Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PARQUE NATURAL DA SERRA DA ESTRELA
Fascinating both for its natural and cultural history, Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela was
one of Portugal's first designated parks, and at 1011 sq km remains the country's largest
protected area. The rugged boulder-strewn meadows and icy lakes of its high country form
one of Portugal's most distinct and unexpected landscapes. It's a glorious, seasonal beauty:
the
altiplano
(upland) area is stunning in the morning or evening light. On the slopes be-
low, rushing rivers historically provided hydro power to spin and weave the Serra's abund-
ant wool into cloth. Nowadays, shepherds still roam a landscape of terraced fields and tra-
ditional one-room, stone
casais
(huts) thatched with rye straw, but traditional sheep-herd-
ing is fast giving way to a service economy catering to weekending tourists.
The presence of the 1993m Torre - Portugal's highest peak - at the centre of the park is
both a blessing and a curse. It forms an undeniably dramatic backdrop, but as the only
place in Portugal where snow dependably falls, it also tends to lure vast winter hordes with
little consciousness of their impact on the high country's ecosystems.
The Serra abounds in hiking and climbing opportunities; these mountains are one of Por-
tugal's most alluring destinations for outdoors enthusiasts. Hikers - and everyone else -
will also appreciate the Serra's excellent mountain cheese and hearty rye bread.
