Serra da Estrela Natural Park

Serra da Estrela Nature Reserve is encompassing Portugal’s largest mountain range. This reserve is an awe-inspiring area. It is renowned for its sublime hiking, excellent skiing and fascinating heritage. Explore breathtaking footpaths along dramatic peaks, or take the whole family on a range of skiing routes. You will enjoy the magnificent sight of the unusual Covão dos Conchos, a waterfall-like hole in the middle of a lake.

The number of species of larger mammals in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park is limited. There are wild boar, fox, genet, badger and otter. This used to be the habitat of the Iberian wolf, but unfortunately it lost the unequal battle with the cattle breeders.

Birds are plentiful. In the lower areas, the hoopoe, the barn owl and, near the streams, the dipper. A little higher, at about 1000 metres, there are extensive rye fields, an ideal place for quails and skylarks. It is also the hunting ground of the Montagu’s harrier.

Higher up, rock swallows have built their nests on the rocks. Here you can also find the red rock thrush, a true mountain bird. Alpine crows, with their characteristic red legs and beaks, were also seen here at least until the early 1990s, and there is a good chance that you will see the occasional lizard on your walk. This could be the Lacerta monticola monticola, a rare subspecies of the Iberian mountain lizard. This unique reptile is found only here in the wild.

Click on the walking routes in Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

Featured Routes

Book a Hotel

Rent a Car

Book a Flight

Featured Accommodation