Portugal Beach Life isn’t just about the beach, it’s about coming for the coastline and discovering an entire world to explore in Portugal, including snowy mountains like Serra da Estrela!
Penhas da Saúde is one of Portugal’s most enchanting mountain villages, located high in the heart of Serra da Estrela, the country’s highest mountain range. If you visit during Christmas, it really feels like the real Winter Wonderland!
Nestled at about 1,600 meters of altitude, this small alpine-style destination offers snow-filled winters, crisp mountain air, and breathtaking landscapes that feel worlds away from Portugal’s coastal life.
For anyone seeking a mix of winter charm, nature, gastronomy, and adventure, Penhas da Saúde is the perfect gateway into the magic of Serra da Estrela.
Where Serra da Estrela Is Located
Serra da Estrela sits in central Portugal, mainly within the district of Castelo Branco and stretching into Guarda.
It is part of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal’s largest protected area, known for its dramatic cliffs, frozen lagoons, pine forests, and endless hiking trails.
The region attracts visitors year-round, but winter is when it becomes especially popular.
Temperatures and Snowfall: A True Winter Destination
Penhas da Saúde is one of the coldest inhabited places in Portugal.
Winter temperatures often range between -5°C and 5°C, and during colder nights, it can drop even lower.
Snow typically falls between December and March, although some years it arrives as early as November or lingers until April.
When snow covers the mountains, the entire village transforms into a quiet, mystical winter haven with stone chalets, white rooftops, and fog gently moving through the valleys.
How to Get There From Lisbon or Porto
Reaching Penhas da Saúde is surprisingly easy, whether you’re coming from Lisbon or Porto:
From Lisbon:
Take the A1 highway north toward Coimbra.
Exit onto the A23 heading to Castelo Branco / Covilhã.
Once you reach Covilhã, follow the signs toward Serra da Estrela, and in about 15 minutes, you will arrive at Penhas da Saúde.
From Porto:
Drive south along the A1 toward Coimbra.
Exit onto the A25, then transition onto the A23.
Follow the directions to Covilhã and continue up the mountain to Penhas da Saúde.
The drive from Lisbon takes around 3 hours, and from Porto about 2.5 hours. Both routes offer beautiful scenery, especially the final climb through the mountain roads.
Where to Stay in Penhas da Saúde
Penhas da Saúde offers several wonderful stays for mountain lovers:
Hotel Serra da Estrela
Hotel Serra da Estrela is a charming mountain retreat located in Penhas da Saúde, at an altitude of 1,550 meters (5,085 feet) in the heart of Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
As Portugal’s highest-altitude hotel, it offers guests a unique opportunity to stay surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery in the country’s highest mountain range.
The hotel features comfortable rooms with panoramic mountain views, a welcoming restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine, a cozy lounge with a fireplace, and family-friendly amenities.
Its privileged location places guests just minutes from Portugal’s only ski resort, scenic hiking trails, glacial valleys, and Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal.
Whether you’re visiting for skiing, outdoor adventures, or simply to relax in the fresh mountain air, Hotel Serra da Estrela offers an unforgettable stay in one of Portugal’s most spectacular natural settings.
Check here our stay at Hotel Serra da Estrela:
Pousada da Serra da Estrela
Pousada da Serra da Estrela is a stylish 4-star hotel nestled in the heart of Serra da Estrela Natural Park, just outside Penhas da Saúde.
Set in a beautifully restored former mountain sanatorium redesigned by renowned Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura, the hotel seamlessly blends contemporary comfort with historic charm while offering breathtaking panoramic views of Portugal’s highest mountain range.
Guests can enjoy elegant rooms, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a spa with a sauna and Turkish bath, a fitness center, and a restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine made with regional ingredients.
The hotel’s privileged location provides easy access to scenic hiking trails, glacial valleys, panoramic viewpoints, and Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal, as well as Portugal’s only ski resort during the winter season.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, a relaxing spa escape, or a peaceful mountain retreat, Pousada da Serra da Estrela is one of the finest places to stay in the region.
Chalets and Mountain Cabins
If you prefer more privacy and a home-away-from-home experience, Penhas da Saúde offers a variety of charming chalets and mountain cabins surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Serra da Estrela.
From traditional stone cottages to modern alpine-style lodges, these accommodations provide a cozy retreat with features such as fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens, spacious living areas, and balconies overlooking the mountains.
Mountain cabins are an excellent choice for families, groups of friends, or couples looking to enjoy the tranquility of nature while remaining close to Portugal’s only ski resort, scenic hiking trails, and Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal.
Whether you’re planning a winter ski holiday or a summer hiking adventure, staying in a chalet in Penhas da Saúde offers a peaceful and authentic mountain experience.
Hotel Covilha Dona Maria, Affiliated by Meliá
Hotel Covilhã Dona Maria, Affiliated by Meliá, is a modern 4-star hotel located on the outskirts of Covilhã, offering beautiful views over the Cova da Beira Valley and the Serra da Estrela mountains.
Its convenient location makes it an excellent base for exploring Serra da Estrela, only a short 15 minutes drive to Penhas da Saúde.
The hotel features spacious and comfortable rooms with contemporary décor, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and many offering panoramic mountain or valley views. Guests can relax in the heated indoor swimming pool, unwind in the spa with its sauna, steam room, and hot tub, or stay active in the fully equipped fitness center.
The hotel also offers several on-site dining options serving regional and international cuisine, along with a welcoming bar and a generous breakfast buffet.
With free parking, family-friendly facilities, and easy access to Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Hotel Covilhã Dona Maria, Affiliated by Meliá, is an excellent choice for couples, families, and nature lovers looking to discover one of Portugal’s most beautiful mountain regions.
Where to Eat: Traditional Mountain Cuisine
The Serra da Estrela region is known for intense flavors, hearty dishes, and fresh mountain produce.
Penhas da Saúde and Covilhã have several excellent restaurants where you can taste traditional Portuguese cuisine.
DaSerra
Located right in Penhas da Saúde just across Luna Hotel, DaSerra is a mountain chalet-style restaurant and is a favorite among locals and visitors.
The ambiance is rustic and cozy, interior dominated by wood, with a fireplace and a wood‑fired oven, creating a warm, “in the mountains” vibe. There’s also an exterior seating/space.
Expect traditional & regional dishes: e.g. goat (cabritinho) baked in the oven, wild boar (javali) with chestnuts, beans stew (feijocas: a regional Manteigas‑style beans dish).
The restaurant seems to combine tradition and some creativity: according to a feature about this place (when referred also as “Puro Restaurante / daSERRA”), dishes include reinterpretations using local products, e.g. “portobello stuffed with presunto and Serra cheese,” wild boar with regional touches, octopus with sweet potato purée.
For dessert: there are regional‑style sweet options built with local ingredients (e.g. mil‑folhas with “leite‑creme,” pumpkin dessert with rice‑milk ice cream, and other desserts inspired by local traditions, per one article about Puro/daSERRA.
So if you go, expect a mix of rustic, hearty mountain‑style fare, meat, game, regional cheeses and ingredients, fish (common around Serra), and local‑flavor desserts
This restaurant is perfect after a cold day outdoors.
Check here our visit to DaSerra Restaurant:
Medieval Restaurant
Restaurante Medieval is the “in‑house” restaurant of Hotel Serra da Estrela open to hotel guests and the general public, so you don’t need to be staying at the hotel to visit.
The vibe is very rustic, warm and cozy: think stone walls, wooden ceilings/beams, large solid‑wood tables, fireplaces or a wood‑oven. The setting evokes a “mountain‑lodge / traditional‑serra / old‑time” charm.
Especially in colder seasons (winter / snow), it seems ideal: the warmth of the fireplace + the stone/wood ambience + mountain landscape outside make it a “refúgio acolhedor”, a comforting refuge after a day in the cold or in the snow.
The cuisine is rooted in regional / “serrana” / mountain and traditional Portuguese / Portuguese‑regional, in a buffet-style where you serve yourself.
Expect hearty, mountain‑style mains. For example: roasted lamb (or “borrego serrano”), regional meats, sometimes fish or cod dishes, and other rustic “comfort” fare, made to suit the climate and local ingredients.
Perfect for anyone wanting to experience local/regional Portuguese/“serrana” cooking, comfort food, regional cheeses/enchidos/roasts, simple but hearty fare.
Primor
Primor Serra is a restaurant located in Penhas da Saúde just across the road from Luna Hotel.
It serves Portuguese / regional cuisine, with a focus on hearty, “serrana” (mountain‑region) dishes, often comforting, generous meals that fit well with the mountain‑climate and local produce.
The vibe is described by many diners as “cozy, rustic and welcoming,” with a friendly, family‑style environment.
Regional specialties: things like cabrito assado (roast kid/goat), lamb chops or roasts, “secretos de porco preto,” and other meat‑heavy dishes typical of mountain cuisine.
Generous portions: Several reviews note that portions are ample, often more than enough for two, which appeals especially after hiking or spending the day outside.
Primor Serra also features a shop on-site where visitors can buy snow gear, souvenirs, and local products, making it convenient for tourists to pick up gifts or essentials during their mountain visit.
Varanda da Estrela
Varanda da Estrela is a rustic‑style restaurant with panoramic views, just across the Penhas da Saúde natural pools.
The interior is cosy and traditional: stone + wood, with décor referencing Serra da Estrela’s rural and pastoral heritage, akin to a mountain cabin/“refúgio serrano.
Varanda da Estrela’s menu is rich in traditional and hearty dishes, ideal for mountain weather and after a day of hiking or snow‑related activities: regional cheese and charcuterie boards, “enchidos serranos”, hearty soups.
Here you can try local specialties such as javali (wild boar), a regional favorite, stews and heavier dishes such as “feijocas serranas” (regional beans), “arroz de zimbro” (juniper-flavored rice/stew with meats and mushrooms), very typical of mountain regional gastronomy.
Go with friends, family, or a group, portions and dishes lean hearty, good for sharing and satisfying appetites.
What to Do in Penhas da Saúde
Ice Arena: The Winter Ice Rink
Between November and April, Penhas da Saúde comes alive with the Ice Arena, one of Portugal’s most charming seasonal ice rinks.
Surrounded by mountain views, it’s perfect for children and adults, beginners or experienced skaters. The festive ambiance makes it a must-visit winter activity.
Visit Torre, the Highest Point in Portugal
From Penhas da Saúde, you are only 12 minutes away from Torre, the highest peak in mainland Portugal at 2000 meters.
Here is also where the Serra da Estrela Ski Resort is located, with ski slopes, snowboarding, sledding, and a true winter sports atmosphere.
At Torre, you will also find the popular Restaurant A Torre, where you can enjoy traditional mountain dishes in the highest restaurant in the country, as well as a shop with snow gear and souvenirs.
Lagoa do Viriato
On the road from Penhas da Saúde to Torre, make sure to stop at Lagoa do Viriato, a stunning mountain lagoon surrounded by quiet nature and dramatic winter scenery.
It’s especially magical when frozen or covered in snow.
Varanda dos Carqueijais Viewpoint
As you drive up from Covilhã, stop at the Varanda dos Carqueijais, one of the best viewpoints in Serra da Estrela.
From here, you can see an incredible panorama of Covilhã, the Cova da Beira valley, and the surrounding mountains.
Penhas da Saúde Natural Pool
Just across the restaurant Varanda da Estrela is a charming natural mountain pool that becomes a refreshing escape during the warmer months.
Surrounded by granite rocks, crisp alpine air, and sweeping views of Serra da Estrela, the pool offers a peaceful place to unwind after hikes or scenic drives.
Its clear, chilly waters are fed by the pure mountain springs of the region, giving it that invigorating “high-altitude” feel.
It’s a simple but beautiful spot that captures the raw, tranquil nature of Penhas da Saúde
Tours in Serra da Estrela We Recommend:
Serra da Estrela: Tower Visit and Panoramic Views – Explore Serra da Estrela with a visit to the Tower and the most iconic observation decks. A comfortable experience to discover the highest point on mainland Portugal. Includes: Pick-up and Drop-off. Book Here →
From Porto: Serra da Estrela Private Tour – Embark on an unforgettable journey to Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s most unique region known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and delicious gastronomy. Book Here →
From Lisbon: Serra da Estrela Natural Park – Discover the epic landscapes of the Serra da Estrela and experience the charm of Monsanto, the most Portuguese village in Portugal. A trip full of nature, culture, and tradition! Book Here →
From Covilhã: Private Serra da Estrela Experience with Lunch – Escape to the mountains on a private 6-hour experience in Serra da Estrela. Enjoy breathtaking viewpoints and a relaxed traditional lunch in a carefully selected local restaurant. Book Here →
Manteigas: 2-Hour Customizable 4×4 Off-Road Jeep Tour of the Serra da Estrela –
Discover Serra da Estrela by 4×4 on mostly off-road routes. Away from the usual destinations, incredible landscapes, and local legends in a fully customizable 2-hour adventure. Book Here →
From Porto: Serra da Estrela and Piodão Day Trip – Discover the Estrela Mountains on a day trip from Porto. Visit the highest point of mainland Portugal, take in the views of the Covão dos Conchos spillway, and explore the town of Seia and Piodão. Book Here →
Serra da Estrela Canyoning – Discover fantastic summer landscapes with lots of adrenaline! Book Here →
What to Explore Further in Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela offers unforgettable experiences beyond Penhas da Saúde:
Covão dos Conchos
A stunning artificial waterfall that looks like a natural vortex in the middle of the lake.
The hike to Covão dos Conchos is one of the most iconic adventures in Serra da Estrela.
Cascata (Waterfall) do Poço da Broca
This waterfall with a natural pool at its base is located ear the village of Loriga, in the Serra da Estrela mountains. It’s in a forested, mountainous area, surrounded by trees, rocks, and natural pools.
The area is often described as magical because of the combination of dense forest, flowing water, granite rocks, and lush greenery.
Light filtering through the trees, the sound of flowing water, and moss-covered rocks make it feel almost like a hidden fairytale place.
There’s a short trail from the nearby road or parking area leading to the waterfall. The path goes through forest and is usually easy to moderate in difficulty. Hiking shoes recommended.
Covão da Ametade
Covão da Ametade is a glacial‑valley “covão” at altitude, surrounded by forested slopes and trees, where the river Rio Zêzere begins its course.
It combines water + forest + mountain, many people consider it one of the most beautiful and peaceful spots in Serra da Estrela.
It’s often described as a place to relax, connect with nature, enjoy the silence of the woods, especially appealing beyond the typical tourist hotspots.
Bread Museum in Seia
A cultural landmark where you can learn about Portuguese bread-making traditions, taste local specialties, and buy regional products.
Try the Serra da Estrela Cheese, “Enchidos”, Honey and Nut Jams!
No visit is complete without trying or buying the famous Queijo da Serra, a soft, creamy cheese made from local sheep milk.
The mountain is also known for excellent honey, produced from wildflowers and juniper plants.
You also need to try the typical “enchidos”: sausages, blood sausages, smoked sausages, cured pork products (charcutaria), etc. In Serra da Estrela, these meats are part of a long tradition: cold‑smoking, slow drying, natural curing, and use of regional ingredients.
And of course also try the nut jams: these jams are typically made with seasonal fruits grown in the Serra da Estrela region, such as cherries, figs, plums, apples, pears, and quinces.
The nuts added are often walnuts or hazelnuts, which grow abundantly in the mountain’s valleys and orchards. Sometimes almonds are used too.
The combination of fruit + nuts gives the jam a rich texture: soft and sweet from the fruit, slightly crunchy and nutty from the nuts.
There are shops where you can buy all these products, like restaurant Primor at Penhas da Saúde, the shop at Torre, and other places in Seia, Manteigas or in Covilhã.
Penhas da Saúde is a magical place filled with winter beauty, mountain flavors, and peaceful nature.
Whether you come for the snow, the views, the gastronomy, or the quiet charm of a mountain village, this corner of Serra da Estrela promises an unforgettable escape.