Hanging on in Harsh Conditions and other Covilhã, Portugal Things to Do Tips

As we reached the crest of this 1760 m (5500 ft) ridge, off in the distance we could see the even higher peaks of the main part of the Serra da Estrela. We also noticed the quite sudden change in vegetation at the side of the road. There were no trees blocking the view up here, just colourful yellow and purple gorse clinging desperately to the rocky summit. These mountains receive snow and icy blasts in winter so the plants must really enjoy the respite that the warm weather of spring and summer brings!

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The 13-km Zezere valley was formed 20,000 years ago when a huge glacier moving in the direction of the view in the photo carved its footprint into the mountains. By the time the valley ends in the village of Mantiegas, the river in the bottom of the valley has cut its way down to 680 m above sea level. This longest glacier-formed valley in Europe still retains an ancient flavour, with its rugged appearance and very little modern development. The highway along it slope does not have a guardrail, and, although it does not look steep in the photo, it appears to be a long way to the bottom when you are driving along it!

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Directions: In the mountains above Covilha

As we neared the end of the valley, and not too far from the Poco do Inferno (a waterfall that we would later visit), we stopped to enjoy the view from a small lookout area. Below lay a small village along the banks of the Zerere River, with the lower slopes of the valley now covered in trees.

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Directions: Zezere Glacial Valley

A short drive on a narrow side-road off the main N338 highway along the valley wall will bring you to the waterfall known as Poco do Inferno (Hell's Well). The drive itself is quite pleasant and the waterfall is also very scenic where the Leandros River flows through a gorge to join up with the Zezere far below. The flow of water was not too spectacular when we were there in late May, but the pool of water at the foot of the falls was crystal clear. It must be tempting, because a sign said NO SWIMMING !

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Directions: Along the Zezere Valley road, not far from Manteigas