Rota das Serras

Aire e Candeeiros, Estrela and Buçaco

Start Adventure will take you to discover the wonders of mountain ranges

— Rota das Serras

A route is a trajectory or itinerary to be covered, but this route across several mountain ranges, Rota das Serras, is more than that. The journey through the Portuguese landscape is as rich as the destinations that mark it: Leiria, Évora e Covilhã.

The mountain ranges Serras de Aire e Candeeiros, belonging to a natural park of 38 900 hectares, are of great interest to visitors given its unique geology e biodiversity. The route goes through mountainous areas towards Alentejo, following enchanting paths and roads like the National Road 246-1, which connects Marvão to Castelo de Vide. Considered to be the most beautiful road in Portugal, it gives the sensation of flying across the landscape.

Serra da Estrela is the true summit of Continental Portugal, with 1993 meters of altitude and breathtaking views no matter the season of the year. It is classified not only as a Natural park, but also as a Biogenetic Reserve by the European Council, taking into account its unique flora and fauna, which prosper at this height. Here, natural beauty has many different forms: one may add lagoons, glacial valleys and even the very springs of great Portuguese rivers. This route touches the highest point of Serra da Estrela, a Torre(the Tower).

Then, the mountainous region of Caramulo is characterized by its distinct fresh air, which was formerly sought to treat health matters. In Caramulo, there are many opportunities to relax in full contact with nature. The verdant Serra do Buçaco stands out at 549 meters of altitude, which forest qualifies as a protected area and includes several centenarian species. To the northwest is Luso, a natural environment filled with lakes and sources of termal waters.

At each step, there is the opportunity to enjoy the flavors and the gastronomy that each region offers. With Rota das Serras, tranquility and adventure intertwine in timeless and beneficial contact with nature.

Trip status


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Upcoming dates

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Program details


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Day 1 - Leiria
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    Initial briefing and distribution of vehicles (SUV) to the participants.

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    Start of the trip towards Rio Maior Salt Pans, where we will make the first stop.

    Along the way, we will partly cross the mountain ranges Serra de Aire e Candeeiros, where we will be able to observe the fabulous landscapes of this mountainous formation, and go through some of its most picturesque villages.

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    Exit Rio Maior Salt Pans towards Almeirim.

    On this route, which is almost completely off-road, we move away from the mountain range and enter the lezíria ribatejana(Ribatejo marshlands), passing through what is considered by some as the largest horticultural area in the country.

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    Lunch at the restaurant O Forno, in Almeirim

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    Exit from Almeirim towards Évora.

    This route goes through beautiful Alentejo landscapes, with all its shades of yellow and gold, common in this time of the year.

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    Exit from Convento do Espinheiro towards Évora for dinner.

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    Dinner at Enoteca da Cartuxa, in the historical center of Évora.


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Day 2 - Évora
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    Exit from Convento do Espinheiro towards the historical village of Marvão.

    On this route, the participants will have the chance to have close contact with a more authentic Alentejo, crossing large areas of cork oak forests and bovine cattle farming.

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    Stop for coffee at Estremoz Castle.

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    Continuation of the trip towards Marvão.

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    Arrival in Marvão.

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    Lunch at the restaurant Varanda do Alentejo.

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    Exit from Marvão towards Covilhã.

    Passage through the National Road 246-1 which connects Marvão to Castelo de vide, and is considered to be the most beautiful road in Portugal, with rows of ash trees painted with white stripes.

    On this route, we will visit firstly Vila Velha de Ródão off-road and through secondary roads, passing by the famous Portas do Ródão, where we can watch the Tagus river from a completely different perspective.

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    Stop for coffee by the river port of Vila Velha de Ródão.

    The path from Vila Velha de Ródão to Covilhã will mostly go through the A23 highway.

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    Check-in at Pousada da Serra da Estrela, belonging to Pestana Group, and free time to enjoy the amenities of this luxurious hotel unit.

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    Dinner at the hotel restaurant.


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Day 3 - Covilhã
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    Exit from Pousada da Serra da Estrela towards the town of Caramulo.

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    Stop at Torre (the highest point in Continental Portugal) for coffee and a visit to the shopping center, where the famous mountain cheese can be bought, as well as sausages and other local products.

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    Continuation of the trip, passing by several small mountain villages, where the participants can take in the beautiful landscapes this mountain range has to offer, away from mainstream routes.

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    Arrival in Caramulo.

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    Visit to the Museum of Caramulo.

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    Lunch at the Marte restaurant, in Caramulo.

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    Exit from Caramulo towards Luso.

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    On this route, the participants will have closer contact the mountain range Serra do Buçaco, which, although quite affected by the fires of recent years, still displays a fresh and leafy green.

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    Exit from Luso towards Leiria.

Conditions for participation


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Prices and terms

The price includes

  • SUV vehicle (4 people per vehicle)
  • Fuel and tolls
  • 3 lunches mentioned in the program
  • 2 dinners mentioned in the program
  • 2 nights of accommodation with breakfast, in the mentioned hotels
  • Guided tour of the Cartuxa wine cellar
  • Entrance to the Museum of Caramulo

Does not include

  • Alcoholic beverages at meal times
  • Meals not mentioned in the program
  • Extra personal expenses
  • Minibar consumption and extras at hotels

Conditions for participation:

  • Payment of 50% of the total price upon enrolment.
  • Payment of the other 50% up to 15 days before the beginning of the trip.
  • Read in detail all the terms of use.

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Viagens em curso

15 – 21 Abril 2025

Madeira Real

A Start Adventure mostra-lhe todas as surpresas que esta ilha tropical esconde.

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