Serra da Estrela - where is the "hole"!?

Portugal is chosen as the holidays destination mostly for three reasons: coast (around 800 km), sightseeing the most popular cities (as Lisbon, Porto, Braga etc.) or for pilgrimage. Here we want to introduce you completely different Portugal, maybe that you would never think about.

Our destination :)

Where is the "hole"!?

We've chosen Portugal for one, simple reason... Iwona wanted to see 'on her own eyes' a big crater in a lake somewhere in Portugal...

Rarely people knows (we also didn't) how big area of Portugal take hills and mountains. The northern-eastern part of Portugal along to the Spanish boarder is covered by the highest mountain range in Portugal - Serra da Estrela which means "Star Mountain Range" (the highest peak of the Portugal Mainland at 1993 meters above sea level is Torre "Tower"). This region is a part of Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

You can explore mountain range by feet, bike or (easiest) by car, but the road requires from you very good driving skills. 

Although the views compensates yours effort!

               

Our trip there was not accidental, we had our goal there: Covao Dos Conchos. Hence, we were surprised on each step, while climbing on a road from Covilha, were we stayed for a night in really nice Hotel Santa Eufemia. 

Covilha in summer

After leaving the town by the road 339 we climbed from 800 m till 1950 meters above sea level. Each 100 meters there was information about changing altitude. The views and feelings related to the ride up the hill are unforgettable.

Our Lady in rock

Sebastian and abyss

Worth seeing at any time. 

Very interesting was this that on the peak of the hill located was ski resort - Estancia de Esqui, which we couldn't believe. This place is also very popular in winter.

The main attraction (for us) of this region was Covao Dos Conchos, which is an unique water power plant in the lake - Lagoa da Serra da Estrela. To access the lake we advise to stop on parking place near a dam on the lake - Lagoa Comprida. You will find there small shop also - it is good to know it, because in the range of 50 km it is hardly to meet any signs of civilization. The lake, as most of the lakes located in high mountains has beautiful, transparent water, so it is also really nice place to swim (which we did). 

Following the path showed by a dark green line on the map above in approximately 1 - 1.5 hour you will reach Lagoa da Serra da Estrela.

         

Here it is! 

Even though in our case outside was 35 degrees of Celsius it was worth it. After slightly tiring hiking we found a mysterious crater and saw this:

Balanced rock

Water below contour of the crater

Let me more water!

Serra da Estrela

View on the Lagoa Comprida

Achtung! Warning! Pozor! Uwaga!

Access is only by foot with no chance for any faster and more comfortable transportation.

Hence this is part of the Natural Park, you cannot: littering, lighting fire and destroy anything.
Please, keep calm and enjoy the views:)