Exploring Mountain Villages of Serra da Gardunha & Serra da Estrela

Friday Nov 8th, The journey begins in the historic village of Castelo Novo located in the heart of the Serra da Gardunha. We will explore this natural amphitheater landscape of granite houses, temples, sidewalks and squares to the sound of water running through the various springs on a walk of 3km. Afterwards, we will have lunch in a local typical restaurant where you will have the option to taste the regional specialties. The next stop will be to one of the most important urban centers in the region. The working class city of Covilhã one of the main wool centers of Europe. Here will have a guided 90min tour of an old wool factory that was transformed into a space for artists working with wool. We will also have a walk around the city center, visit the wool museum and the Jewish quarter. From Covilhã we will head to Manteigas to check into your chosen accommodation.

Distance/Duration: 3km/1.5hrs

Moderate Level 2 – Accessible to those in good physical health and who are used to walking. On the route we may encounter some steeper differences in level and areas where the ground may be more difficult and uneven.

Saturday Nov 9th, – We will start the day with a morning hike along the Rota das Faias which goes through  the largest patch of beech trees in the Iberian Peninsula. At this time of the year we will be able to experience their unique charming golden colors on a moderate walk of 10km. In the afternoon we will visit a famous working wool factory on a guided tour.

Distance/Duration: 10km/3-4hrs

Moderate Level 3: Previous hiking experience required. Mush be in good physical shape. The route may involve steep slopes and more difficult terrain.

Sunday Nov 10th – The wild boar route follows a path taken by a character from a famous Portuguese novel as he searched for a better life looking for work in the weaving industry between Manteigas and Covilhã. Passing through beautiful forests of chestnut, ash, and Pyrenean oak trees as well as panoramic viewpoints over the town and interesting structures such as the Carvalhais Forest Guard House.

Distance/Duration: 13.5km/4.5-5hrs

Moderate Level 3: Previous hiking experience required. Mush be in good physical shape. The route may involve steep slopes and more difficult terrain.

Must Take – 1.5L Water, Hat, Sunscreen, Lunch, Shoes with good grip for hiking, Clothing appropriate for the weather conditions.

Event will only take place if it receives a Minimum of 4 Participants 

Maximum Number of Participants: 10 (transportation available for a maximum of 6ppl)