If you want to experience a mixture of skiing, hiking and culture during your holiday, you should definitely consider Portugal. After all, which other country has all of this in one place? Portugal is the perfect, somewhat different ski destination for beginners in skiing and snowboarding as well as families with children in particular.
1. Great variety of activities
The fact that skiing is good in Spain is already well known. However, very few people know that you can also ski in Portugal. Although a trip there just for skiing is not worthwhile due to the small size of the Serra da Estrela ski area with its 6 kilometres of pistes, enthusiastic skiers can make a short detour to the ski area to add some variety to their holiday in Portugal. The snow park and the children’s area for the little ones also bring a lot of variety and fun for everyone to the rather small ski area. All in all, the Serra da Estrela area provides many tourist attractions. Whether hiking, climbing, mountain biking or paragliding – things certainly won’t get boring here!
2. Exclusive skiing in Portugal
The Serra da Estrela ski area is the only ski area in Portugal. Nowhere else in the country can you practice this winter sport! The ski area is located about 100 km east of Coimbra, part of the so-called “Sistema Central”. The centre of the ski area is located at the highest point of Torres Mountain (1,993 m) and offers a total of nine pistes with a length of 6 km. There are a total of 2.4 kilometres of blue pistes, 2.5 kilometres of red pistes and 1 kilometre of black pistes. The four tow lifts and a chair lift complete the ski area.
3. Unbeatable prices
The Serra da Estrela ski area is particularly suitable for beginners. After all, who needs a lot of pistes, which are often crowded and have comparatively higher prices, when they are on skis for the first time? All these things are rather annoying. In Serra da Estrela, the prices for the lift pass are unbeatably low, you have your peace and quiet and can practice your first turns undisturbed without having to be afraid of the piste.
4. Unique nature experiences in the Serra da Estrela Nature Park
If you need a break from skiing, the Serra da Estrela Nature Park is the perfect place for you. With 101,000 hectares, the park covers a total of six municipalities, making it the largest protected nature park in Portugal. In addition to the landscape, with its two important rivers, countless traces of glaciation and the rugged mountains, this nature park has a lot to offer. Children in particular will find it interesting to watch and learn about the handmade cheese preparation and beekeeping. Furthermore, the forest of Covão D’Ametade, which is known for its fantastic geographical shapes, invites you to take a leisurely stroll.
5. Somewhat different high-altitude experiences
The national park is not the only place worth a visit. You also shouldn’t miss the approximately 2,000 m high mountain “Torre”, the landmark of Serra da Estrela. If you prefer to be guided through the gigantic mountains of Serra da Estrela and get the inside scoop, you should definitely contact Sentir Serra da Estrela, a company that offers professionally guided tours through the mountains.
