Covilhã

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A city with a strong tradition in the wool industry, it is one of the "gateways" to the Serra da Estrela mountain range and the point of choice for those traveling from the south to reach the highest point in mainland Portugal. In many streets of the historic center, you can find creative urban art murals in what is known as the "snow city," which owes much of its dynamism to the University of Beira Interior. It offers a great diversity of green spaces, notably the Jardim do Lago. Given its steep slope, it has several panoramic elevators to facilitate the movement of Covilhã residents and visitors. Another noteworthy infrastructure is the pedestrian bridge over the Ribeira da Carpinteira stream, 52 meters high. In terms of gastronomy, Serra da Estrela cheese is its main reference.

What to do in Covilhã

Serra da Estrela

Covilhã

Some say it's more charming in winter because of the added beauty the snow provides, but there are plenty of reasons to visit during the warmer months as well. Starting with the protected area of ​​the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, with its rich fauna and flora, and ending at Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal. There's much to …

Elevador de Santo André

Covilhã

Equipped with a panoramic cabin and free to use, it is an excellent means of transport that facilitates pedestrian connection between Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama and Rua António Augusto de Aguiar. Next to the elevator there is a long staircase that seems to accentuate the difference in level even more. The Pedestrian Mobility Plan for this city, rich in …

Museu de Lanifícios da Universidade da Beira Interior

Covilhã

This museum, integrated into the University of Beira Interior, aims to safeguard and preserve the extensive heritage of the textile industry in the municipality of Covilhã. It also aims to research and disseminate the technology related to the industrialization of wool production. It is divided into three sections: the Real Fábrica Veiga/Centro de Interpretação dos Lanifícios, which is the current …

Museu do Queijo

Covilhã

Open since 2011 in the parish of Peraboa, it allows visitors to learn about the manufacturing process of the famous Serra da Estrela cheese, one of the hallmarks of this region. Through a route enriched with 2D and 3D projections, visitors discover everything involved in the production of Serra cheese, from how it was made in the past to modern …

Quinta das Minas da Recheira

Covilhã

Resulting from the restoration of an old tin and tungsten mining complex, Quinta das Minas da Recheira offers tourists visits and events inside the mine galleries, surrounded by mysteries and surprises, the opportunity to observe its mineralized quartz veins and the grandeur of the mine shafts.

Ponte da Ribeira da Carpinteira

Covilhã

Designed to stand 52 meters high and 220 meters long, it aims to facilitate mobility and reduce the distance between the Penedos Altos neighborhood and the city center. This work by architect Carrilho Graça, inaugurated in 2009, deserves to be properly appreciated, having already received several awards worldwide. It features a zigzag design and its landscape integration is remarkable.

Miradouro da Varanda dos Carqueijais

Covilhã

It's a "must-see" stop for anyone heading up to the Serra da Estrela mountain range via the EN339 from Covilhã, as this viewpoint offers magnificent views of the city itself and the surrounding Cova da Beira region. Right next to …

Jardim do Lago

Covilhã

Highly appreciated by children and adults, it is the largest green space in the city and its large reflecting pool is its landmark. It has hiking trails, a children's area, an extreme sports park, recreational boats, a restaurant and two …

Praia Fluvial de Unhais da Serra

Covilhã

Located in the tranquil village of Unhais da Serra, it features a pleasant grassy area and two water reservoirs with a well-defined bathing area. It has supporting infrastructure such as a bar, restaurant, and restrooms.

Piscina Praia da Covilhã

Covilhã

Opened in 2008, it delights visitors during the summer months. Located in the northern part of Jardim do Lago, it has 1,800 square meters of water surface with artificial waves and a capacity to accommodate 2,800 people. It also features …

Muralhas da Cidade da Covilhã

Covilhã

These are the remains of an ancient Roman castle, built on a site overlooking the city. Of the original medieval fortress, only a few sections of the wall remain, some integrated into other buildings and not always visible. At the …

Museu de Arte Sacra

Covilhã

Located next to the Public Garden in a building designed by the architect Raul Lino, it displays over a thousand pieces that are no longer in use in religious settings. It includes works of painting, goldsmithing, sculpture, vestments, and metalwork. …

Judiaria da Covilhã

Covilhã

The Jewish community of Covilhã was, between the 12th and the beginning of the 20th century, one of the strongest in Portugal. Many vestiges remain from that period, particularly architectural ones in the area of ​​the old Jewish quarter, in …

Igreja de Santa Maria Maior

Covilhã

Located in the city's historic area, it is covered in white and blue tiles intended to depict the life of the Virgin Mary. It is a Neo-Baroque revivalist church with a longitudinal plan, comprising a nave, a narrower and lower …

Tinturaria - Galeria de Exposições

Covilhã

The former Francisco Mendes Alçada Dye Factory has functioned as a temporary exhibition gallery since 2006. Various exhibitions of local, national, and international artists are organized here, aiming to revitalize and contribute to the cultural and artistic development of the …

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Travel Guide

Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions

Rural Tourism to enjoy the snow in Serra da Estrela

In the highest mountainous area of mainland Portugal there are accommodations where intense contact with nature promise…

The best river beaches in Central Portugal

From the Serra da Estrela area to the Santarém and Portalegre districts there are beautiful freshwater beaches.

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Where to eat in Covilhã

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Where to sleep in Covilhã

H2otel Congress & Medical Spa
H2otel Congress & Medical Spa

4 star

Mountain Hotel built from scratch, fully integrated in the landscape, living in harmony with nature, the H2otel is located in Unhais da Serra, near the Serra d…

Pousada Serra da Estrela
Pousada Serra da Estrela

Historic/design inn

Imposing, high on the mountain, the 1200 meters of altitude, in a unique recovery by the hand of the Architect Souto Moura, reborn a wonderful Pousada de Portu…

PuraLã - Wool Valley Hotel & Spa
PuraLã - Wool Valley Hotel & Spa

4 star

Ao olhar com atenção para a fachada do Pura Lã - Wool Valley Hotel & Spa percebe-se o desenho de um tear. Este é o primeiro sinal do conceito que envolve o hot…

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Near Covilhã

Vila de Rei

Vila de Rei

Vila de Rei is a small village belonging to the district of Castelo Branco and three parishes belong to it. It is closely linked to the geodesic cent…

Oleiros

Oleiros

Oleiros is part of the Central region and covers the Alvelos, Muradal and Lontreira mountains, in addition to bordering the Zêzere river. As part of …

Idanha-a-Nova

Idanha-a-Nova

Far from the hustle and bustle of large cities, Idanha-a-Nova enjoys a privileged location, preserving its heritage, natural, human, and cultural val…

Fundão

Fundão

Located in the center of Portugal, Fundão enjoys the proximity of Serra da Estrela and Serra da Gardunha, providing the visitor with magical places, …