Portugal is rich in landscapes, das quais stand out as mountains, places in which nature reaches its maximum splendor and leaves us without so much beauty. The great majority of the mountains of Portugal are found in the north, in the most mountainous region of the country. As montanhas continue hair inside the center. No Alentejo and no Algarve, to plain and less rugged.
A large part of the Portuguese mountains is home to an enormous biodiversity, which is why its areas are classified as natural parks or as protected areas. Around here, you can still see sheep, corços, lontras, veados and an exuberant flora.
It is also in these mountains that there are some of the most typical and beautiful villages of Portugal, many of the historic ones, but also historical and medieval villages. Discover 10 of the most beautiful Serras de Portugal.
1. Serra do Geres
It is the second highest elevation in Continental Portugal, reaching 1,546 meters. It is integrated into the Peneda-Gerês mountain system, a National Park that has been considered by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve.
Here are combined attractions such as hot springs, or nautical tourism, or religious tourism or nature tourism. In the region there are several waterfalls, which fall along the slopes of the mountain, which can be accessed by foot trails, crossing through locations such as the Arado River, Pedra Bela, Vilarinho das Furnas or Mata da Albergaria.
2. Serra do Marao
It is not the highest point, it measures 1415 meters of altitude, and it is located in the transition zone between the Douro Litoral and Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. No point higher, you find the Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Marão, from which you can see the landscape of the region is not better.
In Marão, there are species such as the oak-oak, the Celtiberian birch and the black-winged woodcreeper, and these can be appreciated on footpaths or in the activities of mountaineering, canoeing, climbing and paragliding that can be done here.
3. Serra da Arrabida
This range spans Palmela, Sesimbra and Setúbal, and I fear its highest point at about 500 meters. Its vegetation is typically Mediterranean, and it has points of interest, such as the convent of Nossa Senhora da Arrábida.
The Arrábida Natural Park is located in this mountain chain, stretching out from the mountains and encompassing 17,000 hectares, with 5,000 meters of sea surface. For at least two walks, by boat or by bicycle, and the beautiful beaches, you will also find caves in the region.
4. Serra de Sintra
The Serra de Sintra is the prolongation of the Serra da Estrela mountain range, which ends at Cabo da Roca. Or its highest point is barely 530 meters above sea level, but the beauty created by the combination of the landscape and the human activities make this mountain unique, because of its microclimate, which results from the oceanic influence, and which draws more coolness to this region than the bordering regions.
Backed by the Serra de Sintra, we find points such as palaces, convents and buildings that transport us to other times. Also find various suits for mountaineering and climbing practice.
5. Serra do Caramulo
The Serra do Caramulo is located in the center of the country, in the transition zone between Beira Alta and Beira Litoral. It combines forests with areas of shallow vegetation, courses of crystal clear waters and waterfalls. The landscape is trimmed by villages and spikes in granite.
A Serra is a much-visited laser and tourist stay. You can see the region from the Miradouro do Caramulinho, at 1076 m altitude, or from the opposite side of the mountain, not Cabeço da Neve. To see the landscape from another perspective, take advantage of the various pedestrian paths that you will find here.
6. Serra da Lousã
In the image of the brand Serra da Lousã so as Villages of Xisto, with various trails to allow you to discover these places rich in tradition. A serra is integrated into the National Ecological Reserve, and it is a living museum, with ecosystems to be preserved through the conditioning of access to certain areas.
Likewise, you can enjoy two pedestrian routes, canoeing, hunting for treasure and many other tourist activities, which will allow you to discover the region with great animation.
7. Serra da Estrela
Here you find Torre, or the highest point of Continental Portugal, with 1993 meters of height. It is not surprising that this is one of the two locations in the country where it falls most regularly, or that it always attracts many visitors.
But for skiing, you can also see historic villages, castles, a rota da lã or a rota das Judiarias. Or nature tourism is also a possibility, with delineated trails between four rivers, twenty and five lakes, and glacial valleys.
8. Serra da Gardunha
With its 1,227 meters of altitude, this place has achieved the designation of the Serra da Gardunha Regional Protected Landscape, combining granite, stone and a lot of water. Here you can do activities such as paragliding and balloon rides, something different was sought for your stay. I can also do glamping in various locations. Try to appreciate all the beauty of the region from two of its various viewpoints.
9. Serra do Caldeirao
It is located between the Algarve barocal coastline and the plains of Baixo Alentejo, as its highest point, approaching two 590 meters of altitude. It is sawn and cut by a hydrographic network, in which many times the absence of water stands out.
As white houses and with chaminés partilham or space with orchards of laranjeiras, alfarrobeiras and amendoeiras, or that returns to landscape especially beautiful in spring. In the mountains, we also find wind mills, noras and old community fornos, which are abandoned, but they give us a glimpse of times that are already there.
10. Serra de Monchique
The Serra de Monchique fica in the Algarve has a mild climate, luxuriant flora and contagious foods. É por isso que lhe chamam or Jardim do Algarve. A serra combines green and varied vegetation with crystal clear riverbanks, which convey freshness. You can’t miss Vila de Monchique, don’t miss out on visiting its Igreja Matriz or convent, as well as the hot springs.
Also go up to the Serra até à Picota or to the highest point of the Algarve, to Foia, from where you can see a large expanse of landscape, which goes from Cabo de São Vicente to Serra da Arrábida.