The relatively easy hike takes you through the magnificent, glacier-scoured Vale do Zêzere (Zêzere Valley), one of the Serra da Estrela's most significant natural features. It's a highlight of any trip to Manteigas, although be warned: the trail is shadeless and baking hot in clear summer weather.

To get to the start point from Manteigas, follow the N338 for 2.8km towards Caldas de Manteigas, leaving the road at the ‘Roteiro Rural Palhotas’ sign just beyond the spa hotel.

From there, a part-cobbled, part-dirt road leads upstream through irrigated fields dotted with typical stone casais (huts). About 4km along, the unpaved road crosses the Rio Zêzere just above a popular swimming hole.

The trail then follows the Rio Zêzere upstream along its eastern bank, climbing gradually through a wide-open landscape dotted with stone shepherds’ huts and backed by spectacular views of the looming mountains on either side. Eventually the path narrows and steepens as you scramble up to meet the N338 (11km from Manteigas).

Once at the N338, you can continue uphill on the paved road 1.1km to the Covão da Ametade, a lovely shaded picnic spot. Thirsty day trippers should descend 900m along the road to Fonte Paulo Luís Martins, a crystalline spring whose delightfully cold water (constantly 6°C) is bottled in Manteigas and sold nationally. If you’ve left a car at the swimming hole, you can walk the 3.2km back along the N338, although it’s usually easy to hitch a ride from someone filling bottles at the springs.