Must-see attractions in Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

  • Burel Factory

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    The burel factory originally opened in 1960 and employed 1000 people at its height (burel is a wool fabric similar to felt). After a decline in the…

  • Museu de Lanifícios

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    Covilhã used to be the centre of one of Europe’s biggest wool-producing regions, but stray outside the centre and you’ll see the town’s ghostly mills…

  • Igreja de Santa Maria

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    In the heart of Covilhã's gritty historic centre, the 16th-century Igreja de Santa Maria is a startling sight. Its facade is entirely clad in blue and…

  • Poço do Inferno

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    This waterfall, which descends the steep gorge of Ribeira de Lenadres, is a magnificent spectacle, particularly in spring. To get there from Manteigas,…

  • Museu Municipal de Arte Moderna Abel Manta

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    This fascinating modern-art museum pays homage to Abel Manta, a (controversial) Portuguese modernist painter, who was born in Gouveia in 1888. Around 23…

  • Centro de Interpretacão da Serra da Estrela

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    In a park to the west of the town centre, this centre provides an excellent introduction to the Serra da Estrela region. A nine-minute film in English or…

  • Museu do Brinquedo

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    This museum, housed in a lovely converted mansion, traces the history of Portuguese toys, from the Victorian to the contemporary, providing an interesting…

  • Museu do Pão

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    This popular museum, set in a huge complex with mill wheels, a restaurant and rustic buildings, celebrates the history of traditional bread making. The…

  • Ponte Pedonal Penedos Altos

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    This striking footbridge spans the valley east of the old town, connecting the centre with the town's outer suburbs. Zigzagging over the valley floor, the…

  • Castelo de Linhares

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    Visible for miles around, Linhares' 13th-century castle is a formidable sight, with its two crenellated keeps and impregnable walls. Not a lot remains…

  • Jardim Público

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    Commanding fabulous views, the leafy Jardim Público, north of Praça do Município, is a popular local haunt and a pleasant spot for a sunset drink at the…

  • Museu da Miniatura Automóvel

    Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela

    Here's the deal: revheads (big kids and small) and keen collectors will love this, others might think 'meh'. Over 3000 miniature vehicles are on display…

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