Serra da Estrela: Portugal's Highest Road

At the centre of Portugal rises a granite massif that most visitors never see. The road across it climbs to Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal, and it's one of the great mountain drives of the Iberian Peninsula.

Portugal's Roof

The Serra da Estrela, or "Star Mountain", is the highest range in mainland Portugal and the western end of the Iberian Central System. Its summit plateau reaches 1,993 metres at Torre. In Portuguese territory, only Mount Pico in the Azores stands taller.

The mountain is a landscape of granite, high moorland and glacial lakes. During the last ice age, glaciers carved its upper slopes into cirques and valleys, most famously the U-shaped valley of the Zêzere, one of the finest examples of glacial landforms in southwestern Europe. Two of Portugal's great rivers, the Mondego and the Zêzere, begin here.

Much of the range is protected. The Serra da Estrela Natural Park, created in 1976, was Portugal's first natural park and remains its largest protected natural area. The wider territory is recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark, with more than a hundred identified sites of geological interest.

The EN339: Covilhã to Seia via Torre

The classic crossing is the national road EN339, which climbs from the wool town of Covilhã on the eastern flank, past Piornos, to the summit plateau at Torre, then descends past the Lagoa Comprida reservoir towards Seia on the western side.

It is a road of distinct chapters. The eastern climb is a sequence of hairpins and long, rising sweepers with ever-widening views across the Cova da Beira valley below. On the plateau, the scenery changes completely: open, rocky and almost lunar, with boulders, low scrub and, early in the season, lingering snow. The western descent towards Lagoa Comprida and Seia is more flowing, with long sight lines across the lakes and down towards the Mondego valley.

Unlike many Alpine passes, this road carries relatively light traffic outside winter weekends and public holidays, which is part of its appeal. On a clear day, the views from the top stretch across much of central Portugal.

The Glacial Valley Alternative

A second, equally memorable approach climbs from the mountain town of Manteigas through the Zêzere glacial valley. The valley floor is broad and green, framed by steep granite walls, and the road climbs towards the plateau through some of the most dramatic scenery in the park. Combining this approach with the EN339 creates a loop that takes in both the glacial landscape and the summit.

Seasons and Conditions

The Serra da Estrela has a genuine mountain climate, and that shapes when and how to drive it:

• Winter and early spring: snow regularly closes sections of the EN339 around Torre, sometimes as late as April. The plateau hosts Portugal's only ski area during the season.
• Late spring and early summer: the most rewarding window for driving, with clear roads, wildflowers and long days. Temperatures at the top can still be far cooler than in the valleys.
• High summer: generally reliable, though heat haze can soften the views and fire risk in the surrounding forests is a concern in dry years.
• Autumn: beautiful colours and quieter roads, with weather that can change quickly.

Fog can roll over the plateau in minutes at any time of year. Sudden snow closures are announced by the regional civil protection authority, and it is worth checking conditions on the morning of the drive.

Driving It in a Supercar

The Serra da Estrela suits a capable grand tourer or supercar well, provided the driver adapts. Hairpins on the climbs are best taken with patience; surfaces vary, and livestock, cyclists and walkers are all part of mountain life. On the plateau, wide-open sight lines are tempting, but crosswinds and loose gravel at the road edges deserve respect. A support vehicle and a lead car, standard on Renisetté tours, take away much of the uncertainty.

As with any mountain road, braking and cooling matter on the long descents. Engine braking and smooth inputs keep brakes fresh for the next set of bends.

What to See Along the Way

• Torre: the summit plateau, with sweeping views and a small cluster of buildings at the top of the road.
• Lagoa Comprida: a high reservoir and one of the best-known lakes of the range, on the western descent.
• Covão da Ametade: the source area of the Zêzere, a peaceful glacial hollow at the head of the valley.
• Covilhã: a historic centre of Portugal's wool industry, on the eastern slopes.
• Local food: Serra da Estrela cheese, a soft sheep's-milk cheese made in the region, is one of Portugal's most celebrated.

Practical Tips for the Crossing

• Fuel up below. Fill the tank in Covilhã, Seia or Manteigas; there is little on the plateau itself.
• Pack a layer. Even in June, the summit can be markedly cooler and windier than the valleys, so a jacket is worth having for photo stops.
• Time it well. Clear mornings usually give the best visibility; cloud often builds over the plateau later in the day.
• Plan photo stops. Lay-bys on the climbs and around the lakes offer safe places to pull over. Avoid stopping on blind bends or the narrow edges of the plateau road.
• Allow time. The crossing itself is not long in distance, but with stops, the glacial valley and lunch, it easily fills a relaxed day.

Above all, treat the mountain with the respect it deserves. Conditions can be very different at 1,993 metres from those at the foot of the range, and the drive is at its best when unhurried.

The Serra da Estrela on the Renisetté Portugal Tour

On the Portugal Grand Prix Supercar Tour 2027, the Serra da Estrela is the mountain chapter between the vineyard roads of the Douro Valley and the Atlantic calm of Comporta. It's a complete change of scene: from terraces and river bends to granite, open sky and the highest road in mainland Portugal.

The journey finishes with three nights in Portimão for Formula One's return to the Algarve on 19–20 June 2027. Guests drive their own supercar or hire one through Renisetté, with every hotel, route and transfer arranged. Read Why Portugal Is the Next Great Supercar Destination to see how the pieces fit together.

Frequently Asked Questions

How high is Torre in the Serra da Estrela?

Torre stands at 1,993 metres, the highest point in mainland Portugal. Only Mount Pico in the Azores is higher in Portuguese territory.

Which road goes to Torre?

The EN339 crosses the central massif of the Serra da Estrela between Covilhã, via Piornos, and Seia, via Lagoa Comprida, passing Torre near the summit.

Is the road to Torre open all year?

No. Sections of the EN339 around Torre are regularly closed after snowfall, typically between late autumn and spring. Closures can happen with little notice, so check conditions before setting off.

Is the Serra da Estrela a protected area?

Yes. The Serra da Estrela Natural Park, created in 1976, was Portugal's first natural park and is its largest protected natural area. The wider region is also recognised as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Does the Renisetté Portugal tour cross the Serra da Estrela?

Yes. The Serra da Estrela is part of the route of the Portugal Grand Prix Supercar Tour, 14–21 June 2027, between the Douro Valley and the Atlantic coast.

Sources: UNESCO MAB: Serra da Estrela · iNature: Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela · SIC Notícias: EN339 snow closure, April 2026 · ICNF: ZEC Serra da Estrela management plan

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