Manteigas

It is a small municipality located on the eastern slope of serra da Estrela and in the river Zêzere. It is part of Vale Glaciar do Zêzere, a space visibly marked by the action of the ice that, after disappearing, left U-shaped valleys, erratic blocks, "covões" (Covão da Ponte, Covão d'Ametade), polished rocks and several ponds. A scenery of great beauty, which gets even more intense with the winter snows! The origins of its settlement are unknown, and there are only references to the designation of Manteigas as a village in documents from the 12th century. It received the charter in 1514 by the hand of Dom Manuel I. In 1896 it was no longer head of municipality, having been attached to Guarda. However, two years later, it became a county again. Gastronomically speaking, Manteigas offers various regional delicacies to eat and cry for more – from the famous feijoada no forno (bean stew cooked in the oven), the chanfana (typical old goat dish, cooked in a black clay recipient in the wood oven), sausages and dry goat cheese. For dessert, try the bolo de soda (biscuits made with olive oil and brandy), the bolo de crista, the cavacas (cupcake style pastry with an egg white coating) and the papas de milho (corn porridge). Finish the meal with a aguardente de zimbro (juniper schnapps) or a jeropiga (a sweet wine).

What to do in Manteigas

Travel Guide

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

Serra da Estrela Cheese Fairs: Keeping the Tradition Alive

The king of Portuguese cheeses is spoken and tasted throughout the year, but it is in the months of February and March …

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…

Where to eat in Manteigas

Where to sleep in Manteigas

Casa de São Lourenço - Burel Panorama Hotel
Casa de São Lourenço - Burel Panorama Hotel

5 star

Um hotel totalmente panorâmico, concebido em 1940 por Rogério de Azevedo, renasceu com uma nova vida voltada para a beleza da paisagem, onde o ar puro da altit…

Casa das Penhas Douradas Design Hotel & Spa
Casa das Penhas Douradas Design Hotel & Spa

4 star

Home located in the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela, with fantastic views of Manteigas. Is a mountain resort, with comfortable accommodation, being a good sta…

INATEL Manteigas
INATEL Manteigas

Located in the Valley of the River Zêzere, surrounded by leafy vegetation of Beira Interior, this hotel allows the contact with nature, with the pastoral beaut…

Near Manteigas

Aguiar da Beira

Aguiar da Beira


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Fornos de Algodres

Fornos de Algodres


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Celorico da Beira

Celorico da Beira


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Guarda

Guarda


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