Flying in a hot air balloon with a simulator, cycling in a glacial valley that is thousands of years old, crossing suspension bridges in enchanting villages or observing species that are now extinct in their natural environment, are some of the options to explore until the end of the year in the Central region of Portugal. There is a lot to explore and discover on this great trip through the Lousã, Açor and Estrela mountains:
Serra da Lousã Biological Park
Hotel Parque Serra da Lousã
In Miranda do Corvo, you will find the largest sample of wildlife in Portugal. On the slope of the Lousã mountain range, occupying an area of 33,000 m2 of National Ecological Reserve, the Serra da Lousã Biological Park (Tel. 915361527), promotes the conservation of species that inhabit or have inhabited Portuguese territory.
Visiting the park, in the municipality of Miranda do Corvoit is possible to observe around 375 animals, divided into 68 species, some rare and already extinct in the natural environment. The park favors irrecoverable species, that is, species that could not return to live on their own in nature. It also includes a Pedagogical Farm, a “living museum” of traditional Portuguese agro-pastoral breeds; an Equestrian Center with riding arena; and a labyrinth designed with fruit trees, which allows for a unique sensory experience. This project was awarded by PNT – National Tourism Award.
Tree Maternity
In a huge field, just after the sign indicating the limits of the village of Aigra Novain the Serra da Lousã, a greenhouse marks the place where the only tree nursery in the country is located. Next door, in the open air, a vast expanse of aligned boxes shows the tree branches that, when they reach the right point, will increase the region’s native forest. In total, there are more than 12 thousand plants that grow here, monitored from the seed until they are transplanted to ecological recovery areas, many of them in the Natura 2000 Network.
Created by the association Lousitânea – League of Friends of Serra da Lousãa Aigra Nova Tree Maternity is much more than a place where trees grow. It assumes itself as guardian of the future forest, where oaks, cork oaks, chestnut trees and many other species grow, with many others expected to increase the range of trees that grow there. The olive trees will be one of the next trees to enter the maternity ward.
Suspension bridge in Foz d´Égua
This Green Tour was carried out in partnership with Kia – Boa Cama Boa Mesa Official Car
A short distance from Piódão, in the Açor mountain range, the village of Foz d´Égua looks like something out of a fairy tale and the natural surroundings justify the first stop on this week’s green tour. Next to the river, two bridges stand out, one made of stone and the other suspended, and around the village several trails invite you for contemplative walks.
Opened in the summer of 2025, Foz d’Égua’s new pedestrian suspension bridge is 56 meters long and rises more than 20 meters high. In the middle, it offers stunning views of the scenic and famous bathing area, reinforcing the beauty of the place and further enhancing the region’s natural and scenic offerings.
Geoscope in Fajão
Geoscope – Fajão Astronomical Observatory
ADXTUR / Bernardo Conde
It’s called Geoscope – Fajão Astronomical Observatory. Located in the village of Fajão, in Pampilhosa da Serra, it consists of an observation point and an educational kiosk. The new equipment promotes observation sessions “Journey to the Light of the Stars”, astrophotography and guided tours, which confirm Aldeias do Xisto as “a rare destination in the world to observe the dark sky”. The Geoscope is at the top of the village, more than 700 meters above sea level. It is a semi-spherical steel “dome”, 7.5 meters high and 15 meters in diameter, which looks like it was designed for a science fiction film.
Close to the source of the Ceira River, this Schist Village is part of the Serra do Açor, marked here by imposing quartzite boulders, whose configuration resembles ancient natural castles. The most daring climb these formations, most prefer contemplation.
Gouveia Ecological Park
This Green Tour was carried out in partnership with Kia – Boa Cama Boa Mesa Official Car
The nature route leads to the northern end of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, stopping at Gouveia Ecological Park (Tel. 238083930), a space to raise awareness and environmental education, which focuses on didactic experiences and explanations of the relationship between animal species and their natural habitat.
“In addition to the flora there, much of it present in the different ecosystems in the Serra da Estrela, there are also native mammals and birds, as well as some exotic species. As such, during the visit, we can observe wild boar, as well as fallow deer, deer and an impressive collection of other mammals, birds and reptiles”, states the ecological park.
Just 9 km from the center of Manteigas is Poço do Inferno, a natural waterfall about 10 meters high and the water, on the coldest and most rigorous days, turns into ice. The “Rota do Poço do Inferno” passes through here, a route just 2.5 km long, but considered one of the best in Serra da Estrela.
Zêzere Glacier Valley Interpretive Center
Zêzere Glacier Valley
Tourism Central Portugal
Further south, in the heart of Serra da Estrela, andBetween Penhas da Saúde and Torre, we stop at Covão do Boi, located above 1850 meters of altitude, to appreciate the magnificent monument carved in the granite rock of Nossa Senhora da Boa Estrela or dos Pastores, seven meters high.
An alternative, different and original program invites you to a virtual balloon trip to observe the region’s characteristics. The experience takes place in Interpretive Center dthe Glacier Valley dthe Zêzere (Tel. 275981113)in the former Casa dos Guardas Florestais in Manteigas, with the help of a simulator that recreates a balloon trip over that area, on a 13 km route.
We also suggest the “Rota das Seis Lagoas”, a circular route of around 9 km that runs through six of the most beautiful lagoons in Serra da Estrela: Lagoa Comprida, Lagoa do Covão do Forno, Lagoa do Covão do Curral, Lagoa Seca, Lagoa Redonda and Lagoa do Covão dos Conchos.
MTB in Serra da Estrela
O Serra da Estrela MTB Center (Tel. 969575644), located in Manteigas, has a privileged location in the middle of the Zêzere glacial valley. This center aims to support athletes who want to cycle in Serra da Estrela. There are five signposted trails, with four different levels of difficulty, totaling 157 km of signposted routes. The MTB Center offers a service station, where you can wash your bike for free at the end of your ride.
Estrela Geopark
MTB in Serra da Estrela
Tourism Central Portugal
O Estrela Geoparkclassified by UNESCO, is part of the global network of Geoparks, thus distinguishing the international value of geological heritage. With 2216 km2, it allows you to visit more than 140 places of geological interest, unique environments and environmental value and experience a culture rooted in the mountains.
In the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, the largest national protected area, you can discover landscapes with a great wealth of fauna, including foxes, wild boars, otters, peregrine falcons and eagle owls. In terms of flora, the landscape is marked by Estrela bluebells, as well as juniper, heather, rosemary and broom. A park associated with the people of the mountains, it is involved in the promotion of herding, the production of artisanal cheese and the preservation of the Serra da Estrela dog breed.
Faias Route
Miguel Serra / CM Manteigas
More than a route, the Faias Route It is an unforgettable sensory experience. It is in autumn that the color palette becomes more impressive, but any season is ideal for traveling this path and discovering incredible landscapes. It got its name because the route, on the slopes of São Lourenço, plunges into a dense beech forest – one of the largest in the Iberian Peninsula – planted by the Manteigas Forestry Services at the beginning of the 20th century, providing a walk full of surprises for those who want to get to know the mountains, the people and the customs. The “PR13 – Rota das Faias”, which can be traveled on foot or by bicycle, starts at Cruz das Jugadas, about 7 km from Manteigas, and extends through a thick forest, where the smells of rosemary, wild mint, lavender and thyme merge with magnificent paintings that surround the eyes of those who observe them.
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Passeio Verde has the support of To Portugal – Boa Cama Boa Mesa Official Car which, weekly, throughout the year 2025, will showcase natural spaces, experiences and activities in nature. “This project is supported by sponsors, with all content created, edited and produced by Boa Cama Boa Mesa/Expresso (see code of conduct), without external interference.”