When one thinks of Portugal the mind goes to sun, sand, and the sea, and tourism mainly focused on the sandy beaches along the Atlantic Ocean. Colvilha in the Serra de Estrela does not fit this description, it rather bears resemblance to a small town in the Italian Alps. Beautiful old buildings are surrounded by mountains and streams and colorful vegetation, all of which is just the beginning of more stunning scenery in the Serra Estrela National Park.
Covilha was once of strategic importance in the fight against the Moors. The Lusitanian farmers around the fortification have been in the wool production business ever since those days. In the 18th century famous Marques de Pombal founded the royal textile factory that should spread the traditional thread all over the world. The Jewish community of Colvilha has played a particularly important part in turning the crude wool into elegant fabrics, and the medieval Jewish district to this day bears traces of the fortune they made as skilled craftsmen.
A museum tells the history of the local industry and teaches the visitor all about production and more.
Whilst strolling through town make sure you do not skip baroque Sao Martinho and Santa Cruz do Calvário chapels.
When hunger strikes simply pick one of the local restaurants offering home cooking. Traditional dishes in the region are mostly comprised of game, ham, strong wines and the fabulous Serra cheese, to this day made from scratch with sheep milk and thistle blossoms. Once you have sampled these delicacies in a pub you can purchase the products on the local farmer’s market, held every weekday morning in the town center.
A visit to Colvilha is really also a visit to the mountainous region. Mobility is unfortunately limited to rental cars, as the public transport network is not very helpful.
Simply hit the road in northern direction through countryside that has sparked many legends. The fight against both Roman and Moorish occupation was mainly organized from here, and the Portuguese version of Robin Hood was supposed to have lived here. Many Portuguese consider this the heartland. Your drive will take you past rough cliffs and green meadows, crystal clear streams full of fish and waterfalls. We recommend leaving the car somewhere and taking one of the hiking trails past old wind mills and shepherds deep in contemplation while they watch their sheep. During winter, of course, you have a choice of numerous excellent ski slopes on the Torre mountain.
A bit further east, visit Viseu, a village in a fertile valley that is part of the Dao wine-growing district. The Romans were obsessed with the full-bodied red wine and exported it all the way to Rome. Viseu is famous for its cultural treasures, and Grao Vasco, the famous painter and town’s son, is honored in a museum that has his Renaissance paintings on display. The mix of styles cathedral and the baroque church are the town’s most important landmark and great photo opportunities.
In the other direction, south of Covilha, you will find the Monfortinho springs, thermal springs with proven positive effect on your health. This place is all about wellness and relaxation, and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Accommodation here ranges from luxurious hotel to simple hostel.
