Mountains of Portugal
January 15, 2022
Mountains of Portugal
Inner Portugal, slo Portugal
Look, here’s the deal. There are taller mountains and there are incredible views all across Portugal. Slo is global, but slo was born in the center of the country, so we’ll start there. Look out for more blog posts about some other amazing mountain ranges in the west end of Europe. If you’re flying north and want to escape into the mountains for a hike, a bike, or just a bit of nature on your own terms (plus lovely people and food), text us at slo.travel and our experts will make sure your plans don’t skip Tras-os-Montes.
Here’s center Portugal and its mountain ranges in all their glory:
Serra da Lousã
Characterized by its schist villages and known for its gorgeous mountain biking trails, Serra da Lousã and the towns at its footsteps have so much to offer, you will want to stay here forever. Go to Trevim (the highest point in the mountain range) and ride the swing at sunrise to fully take in the scenery.
Serra da Estrela
The highest mountain in the Portuguese mainland offers starking views, quiet fireplaces in beautiful modern boutique hotels, some small but super fun ski slopes in the winter. The best goat cheese you’ll have ever tasted, and some breathtaking hikes through nature leading into quiet lakes. If you get nostalgic listening to the long and winding road, this is for you.
Serra da Gardunha
Serra da Gardunha spawns off of Serra da Estrela to display wonderful, dominating landscapes of granite and schist with a body of water always running within earshot. It’s a perfect escape through the road less traveled, where cherry trees, pine trees and more create unforgettable sights.
Serra do Caramulo
From Caramulinho, the highest point in the mountain range, you can see as far as Serra da Estrela on clear day if you look one way, but turn around and you’ll see the Atlantic Ocean welcoming you from afar. You might also enjoy the rhododendron reserve on full purple display if you visit when it’s blooming, and drinking from the numerous natural fountains. You won’t forget your days in Caramulo.
Where to fly to?
Getting there from Lisbon
Notably, getting to Serra da Estrela or Gardunha is less than 3 hours away from the Lisbon airport. Caramulo and Lousã are even closer, and you can be there in 2 hours if you rent a car in Lisbon. The best part is, you can stop in Coimbra on your way there and learn to love one of Europe’s oldest Universities, founded in the 13th century and still a beacon of knowledge for students all over the country and beyond.
Getting there from Porto
Fine, you’re flying from Porto. Look, that’s even better. Getting to Serra da Estrela or Gardunha is less than 2,5 hours away from the Sá Carneiro airport. Caramulo and Lousã are even closer, and you can be there in under 2 hours.
Island Mountains
If you’re flying to the Azores or Madeira, really you’re in luck. Arguably even more so! Pico is the highest mountain in Portugal and an extraordinary hike. In Madeira, you can drive all the way to Pico Ruivo and go from Hawaii-like warm black rock beaches to snow covered peaks. Take Vereda do Pico Ruivo any time of the year from some dramatic views and for infinite blue skies sinking into the deep Atlantic.
- Pico Island
- Pico Ruivo
What is it like to travel slo while in the Portuguese mountain ranges?
We absolutely get it. No one wants to be disturbed in nature, nature is for taking our time. Nature is for getting in touch with ourselves, the world around us and the most primitive, aware versions of our consciousness. That’s what it is like for us, at least. So what we’re here to do, is take technology out. Anything you need, we’re a text away. You don’t need a lot of data, you don’t need to browse until you pass out - Get in touch with us, and get back to it. We’ll take care of everything.
Go slo
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written by slo.travel. Follow us on instagram