A region of deep contrasts, Beiras Altas is where the mountains meet the sea. About 45 minutes drive there are the Serra de Estrela mountains which are the highest in Portugal. This beautiful area is a protected National Park. It is a wonderful place to explore.
In the summer the mountain area is not too hot and on a clear day you might even be able to see the sea over 150 kilometres in the distance! About a 1.5 hours drive, is the rugged Atlantic coast with sweeping sandy surf beaches and small fishing villages.
There is plenty to see and do. Dramatic crags and ravines makes this area a stunningly beautiful drive or hike. There are several walking trails. In winter this magical area is transformed into a glittering white kingdom.
The tallest mountain peak of the Estrela mountains is the Torre where sledging and skiing can be enjoyed during the winter months. The Serra da Estrela is also famous for its wonderful cheese called "Queijo da Serra", as well as its smoked sausages.
Portuguese "Festas" include religious festivals, pilgrimages, traditional dances, gastronomy, processions, firework displays, music, literature and dance.
Local festas during the months of June, July and August abound in the local villages where you can participate in dancing, drinking or just enjoy watching traditional village life continue unchanged for centuries.
Markets are held in most villages on a weekly basis.
Because it rains sufficiently, except for the dry months July and August, there is a rich variety of flora and fauna. During the majority of the year, everything looks green, and in every month something is blooming.
The climate is Mediterranean, so there are many plants and trees that are very different from the ones that grow in the northern countries. Orange and lemon groves in the gardens, oliveyards, huge palm trees, cacti and yuccas and the Australian eucalyptus, that smells delicious. And of course many, many vines!
In the forests you see mainly pines and oaks. In February and March the lovely Mimosa and heather blooms and makes the slopes look yellow and purple. In May it is the broom that provides the hills with yellow or white flowers.
