Attracted by the wonderful Serra da Estrela cheese and curious about the producers and production sites, I arrived in Serra da Estrela and headed straight for the village of São Romão, in Seia. It was there that I was greeted at the Anastácios dairy. The sheep had already been milked and that day's production had already finished, but that didn't stop me from talking to the person technically responsible for producing the cheeses and entering the room where they are matured. For those who don't know, Serra da Estrela cheese is one of the most famous cheeses in the world. It's a delicacy only produced in that region, which has a specific soil, climate and grass, which makes the cheese unique in taste and consistency. Once produced and wrapped in a cloth, the cheese is left on shelves where it begins to mature from the outside in. The ideal is to eat it when the ripened layer reaches 5 to 10 cm and the inside is still wonderfully creamy.
In addition to the cheese, there are many attractions in Serra da Estrela. Loriga, considered the Portuguese Switzerland, has breathtaking landscapes. Linhares da Beira (Celorico da Beira) in the Mondego Valley was named after its flax fields. Along a very narrow road, Poço do Inferno is considered one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Portugal. The rocks sculpted by time form perfect heads of an old woman and an old man looking out over a landscape reminiscent of a natural paradise. The village of Cabeça (Seia) is special because of its schist houses and terraced farming. The Bread Museum (Seia) is also worth a visit and tells us about the social and historical importance of the various Portuguese breads. Covão da Ametade, Sabugueiro (the highest village) and Folgosinho should also be seen.
Manteigas, the most central town in Serra da Estrela, has a good structure of restaurants and hotels and is home to several beautiful hiking trails. My suggestion for accommodation is right there, close by, overlooking the largest glacier in Europe. Casa São Lourenço is perfect when it comes to design, comfort and scenery. Decorated by the renowned Portuguese artist and decorator Maria Keil, the hotel is beautiful, the rooms incredible and the heated swimming pool with an infinity view will make your stay unforgettable, to say the least.
There are many places to enjoy a good, traditional meal in Serra da Estrela, but I'd like to suggest Vallecula, in the village of Valhelhas, which with its strange name is the place where chefs from various regions of Portugal like to meet when they're off duty, and the Medieval Restaurant, located in the Luna Hotel. Both are very busy and have very few tables, which is why I suggest booking.
Serra da Estrela, the highest point in mainland Portugal, was a beautiful and tasty discovery and well worth a try. Let's Taste the World with us!
