Manteigas Day Trips: Top 5 Unforgettable Escapes

So, you’re planning a trip to Manteigas, like, the heart of Serra da Estrela, right? You might be thinking about all the hikes and, well, the fresh mountain air. But that, you see, isn’t the only thing this little haven has to offer. You see, I’m talking seriously attractive day trip opportunities abound. It’s almost as if every direction holds a promise of seriously interesting adventures, all waiting just outside town. Basically, from seriously gorgeous glacial valleys to seriously historical villages, let’s take a look at just a few super awesome escapes you absolutely shouldn’t skip. As a matter of fact, here are the top 5 day trips from Manteigas that, honestly, I think could seriously make your trip totally memorable. So you pack your bags and get ready to be seriously amazed!

1. Covão da Ametade: Where Water Meets Wonder

You know, first on our list is Covão da Ametade, that is like, a seriously serene glacial lagoon basically cradled in the mountains. At the end of the day, if you ask me, It really is something. So getting there from Manteigas basically means driving approximately 20 kilometers. Also, you get scenery along the way which is, as a matter of fact, totally postcard-worthy. But the main attraction? Well, that tends to be seriously emerald-green waters reflecting the pure blue skies. You could, honestly, just sit here for hours, like, taking it all in. Then there’s, for example, several walking trails basically circling the lagoon which makes this perfect, really, for a day of gentle exploration. Seriously perfect for anyone trying to basically find seriously magical photo ops, too it’s almost like. Also, honestly, picnicking by the shore? Absolutely is a must. Oh, and it’s almost certainly going to be crowded in peak season, right, so plan for, possibly, a visit during, you know, shoulder season (May-June or September-October) to kind of experience all of this with, in a way, much fewer people. Clearly bring your camera!

2. Piódão: A Step Back into a Seriously Historical Dream

Also, so, Piódão is really a super charming historical village that has this reputation for really clinging to the hillside. At the end of the day, getting there totally requires a longer drive, that would be nearly around 70 kilometers from Manteigas. This may be worth the trip, right? Honestly, this village might possibly be one of the most absolutely unique in Portugal. Literally every building that you see? Made using schist, that is kind of local stone that gives the place that look. What I think might seriously be super remarkable would probably be the contrast of schist walls with that shockingly blue church kind of towering over the whole scene. As a matter of fact, while strolling the narrow, cobbled streets, like, checking out local artisan shops and then maybe like finding seriously traditional eateries serving like super local fare are great options, too it’s almost. First, definitely take in the views! Secondly, be careful if you are unsteady because they can be a tiny bit precarious for getting around when exploring these old and ever winding lanes. This absolutely is, truly, a spot to totally slow down and, like, really absorb that vibe and charm. This place totally delivers!

3. Belmonte: A Castle, a History, a View

Then, Belmonte; basically located around 60 kilometers from Manteigas; is mostly noted, actually, for its historical importance; in the end, right? It really might be best-known as kind of the birthplace of Pedro Álvares Cabral; you might know him, the dude basically who officially discovered Brazil. First off, be certain you visit the super impressive Belmonte Castle. This definitely gives some seriously killer panoramic views, really! It’s truly possible for you to wander though, clearly, this town while checking out seriously historical corners and really charming architecture. Of course also worth seeing would be the Jewish Museum. This shows the story of that secret Jewish community called the Marranos and their efforts to, naturally, basically hold onto those traditions despite some major obstacles; but I mean it’s definitely one to experience yourself to understand properly. So you want to learn about Portugal’s stories or maybe see stunning vistas, you will more than likely seriously find it at Belmonte. If you’re into exploring castles, then it’s great!

4. Sortelha: Among Portugal’s Oldest Villages

Like your time machine in Portugal, so here’s Sortelha. It almost looks like, really, no time has progressed for many, very many centuries, really! You’re looking to explore Sortelha so driving roughly 75 kilometers eastward from Manteigas, will most certainly take you to this quite special destination. I mean, after that I strongly propose that you consider, almost, checking the super old castle that commands and gives you a nice vista all over this spot; and be sure, you, to literally, stroll through the ancient walls! What might well be found during that stroll? A landscape, almost, that might potentially offer visitors quite a bunch of pictures from the little stone dwellings found between these places and little hidden gardens. First off it has kind of an authentic feel: you know I’m certain you want authentic charm from previous decades; it should be almost certain that you’re kind of trying something completely totally authentic from days past right now! You will kind of get immersed fully, right! You can’t skip this and I truly feel that this destination provides quite a memorable side-trip. It probably could truly be so much like stepping into some pretty fantastic dream as well if asked but at least it will surely supply great experiences. At the end of the day bring comfortable shoes!

5. Penhas da Saúde: Scenic Views Above All

The 5th location is: Penhas da Saúde so get ready and go upward! Located only, really, a super close trip about, say, about just about 15-kms right from where your vacation, perhaps, in the town; might kind of feel super simple, I suppose. Be that as it should this area can provide visitors some breathtaking vistas, really great when one could surely find some truly cool photo opportunity to show others with great landscape features! Take a step up on certain times: maybe on those truly wonderful times in order literally to appreciate some literally stunning scenery! Be sure one literally tries any trail at any elevation during almost any trip; so there definitely can become possibilities everywhere. After all in case you are the kind; and find ones spirits lifted after certain heights. Penhas will probably surely prove worth your valuable precious vacation period so literally prepare one’s baggage to go discover amazing vistas: high above those ranges there! While basically touring that zone take an added sweatshirt or clothing since hills that give wonderful amazing pictures do sometimes, sometimes, drop really rather colder by comparison down near coastal sea’s base zone there where almost all can commonly basically notice sunshine; however do note it becomes noticeably slightly nippy when exploring the high ground.