Sans nom
The place
Refuge or former pasture shelter located on the eastern flanks of the Serra da Estrela (Beira Interior, Portugal), the highest point of mainland Portugal with the Torre (1993 m). Situated around 447 m, on the edge of the Zêzere valley near Manteigas — a pivotal village of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, in the most spectacular glacial valley of the Iberian Peninsula. The area holds several historic shelters: old stone huts rebuilt for shepherds and their flocks, some fallen into ruin and later rediscovered by hikers who use them as shelter or a place for quiet contemplation. The Solar da Castanha (Forest House) nearby, a former forest ranger's house, bears witness to this pastoral culture. An exceptional setting of relict birch trees, glacial lagoons (Lagoa Comprida) and seasonal snow — Portugal's only ski resort.
Getting there
Zêzere valley near Manteigas, Serra da Estrela Natural Park. Trails towards Torre, Lagoa Comprida.
The setting
Serra da Estrela (highest point of mainland Portugal), glacial valley of the Zêzere, relict birch trees.
