Portugal’s highest mountain range promises snow-capped peaks in winter and emerald valleys in summer. I’ll guide you to the best areas for every type of traveler, from ski enthusiasts to family adventurers. This guide covers accommodation hubs, hidden villages, and spa towns where you can unwind after mountain treks.
Best Hotels in Serra da Estrela🔥
- 💎 Luxury Hotel: Casa de São Lourenço - Burel Panorama Hotel
- ✨ 5-Star: H2otel Congress & Medical SPA
- 🏨 4-Star: Pousada da Serra da Estrela
- 🛏️ 3-Star: Vila Gale Serra da Estrela
- 💸 Cheap: Sambuc'asa - Serra da Estrela
- 🏢 Apartment: Casa Das Obras
- 👪 For Families: Hotel Berne
- 🏩 For Couples: Quinta do Rio Noémi
Quick Guide to the Best Areas 📃
| Best for | Area | Vibe/Why |
|---|---|---|
| Mountain adventures | Manteigas Valley Nature Hotels | Glacial valley center |
| Ski & winter sports | Covilhã Ski Resort Area Hotels | Gateway town |
| Thermal wellness | Unhais da Serra Spa Wellness Hotels | Spa sanctuary |
| Cultural history | Seia Museum District Hotels | Museum & heritage hub |
| Cheese & tradition | Gouveia Farm Tourism Hotels | Authentic flavors |
| Historic charm | Linhares Historic Village Hotels | Medieval castle village |
1. Manteigas – Best Place to Stay for Nature Lovers
Nestled in the heart of Serra da Estrela Natural Park in central Portugal, Manteigas sits in the stunning Zêzere glacial valley. This peaceful mountain town in mainland Portugal feels like stepping into a nature documentary, surrounded by lush forests and dramatic peaks.
Travelers often choose a boutique hotel or a cozy villa here to enjoy the scenery. Nearby villages such as Lapa dos Dinheiros add charm to the stay, while bigger cities like Porto or Castelo Branco make convenient starting points for exploring this part of Portugal.
Why Stay in Manteigas
- Central location for hiking trails and natural attractions
- Access to river beaches and waterfalls like Poço do Inferno
- Family-friendly hotels with pools and mountain views
What you’ll experience here
Vila Galé Serra da Estrela offers modern amenities with outdoor pools and spa facilities, just 16 kilometers from the natural park. The town center provides easy walking access to restaurants serving regional specialties, while the surrounding forests invite exploration on foot or bike. Most accommodations feature heated indoor pools for year-round comfort, and parking is readily available. After dark, the mountain air feels crisp and clean, with minimal light pollution perfect for stargazing.
Best Hotels in Manteigas
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Casa das Penhas Douradas - Burel Expedition Hotel — Design hotel in Serra da Estrela Nature Park offering mountain-view rooms with LCD TVs and premium amenities.
- Casa de São Lourenço - Burel Panorama Hotel — Elegant 5-star Design Hotels member with spa facilities, indoor pool, and panoramic mountain views in Manteigas.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Hotel da Fábrica — Modern hotel in Manteigas featuring garden, free private parking, shared lounge and terrace with mountain access.
- Hotel da Vila — Centrally located 2-star hotel in Manteigas with mountain views, free WiFi and terrace access for guests.
💶 Smart Budget
- Quinta de Leandres — Charming granite cottage accommodation in rural setting less than 5 minutes’ drive from Manteigas center.
2. Covilhã – Where to Stay for Ski Access
Day-to-night feel & transport
Covilhã blends urban convenience with mountain proximity. The city offers train connections and modern amenities while sitting just 15 minutes from ski slopes at Penhas da Saúde. From here, visitors can easily reach Torre, the highest point within the Serra da Estrela, and explore the best Serra da Estrela hiking trails.
Many Serra da Estrela hotels arrange shuttle services, and travelers can also find a cheap Serra da Estrela hotel or seasonal hotel deals. With plenty of options in Serra da Estrela, Covilhã remains one of Serra da Estrela’s most practical bases.
Why Stay in Covilhã
- Direct train access from major Portuguese cities
- Closest accommodation to Serra da Estrela ski resort
- Wide range of budget to luxury hotel options
You’ll stay here if you want city comforts with easy mountain access. The Lam Hotel Serra da Estrela sits at 1,100 meters altitude with panoramic valley views and outdoor pools. Downtown restaurants and shops stay open later than in smaller mountain villages, making it ideal for evening dining.
Best Hotels in Covilhã
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Pousada da Serra da Estrela — Historic pousada in Covilhã offering panoramic mountain views with outdoor and indoor pools, sustainability certified accommodation.
- Luna Hotel Serra da Estrela — Mountain resort hotel just 10 minutes from Serra da Estrela Ski Resort with ski school and year-round outdoor activities.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Casa das Muralhas — Sustainable accommodation featuring seasonal outdoor pool, garden, shared lounge and terrace in Covilhã.
- Puralã - Wool Valley Hotel & SPA — Traditional hotel in Covilhã city center offering comfortable accommodations with easy mountain access.
💶 Smart Budget
- Sport Hotel Gym + SPA — Budget-friendly hotel with free parking and central location, ideal for exploring Serra da Estrela region.
3. Unhais da Serra – Best Place to Stay for Wellness Retreats
This spa village transforms mountain spring water into therapeutic treatments at Portugal’s first mountain spa. The H2otel Congress & Medical Spa dominates the accommodations in Serra da Estrela area with its AQUADOME facility offering thermal pools, Celtic wellness circuits, and both indoor and outdoor pools.
The hotel features an indoor pool complex that is perfect for families planning a relaxing break in 2025. Nearby towns such as Guarda and Belmonte add cultural depth to a stay, while scenic trails like the Rota da Caniça complete the mountain experience.
Why Stay in Unhais da Serra
- Natural thermal springs with proven healing properties
- Modern spa facilities within hotel complex
- Peaceful mountain setting away from crowds
Sense of place & connections
The village sits in a glacial valley 750 meters above sea level, about 20 kilometers from Covilhã. The thermal spa operates year-round with hydrotherapy treatments for respiratory and rheumatic conditions. Guests enjoy preferential access to all spa facilities, and the complex includes restaurants focusing on nutritional wellness. The mountain location provides complete tranquility, with village life moving at a gentle pace perfect for relaxation.
Best Hotels in Unhais da Serra
💎 Luxury Hotel
- H2otel Congress & Medical SPA — Premier spa hotel in Unhais da Serra featuring thermal pools, medical treatments, and landscaped gardens with sustainability certification.
- Casa da Montanha na Estrela — Cozy mountain lodge offering rustic charm with scenic terraces and authentic Serra da Estrela atmosphere.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Unhais Valley - Country House — Rural retreat with spa facilities, open-air bath, and garden areas near natural thermal springs.
- Casa da Risca — Charming guesthouse in Unhais da Serra offering garden and city views with peaceful patio setting.
💶 Smart Budget
- Casa de Férias de Unhais da Serra — Vacation rental home with mountain views and fully equipped amenities in tranquil thermal spa village.
4. Seia – Where to Stay for Families
Getting around & daily ease
Seia serves as a cultural gateway to Serra da Estrela with its famous Bread Museum and numerous hiking trail starting points. The town offers practical amenities like supermarkets and medical services while maintaining easy access to mountain adventures.
Quinta do Crestelo is surrounded by nature and set within a peaceful pine forest, making it a great choice to stay in the Serra da Estrela. This convento-style property provides apartment-style accommodations perfect for longer family stays, features an outdoor pool, and even has a tennis court for guests.
Why Stay in Seia
- Educational attractions including museums and cultural sites
- Apartment accommodations with kitchenettes for families
- Central location for exploring multiple mountain regions
The town sits 21 miles from Serra da Estrela Natural Park with good road connections to all major mountain destinations. Local restaurants serve traditional mountain cuisine, and the pedestrian-friendly center makes evening strolls safe and pleasant for families with children.
Best Hotels in Seia
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Casas Da Lapa, Nature & Spa Hotel — Luxury nature hotel in Seia featuring spa facilities, seasonal outdoor swimming pool, free bikes, and sustainable accommodation practices.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Casa do Vidoeiro — Modern accommodation in Seia with air-conditioned rooms, elevator access, ATM services, and complimentary WiFi throughout the property.
💶 Smart Budget
- Hotel Albergaria Senhora do Espinheiro — Well-appointed 4-star hotel in Seia featuring fitness center, garden areas, shared lounge, and terrace with mountain access.
5. Gouveia – Best Place to Stay for Foodies
This picturesque town earned its reputation as the heart of Serra da Estrela cheese production. Madre de Água Hotel Rural offers farm-to-table experiences where guests can participate in cheese, wine, and olive oil production activities. The property combines the charm of a former convento with modern comfort, featuring rooms and suites as well as self-catering options.
Guests can enjoy al fresco dining with local flavors, take a short trip to nearby praia fluvial spots, or explore surrounding towns like Fundão for a broader cultural experience.
Why Stay in Gouveia
- Authentic agritourism experiences with local food production
- Panoramic mountain views from elevated position
- Pet-friendly accommodations with outdoor activities
Vibe & practicality
The small town atmosphere provides genuine connections with local cheese makers and farmers, while the surrounding countryside offers hiking and cycling opportunities. Most accommodations feature pools and outdoor spaces, with Casa das Penhas Douradas just 12 kilometers away via scenic mountain roads. The town center remains walkable, and local restaurants proudly serve regional specialties made with local ingredients.
Best Hotels in Gouveia
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Casa das Essências, Quinta de Santo António — Charming rural quinta in Gouveia offering authentic agritourism experience with garden views and mountain setting.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- Madre de Água Hotel Rural de Charme — Farm-to-table rural hotel on working wine, cheese and olive oil farm offering authentic Serra da Estrela experiences.
💶 Smart Budget
- Hotel Eurosol Gouveia — Centrally located modern hotel in Gouveia city center providing easy access to Serra da Estrela mountain areas and local attractions.
6. Linhares da Beira – Where to Stay for History Buffs
On-the-ground feel & access
This historic village transports visitors to medieval times with its 12th-century castle and granite stone houses. One of Portugal’s 12 Historic Villages, Linhares sits on the western slopes of Serra da Estrela, offering stunning views over the Mondego valley while preserving centuries of architectural heritage.
Travelers looking to explore Serra da will find breathtaking landscapes stretching toward the Gardunha mountains and nearby towns like Fundão. Local stays range from rustic cottages with a fully equipped kitchen to top-rated guesthouses, all designed to showcase the breathtaking views of this timeless setting.
Why Stay in Linhares da Beira
- UNESCO World Heritage medieval architecture and castle
- Authentic mountain village atmosphere without tourist crowds
- Strategic location for exploring both history and nature
The village maintains its original medieval street layout, with local accommodations typically featuring restored stone houses that blend historical character with modern comfort. A short drive connects to major hiking trails and ski areas, while the village itself provides a natural playground for children around the castle grounds. Evening quiet descends early, creating perfect conditions for peaceful mountain nights.
Best Hotels in Linhares da Beira
💎 Luxury Hotel
- Casa do Penedo - Um Segredo na Serra da Estrela — Unique stone house accommodation offering historic charm and scenic mountain surroundings in authentic Portuguese village setting.
⭐ Best Value Hotel
- INATEL Linhares da Beira Hotel Rural — Traditional rural hotel in medieval Linhares da Beira featuring garden, shared lounge, terrace and bar in peaceful historic village.
💶 Smart Budget
- Casa Velha de Celorico da Beira — Authentic rustic mountain house accommodation with traditional village atmosphere and stunning mountain views in historic setting.
FAQ About Staying in Serra da Estrela
Which area is safest for families after dark?
All mentioned areas maintain excellent safety records, with Manteigas and Seia offering the most family-oriented evening activities and well-lit town centers.
When is the best season to visit Serra da Estrela?
Summer (June-September) provides ideal hiking weather and access to all mountain trails, while winter (December-March) offers snow sports at Penhas da Saúde ski resort.
What about parking and transport between areas?
Most hotels provide free parking, and driving remains the most practical transport method between mountain areas, with journey times typically 15-45 minutes between accommodation hubs.
How much should I budget per day in Serra da Estrela?
Expect €60-80 daily for mid-range accommodation, €25-35 for meals, and €15-25 for activities, with budget options available from €40 per day total.
Which areas work best for short weekend stays?
Covilhã and Manteigas offer the most convenient access to major attractions within 2-3 days, while Unhais da Serra works perfectly for spa-focused weekend retreats.
