Forming part of Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Manteigas is a charming mountain town in the Centro Region of Portugal. It’s a popular base for hikers, with an extensive network of trails leading through the area’s glacial-carved valleys, forested mountain slopes and meadows dotted with traditional stone houses.
Things to do in Manteigas
On the edge of Manteigas is the Capela de Santa Luzia, a charming chapel that was built in the 18th century. It houses images of the town’s patron saint, Saint Stephen, and Saint Luzia, who is believed to protect against blindness. Nearby is the Coreto de Santa Maria de Manteigas, a bandstand where musical performances regularly take place.
A short drive south of Manteigas is the Centro Interpretativo do Vale Glaciar do Zêzere, which showcases the natural history of the Zêzere Glacier Valley. Don’t miss the simulator recreating a hot air balloon flight above the valley, which offers a bird’s eye view of its terrain. You can learn about glaciation via the 3D exhibits and explore the interactive tables detailing the area’s native flora and fauna.
Manteigas is a convenient base for exploring Portugal’s largest protected area, Serra da Estrela Nature Park, which encompasses high mountains and plateaus carved by meandering streams. You can explore along one of the many hiking trails while keeping your eyes peeled for flocks of sheep tended by Serra da Estrela dogs. The area is particularly renowned for its buttery cheese, known as Queijo da Serra.
Getting around Manteigas
Manteigas is around two hours’ drive from Coimbra and 2.5 hours from Porto. Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport is just under three hours away and has flights to destinations across the globe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Manteigas and the town is compact enough to explore on foot.