The arrival of cold, rain and snow can be a reason to put on some slippers and spend the weekend on the sofa, but it can also be a fantastic opportunity for a snow vacation, for skiing or practice other winter sports, or simply watch the blanket of snow cover the most beautiful landscapes of our country.

Just 240 km from the city of Porto and about 294 km from the capital, but rising to an impressive 1,993 meters of altitude, you will find the more than perfect scenario for your snow vacation this winter.

Find out here which is  the best destinations for asnow vacation without leaving  Portugal!

Serra da Estrela: the ideal destination for your snow vacation

Welcome to Serra da Estrela!

The Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela is an ecological reserve with about 100 thousand hectares, being the biggest protected area in Portuguese soil. It is located in the districts of Castelo Branco and Guarda, extending over the territory of six municipalities: Guarda, Manteigas, Gouveia, Seia, Celorico da Beira and Covilhã. If you are looking for a complete snow experience with a natural park, ski resort and the possibility of snowboarding, look no further, you have found your ideal destination.

The best way to get there is by car. Renting a car may be a good alternative. We recommend an SUV or a 4x4 prepared for snow so you can venture up the mountain on secondary and less travelled roads.

Skiing in the ski resort of Serra da Estrela

This is the only place in Portugal where you can go snow skiing, but you can also try other sports or entertainment such as sledding and snowboarding. There are 9 tracks with adequate support systems and different levels of difficulty.

Take the tour, "Rota no teto de Portugal Continental"

 Book an afternoon to explore the extraordinary beauty of the upland of Serra da Estrela. It’s a circular tour with 117 km long that crosses mainly Manteigas and Seia.

This tour is called," Rota no teto de Portugal Continental" and it adds to yoursnow vacation an unforgettable cultural experience. By completing the tour you can visit places like the glacial valleys of Zêzere and Alforfa, the Rossim valley, the Torre upland, Penhas Douradas, the Nave de Santo António, the Covão da Ametade, the Cântaros, the Lagoa Comprida and the Paulo Luís Martins waterfall and fountain.

Taste the local food and snacks

Have you heard of caldudo? You will be able to taste this dried, peeled chestnut soup, but don't miss the opportunity to taste the "enchidos", the rye or corn bread and the famous "queijo da Serra", which tastes even better when you are on site.

For lunch or dinner you can't miss a traditional lamb stew called "lambicada de cabrito”. Or perhaps you prefer a "cozido à serrana" or some pork steaks in "vinha d'alhos". If you prefer fish, you can always taste some fine trout in a "Manteigas » style. This dish appeared when the shepherds of this region fished beautiful trouts in the waters of the Zêzere River and prepared them immediately while they were guarding their flocks.

Do you need a car?

If you need a car more suited to mountain roads and snow, or if you are going on holiday with a large group of friends, you have a wide range of models at Guerin to rent at the best price. You can check in online and avoid queues!

If you choose to do your snow vacation in Serra da Estrela, you should know that there is a Guerin station nearby, in the city of Covilhã to collect and return your rented car or to assist you with anything you may need during your trip.

We wish you the best snow vacation ever !