Places to visit

Surrounded by ring-shaped walls, and watched over by a towering 17th century castle. XIII, the Historical Village of Sortelha preserves its urban and architectural appearance unchanged to this day. It is one of the oldest towns in Portugal, witness to the beginnings of our country. While adventuring near the Historical Village of Sortelha, we come across the Serra da Estrela Natural Park (UNESCO heritage) and the Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve. In gastronomic terms, one of the best delicacies in the Historical Village of Sortelha is the sweet corn porridge. Typical of long days of work in the fields, in Sortelha the Malhas grain soup, the Cavadores loofah and the Ceifas broth also stand out.

In the middle of Serra da Gardunha, the Historic Village of Castelo Novo stands in shades of green and gray. Built on granite, Castelo Novo preserves a unique architectural heritage over time. Toasted rice is one of Castelo Novo’s gastronomic specialties. The starters include green eggs, cod pastries, fish from the garden, fried pumpkin, goat cheese and Picas de S. Brás. In terms of sweets, chila pumpkin pastries, bowled pastries and sponge cakes are typical.

Land of Pedro Álvares Cabral and refuge of one of the largest Jewish communities in Europe, at the time of the Inquisition, Belmonte is a place full of mysticism and history. Located in the middle of Cova da Beira, Belmonte offers a wide view over the eastern slope of Serra da Estrela. Nearby is also the Serra da Malcata Natural Reserve. From the fried fritters of the Jewish table, to the community's stewed lamb feet, to the typical broths, migas and esparagados, Belmonte's gastronomy is a constant and inspiring discovery. The sweets follow the neighboring towns and focus on sweet rice, carol porridge and Christmas doughnuts.

Serra da Estrela, located in the Centro region (Beiras Region), designates the mountain range where the highest altitudes in mainland Portugal are found. Its highest point, at 1993 meters high and called Torre, makes it the second highest mountain in Portugal.
In addition to the snow, the extraordinary fauna and flora, the traveler is also attracted by the orography of colossal proportions (see Cântaro Magro) as well as the human, cultural, historical and gastronomic richness of the region.