SERRA DA ESTRELA
These “star mountains” are the highest range on mainland Portugal, with much
of the Serra over 1,500 m (5,000 ft). The highest point rises to 1,993 m
(6,539 ft) but is topped by a small stone tower – the Torre – to “stretch”
it to 2,000 m. The exposed granite of the upper slopes is good for little
but grazing sheep, and stone shepherds’ huts form part of the landscape,
their thatched roofs renewed each year after the harsh winter. Sheep have
shaped the fortunes of the area, providing wool for a textile industry and
supplying milk for Portugal’s best-known cheese. A designated nature
reserve, the Serra’s long-distance paths and stunning flora attract walkers
and nature enthusiasts, while a winter snowfall brings skiers to the slopes
around Torre.
-
Mercado
Municipal, Rua Pinto Lucas Marrão, Seia (Tel: 238 317 762 );
Covilhã (Tel: 275 319 560 ); Gouveia (Tel: 238 490
243 ); Manteigas (Tel: 275 981 129 ). -
Covilhã,
Guarda. -
to Covilhã, Seia
& Guarda. Limited local service within park. -
Sat in most
towns. -
Feb: Carnaval
& annual cheese fairs; Dec: Santa Luzia.
Cabeça do Velho
The granite of the mountain tops has been eroded into many weird shapes,
such as this “old man’s head” near Sabugueiro. It is matched by an “old
woman’s head” south of Seia.
Intelligent, loyal and brave, the Serra da Estrela sheepdog embodies all the
qualities required in this wild region. Its heavy coat, as shaggy as its
charges, helps it survive the bitter high-altitude winters and in the past
its strength was called upon to defend the flock from wolves. Pedigree Serra
da Estrela dogs (reputedly with some wolf’s blood introduced in their
breeding) are raised at kennels near Gouveia and west of Manteigas.
