, enjoyable way to experience one of Portugal’s most iconic regions.

You can check availability for your dates here: