Portugal day 18: Serra da Estrela and Almeida.

Submitted by maria on Sat, 26/09/2020 - 19:29

Today we will summit the highest peak in Portugal, Pico Torre (1,993 metres). The truth is that you can get there by car but we prefer to walk and get to know the area.

Serra da Estrela

It's a bit of a sad day as we say goodbye to our friends who are returning to Spain. We had a really good time.

Our route starts from the N339 near Lagoa das Salgadeiras where there is a small car park on the right hand side if you go up towards the Torre. The trail is marked. It leads us to Covao Medio a small dammed lagoon. From here we follow the milestones until we reach Lagoa Serrano and Lagoa do Covao das Quelhas, the trail passes between the two lakes.

Serra da Estrela

Covao do Meio

From here we ascend following the milestones and soon we see the golf ball shaped domes. Next to them is a small shopping centre.

Serra da Estrela

Lagoa do Covao das Quelhas

Lagoa Serrano

Lagoa do Covao das Quelhas and Lagoa Serrano

Torre peak

There is an obelisk in the middle of the roundabout, seven metres high, which was built so that it could be said that the highest point in Portugal is 2,000 metres high. Curious.

Torre peak

We return along the ski slopes to the car, avoiding the road.

It is a very beautiful area, quite windy and cold, so you need to keep warm even in summer.

We take the car again, this time in the direction of Penhas da Saúde. Before arriving in Covilha we stop for lunch at the Picnic Park Serra da Estrela.

Covilha has spectacular views of the area thanks to its location. Its textile mills are no longer in operation but some structures remain. The historic centre is pleasant, with the Church of Santa Maria being a highlight.

Covilha

We continue to Guarda. The historic centre of Guarda stands out, especially the Sé da Guarda.

We stop to refuel at a Galp petrol station and get a good scare. It is automatic. You enter the amount and fill up. We put in fifty euros but we were charged one hundred euros and one cent. As there was no one to complain to and the customer service phone number was not operative as it was Saturday, we sent an e-mail. We got a reply and it was sorted out.

Almeida Fortress

It turns out that in Portugal, in order to prevent the card from being invalid, they issue a charge for an amount higher than the average deposit and then refund the difference. In Portugal it takes a few days and it seems that in Spain it is automatic.

Although our final destination today is Torre de Moncorvo, we detour to Almeida.

Almeida Fortress

In the 17th century Almeida became an important stronghold, played a very important role given its strategic position due to its proximity to the border and is part of the network of Historical Villages of Portugal.

Almeida

Its fortification in the shape of a twelve-pointed star built on its medieval predecessor is still in perfect condition, as is the rest of the town. Declared a national monument, Almeida is characterised by its combination of civil, military and religious architecture.

Almeida

Its Military Museum stands out, but you can't miss other places such as the King's Riding School, which was initially built to keep the arsenal although it is currently used as an equestrian centre, the Clock Tower, the ruins of the Castle (which the French blew up in the 19th century) or the Matriz and Misericordia churches.

Clock Tower

Pigeon house

Almeida

A stroll through its quiet streets is well worth the effort.

Almeida

We return to the car in the direction of Torre de Moncorvo, approach the Arribes del Duero Natural Park and are lucky enough to see the sunset over the meanders of the Duero as it passes through Castelo Melhor.