The Serra da Estrela Natural Park (PNSE), the first of its kind in Portugal, is located in the country’s central-eastern region. It spans six municipalities and covers over 88,000 hectares, 12% of which were designated as a Biogenetic Reserve by the Council of Europe in 1993. Its landscape is defined by a series of plateaus and mountain ranges, including the highest point in mainland Portugal. Notably, the park features significant glacial remnants, with the Zêzere Glacier Valley being the most prominent example of its glacial origins. The park’s international importance for biodiversity and conservation stems from its geographic isolation, which fosters the evolution of unique flora and fauna. This has earned its designations as a Site of Community Importance (2000) and a Wetland of International Importance (2005). Flora is distributed across three altitudinal levels, with rye fields, artificial pine forests, and various trees such as oaks and chestnuts at mid-level altitudes. Above 1,600 meters, juniper and pastures thrive, which is crucial for sheep grazing and cheese production. The park is also home to Portugal’s only stable population of the Iberian rock lizard. Serra da Estrela is famous for its snowy winters, unique cheeses, and breathtaking landscapes. Its beauty is most enchanting in autumn when the golden hues of beech, birch, oak, and chestnut trees create a magical palette. The soft winter light filtering through the leaves adds poetic depth to the scenery. Autumn in Serra da Estrela is truly a spectacle! Come and explore one of Portugal’s magical places! Come along!…
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