APRIL 2016- AES-PORTUGAL -Living in Harmony with nature

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.