The Serra da Estrela — which translates as ‘Star Mountain Range’ — is a dazzling row of peaks and plateaus. Home to the highest point on mainland Portugal, the area is a popular winter sports destination — particularly appealing as it’s reachable by road. Outdoorsy explorers visiting in the spring or summer, however, can expect gorgeous natural landscapes, fantastic food and a warm welcome at the best places to stay in the Serra da Estrela.

Keen skiers will delight in zipping along snow-clad slopes during the winter months, when the craggy mountain peaks are pristine white and hugely picturesque. Various resorts offer well-maintained trails, equipment hire and lessons for beginners or those looking to further hone their skills. The same area is transformed into a walker's paradise during the warmer months, when verdant meadows frame clear streams, refreshing lakes and dramatic gorges. On cloudless days, the sea — more than 150 kilometres away — is visible.

For a sense of the Serra da Estrela’s cultural heritage, tour lovely Linhares, with its 13th-century castle, or tuck into delicious regional specialities. The Serra da Estrela’s soft cheese, made from a two thousand year old recipe, is not to be missed! Whether you’re dreaming of unwinding in a former monastery, hiding away on a farm or sharing a chic apartment with the whole family, the best places to stay in the Serra da Estrela certainly won’t disappoint.