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Protected area in Portugal
Photo: Heigeheige, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Serra da Estrela Natural Park (Portuguese: Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela) is in Central Portugal. It contains mainland Portugal's tallest mountain peak and the country's only ski resort.
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At 1993 m, Torre is continental Portugal's tallest mountain peak. A 7 m man-made tower on the site ostensibly brings the pinnacle's total height to 2000 m. The mountaintop is accessible by car via a paved road.
Capela da Torre, Chapel of Our Lady of the Air
This chapel is located at the former base of the Portuguese Air Force's Squadron 13 of the Alert, Detection, and Interception Conduct Group. It was built in 1962 and was reopened in 2007 after decades of abandonment.
Vodafone Ski Resort
At an elevation of 2000 m, this is Portugal's only ski resort. They have a skiing and snowboarding school. Although located in Seia municipality, the resort's main gateway is the village of Penhas da Saúde in Covilhã.
Ebike guided or autoguided tours by the mountain.
The building was constructed in 1905 as the village's wood fire oven. It was converted into a restaurant in 2009 and given a medieval theme based on the legend of Viriato, the leader of the Lusitano people, ancestors of the Portuguese. Their recommended dishes include kid goat, veal, and cod with corn bread.
Cosy place with traditional cooking and great mountain views.
The building and decor may be modern, but the food is authentic and traditional.
This quaint, rustic three-star, 9-room hotel in a country home is run by a friendly older couple. Amenities include a bar, a garden, free Wi-Fi in the main lounge, free breakfast, and free parking.
This four-star, 80-room hotel boasts a heated indoor pool, an outdoor pool, a games room with billiards table, a tennis court, children's activities, and a "medieval" restaurant. Amenities include room service, free Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and free parking.
Serra da Estrela Youth Hostel
Camping Pião
This campground has a snack bar, a cookout area, bicycle rentals, a swimming pool, toilets, and showers. The property has bungalows and mobile homes.
Valhelhas Camping
Campground on the River Zêzere.
A small, slightly run-down shopping centre with multiple vendors at the tip top of Portugal. Look for regional products, including queijo Serra da Estrela cheese, presunto ham, and woollen goods.
Several minor national roads cross the park, skirt its edges, or connect with surrounding towns, including N 230, N 231, N 232, N 338, and N 339.
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