The Serra da Estrela Natural Park is the largest
protected area in Portugal, located in the central mountainous massif, North-East, cut across by rivers and
streams that have their source here such as the Mondego and Zêzere.
The
landscape is marked by rocky outcrops, boulders and crags, several of which
resemble human forms that have given rise to popular names such as "head
of the old woman " and the "Pitchers" (fat, thin and flat), that
may be admired as visitors hike along the many existing pedestrian trails.
Since this is the highest peak in mainland Portugal, it is also one of the areas with the highest levels of precipitation, with abundant snow in the winter,
enabling winter sports to be practised.
At 1,993m it is Torre and Vodafone ski resort.
The "ice crystal" was the
symbol chosen by the Natural Park, in allusion to its climatic characteristics
and the glacial origin of this mountain range, as can be seen in the valleys of
Zêzere and Unhais, large gaping holes in the mountain side and around 25
natural lagoons.
Valleys in the shape of horseshoes, ravines, polished rocks and lakes of glacial origin are just some of the formations that demonstrate the importance of the ice and snow in modelling the mountains.
These outstanding natural pearls invite us to enjoy the extraordinary beauty individually or in group.
