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 52m-high structure, accessible by a free lift from the Jardim Público, was designed by João Luís Carrilho da Graça and opened to rave architectural reviews in 2009.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela attractions

1. Jardim Público

0.16 MILES

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…

2. Igreja de Santa Maria

0.38 MILES

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…

3. Museu de Lanifícios

0.59 MILES

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…

4. Poço do Inferno

6.06 MILES

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

5. Burel Factory

7.74 MILES

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…

6. Museu dos Descobrimentos

9.43 MILES

Reason enough for a visit to Belmonte, this fabulous museum is dedicated to Portuguese seafaring and the discovery of Brazil by local-born explorer Pedro…

7. Museu Judaico de Belmonte

9.54 MILES

Nestled in a quiet corner of Belmonte's charming historic centre, this small museum has a well-presented display of Jewish artefacts, mostly modern, with…

8. Museu do Pão

13.71 MILES

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