Have you ever been to a new destination and just felt “wow” about it? That’s what happened to me when I visited Covilha, Portugal.
Use the ViaMichelin route planner to find the fastest and cheapest way to get from Tortosendo to Fundao. You’ll be able to compare ticket prices and travel times in real time.
1. Visit the Serra da Estrela National Park
Located in the heart of Portugal is the Serra da Estrela National Park, home to some of the country’s highest mountain peaks. This natural landscape is dotted with picturesque villages, making it ideal for hiking and skiing as well as exploring quirky cultural sites.
The highlight of any visit is catching sight of the flora and fauna of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park. The yew tree (Taxus baccata) is particularly striking here during the winter, with its rounded male flowers and less conspicuous green female flowers that appear in pairs or on their own at the end of branches.
Although hikes can be done independently in the park, a guided tour is a great way to discover the Serra da Estrela’s stunning mountain scenery with the help of an experienced guide. Book a small group adventure to learn about the flora and fauna of this wild natural space as you enjoy local foods and drinks.
2. Go on a Hike
If you love walking, a hike along part (or, if you’re brave, all) of the Rota Vicentina is a great way to experience Tortosendo Portugal. The coastal Fishermen’s Trail traces paths used by beachgoers and fishermen and runs directly alongside the ocean, while the inland Historical Route runs through rural villages, cork groves, and river valleys.
The zig-zag section of the Calcada de Alpajares is especially impressive, offering gorgeous views and a landscape of fascinating rock formations. Watch out for rare birds of prey soaring overhead and take a break to admire the wavy rocks, caused by shifts in the tectonic plates.
This section of the trail can be a bit busy in summer, but visiting in off-season will allow you to avoid most of the crowds. It’s also worth considering a guided tour, like this Highlights of Tortosendo walking holiday.
3. Visit the Museum
The Museum in Tortosendo is a cultural center that exhibits art, history, and culture of the region. It also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. The museum is open daily and admission is free.
The museum is located in a former convent of the University of Beira Interior, near the village of Boidobra and the hamlet Dominguizo. It is a must-see for history lovers and provides visitors with a glimpse into the area’s rich heritage.
The museum is easily accessible by train. The train service is operated by Comboios de Portugal and runs four times a day. Travel time is approximately 5 min. You can find out more about train schedules and ticket prices by using Rome2Rio’s trip planner. Alternatively, you can book a bus tour or a guided walking tour to see the Museum.
4. Go Shopping
One of the most fun things to do in any city or country is shopping and when it comes to Portugal, it’s even more exciting. From malls to factory outlets, flea markets and boutiques, there is a lot of stuff that you can buy here and that too at a very affordable price.
Besides the regular shops, there is also a very unique shop that makes rugs and tapestries with the popular Arraiolos stitch and it’s definitely worth checking out. They have a variety of patterns and designs that you can choose from and they are surprisingly affordable too. So if you are looking for some great gifts, this is the place to go to. Just make sure you have enough space in your luggage to carry them all home.
5. Go Swimming
Portugal is famous for its beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes but it also has some amazing wild swimming spots. One of the most impressive is the Porto Moniz natural pools, which are created by volcanic rock and became famous all over the world after featuring on National Geographic.
Another great spot to go swimming is the Queda do Vigario waterfall. This is a natural pool where you can relax in the water and explore the hidden caves and surrounding landscape.
The town of Tortosendo also has a river beach where you can go swimming in the summer. The beach is a popular destination for picnics and relaxing. It is also a great place to take a swim after hiking in the Serra da Estrela National Park.
