From Covilhã, we climb the mountain and go to some of the most emblematic Natural Viewpoints of the Serra, allowing us to get in touch with the history and nature of this territory.
“After all, the best way to travel is to feel.” (Álvaro de Campos)
Piornos Viewpoint
At an altitude of approximately 1630 meters, the new element of the Serra das Estrela viewpoint network was built on the slope of a granite tor to offer us a unique and inspiring landscape shaped by ancient glaciers.
The metallic structure was adapted to the characteristics of the terrain, and fits into the landscape harmoniously, seeking to minimize its impact on the site, and now appears as a new, safe and comfortable balcony for visitors who choose to observe the Nave of Santo António and the western plateau.
The work, foreseen in the Plan for Conservation, Protection and Development of Natural and Cultural Heritage, integrated into the Route of Viewpoints and Geomonuments of Serra da Estrela Park.
Varanda dos Carqueijais Viewpoint
Varanda dos Carqueijais is a viewpoint that exists halfway between the city of Covilhã and Penhas da Saúde, in Serra da Estrela. And practically in front of the Hotel dos Carqueijais.
From this viewpoint you can see the flat surface of Cova da Beira. At the bottom of the slope you can see the city of Covilhã which extends to the base of the mountain, where the rise of Serra da Estrela begins.
If you walk through this area, it will be a mandatory stopping point…!
Covão Viewpoint
The municipality of Covilhã reinforces the Viewpoint Network, which now includes a total of 4 contemplation sites:
The Miradouro dos Piornos, Varanda dos Carquejais, Miradouro do Alto dos Livros and finally Miradouro do Covão.
Located in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park (PNSE), in the upward direction of the EN 339 road, the new structure is the result of a requalification that involved the introduction of a suspended platform, projecting over the valley, adding another perspective that could only be achieved through this extension, allowing visitors to have the best conditions to enjoy a breathtaking landscape.
The alteration of the natural landscape is carried out through an adequate environmental framework of the entire architectural complex, combined with a balanced fusion with the landscape.
The Covão Viewpoint allows visitors to feel suspended over nature, above the ground, developing sensations of simultaneously communion with the nature that surrounds them and levitation, whilst enjoying the landscape.
It is a space that we hope will create memories and serve as a reference for its landscape and architectural quality, taking root in the Serra da Estrela experience.
With this inauguration, the municipality of Covilhã reinforces the Viewpoint Network, which now includes a total of 4 contemplation sites:
The creation of the Serra da Estrela Viewpoint Network is part of the Conservation Plan for the Protection and Development of the Natural and Cultural Heritage of Serra da Estela and aims to increase visitation and enhance the region’s landscape.