Family Adventure in Serra da Estrela

First Impressions of Serra da Estrela

After months of planning and anticipation, our family adventure in Serra da Estrela, Portugal, has finally begun! Leaving behind the familiar cobblestone streets of Bamberg, we embarked on a journey to explore the natural beauty and cultural richness of this mountainous region. Today was all about immersing ourselves in the landscape, tasting the local flavors, and creating memories that I know we'll cherish for years to come.

Our day started early with a hearty breakfast at Puro. The cozy, rustic atmosphere of the chalet-style restaurant was the perfect introduction to the Serra da Estrela. We savored traditional Portuguese pastries and strong coffee, fueling up for a day of exploration. Astrid, of course, was thrilled with her pain au chocolat, and Maximilian and I enjoyed the local queijo and fresh bread. I made a mental note to try and recreate some of these flavors back in our Bamberg kitchen – a little taste of Portugal to brighten up our German days. I am always on the lookout for new recipes to try, and I am sure I will find some inspiration here.


Discover the exquisite flavors of Portugal at Puro in Cortes do Meio - where tradition meets innovation in every dish.
With our bellies full, we set off to explore the Serra da Estrela Nature Park. The drive itself was a treat, with winding roads offering panoramic views of the mountains. The air was crisp and clean, a welcome change from the city. Our first stop was Covão d'Ametade, a stunning glacial lake nestled at the foot of Cântaro Magro. The landscape was breathtaking, with the serene water reflecting the surrounding granite peaks. Astrid was immediately captivated, running around the lake's edge, collecting colorful stones and leaves. Maximilian, ever the photographer, was in his element, capturing the stunning scenery from every angle. I took a moment to simply soak it all in, feeling grateful for this opportunity to connect with nature as a family. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love travel so much – the chance to escape the everyday and find beauty in the unexpected.


Explore Covão d'Ametade, a serene national forest in Serra da Estrela, where nature's beauty and tranquility await every traveler.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and today, our family took that step into the heart of Serra da Estrela.

Next on our itinerary was the Miradouro do Covão, a viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the Serra da Estrela. The structure, with its suspended platform, made us feel as though we were floating above the landscape. Astrid was a bit nervous at first, but with a little encouragement, she bravely stepped onto the platform and was rewarded with an incredible view. We could see for miles in every direction, the rolling hills and valleys stretching out before us like a giant green carpet. It was truly awe-inspiring. I love finding these spots that offer unique perspectives. It reminds me of when Maximilian and I first started dating and would hike in Franconian Switzerland, always searching for the perfect vista.


Experience the stunning panoramic views at Miradouro do Covão, a premier scenic viewpoint in Unhais da Serra, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.
For lunch, we stopped at Restaurante A Torre. Perched high in the mountains, the restaurant offered not only delicious food but also stunning views. We feasted on traditional Serra da Estrela cuisine, including hearty stews and locally sourced cheeses. Astrid surprised us by devouring a plate of the local sheep's cheese, a testament to how travel broadens the palate! Maximilian enjoyed a glass of local wine, while I savored a refreshing agua com gas. The staff was incredibly friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home. It's these authentic experiences that I love to share on my blog, hoping to inspire others to step outside their comfort zones and explore new cultures.


Experience authentic Portuguese cuisine at Restaurante A Torre in Covilhã – where tradition meets taste in every bite.
In the late afternoon, we made a stop at Mercearia da Estrela, a charming local shop in Unhais da Serra. It was a treasure trove of regional products, from artisanal cheeses and cured meats to local wines and handicrafts. We picked up a few souvenirs to take back home to Bamberg – a bottle of local wine for Maximilian's parents, some Serra da Estrela cheese for our neighbors, and a small wooden toy for Astrid. Supporting local businesses is important to us, and it's always a pleasure to discover unique, handmade products that reflect the culture of the region. I am always looking for special gifts, and I am sure these will be much appreciated.


Explore the flavors of Unhais da Serra at Mercearia da Estrela, your go-to destination for exquisite cheeses, fine wines, and aromatic teas.
Finally, as the sun began to set, we made our way to O Chalet for dinner. Located in the heart of the Serra da Estrela ski resort, the restaurant had a cozy, mountain lodge atmosphere. We enjoyed a delicious meal of grilled meats and roasted vegetables, savoring the flavors of the region. Astrid was delighted by the restaurant's playground, where she spent the last of her energy before bedtime. Maximilian and I relaxed with a glass of vinho tinto, reflecting on our first day in Serra da Estrela. It had been a day filled with natural beauty, cultural immersion, and delicious food – everything we had hoped for and more.


Discover the flavors of Portugal at O Chalet, where traditional recipes meet modern culinary artistry in the heart of Covilhã.
As I sit here now, writing in my travel journal, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible experience. Serra da Estrela has already captured our hearts with its stunning landscapes and warm hospitality. I am excited to see what tomorrow brings, as we plan to visit Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal, and explore more of this beautiful region. We also plan to visit Cântaro Magro and Miradouro dos Piornos in Manteigas. I am eager to share our adventures with all of you, and I hope that our experiences inspire you to embark on your own family adventure. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll find the perfect cheese to bring a little bit of Serra da Estrela back to our table in Bamberg.

I am also thrilled that there are some events taking place in Serra da Estrela this September, like the Nocturnal Butterfly Observation and the Vila Cortes da Serra Trail. While we might not be able to attend all of them, it’s exciting to know there’s so much happening in the region.

Good night from Serra da Estrela!