Manteigas - Serra da Estrela Attractions

Beyond Penhas Douradas the road descends through the forest to the Pousada de Sao Lourenço (1,450m/4,755ft), with a superb view of Manteigas and the Zêzere valley, which the road eventually reaches via many a hairpin bend. Since earnings from textiles have dwindled to next to nothing Manteigas (720m/2,360ft, pop. 4,000) has fallen back increasingly on tourism.

From Manteigas the route descends the Zêzere valley, past wooded slopes and cultivated fields and gardens, crossing the river on a narrow bridge just beyond Valhelhas. 23km/114mi from Manteigas it joins the N 18 from Covilha, turning left for 3km/2mi before the appearance of the houses of Belmonte.