Lunch on your own (or an optional lunch for an additional 19€).
Tour by tourist bus;
Admission to the Burel Factory (included);
Travel insurance.
The Rota das Faias (PR13 MTG) is one of the most acclaimed hiking trails in Portugal, located on the slopes of Serra da Estrela, next to the parish of São Lourenço (Manteigas). It is a circular route approximately 5.4 km long, of medium difficulty, which crosses a forest planted at the beginning of the 20th century by the Forestry Services for reforestation and soil protection.
The great attraction of the route is the magnificent forest of beech trees (Fagus sylvatica), a species of deciduous tree native to Central Europe. Between late October and mid-November, the foliage transforms into a radiant blanket of golden, copper and reddish tones. The floor is covered in a dense, soft leafy carpet, and sunlight gently filters through the dense canopy of trees, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
In addition to the imposing beech trees, along the route you will cross centuries-old chestnut trees, broom, wild pines and a surprising area of giant sequoias, whose monumental size will impress any visitor.
Along the Rota das Faias, the walk is marked by strategic stops that reveal the natural and cultural richness of Serra da Estrela. Right at one of the highest points of the trail, the São Lourenço Viewpoint appears, which offers visitors a breathtaking panoramic view over the village of Manteigas and the grandeur of the Zêzere Glacier Valley. Next to this place of contemplation is the Capela de São Lourenço, a historic and local place of worship ideal for an invigorating break under the mountain breeze. As the route enters the forest, the scenery transforms as it crosses the Lameiros and Linhas de Água Zone, where the paths flank small streams of crystal clear water, surrounded by lush riparian vegetation and traditional high-altitude marshes.
BUREL FACTORY
The Burel Factory, located in the town of Manteigas in the heart of the Serra da Estrela mountains, stands as a major symbol of industrial heritage and the revitalization of Portuguese craftsmanship. Heir to a centuries-old textile tradition, this 19th-century facility preserves the artisanal method of transforming pure wool from *Bordaleira* sheep into *burel*—an ancient, highly durable, and water-resistant fabric traditionally worn by mountain shepherds. Following its rescue and modernization, the factory has combined historic looms and traditional fulling (felting) processes with contemporary, innovative design. This has brought *burel* into the worlds of fashion, furniture, and interior architecture, while also offering guided tours that allow visitors to witness the rhythmic pulse of the antique machinery in action.
TROUT HATCHERIES
The trout hatcheries of Manteigas, situated in the heart of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park along the clear, crystalline waters of the Zêzere River, serve as a national benchmark for aquaculture and the preservation of river fauna. Established in the mid-20th century to restock regional rivers and bolster local gastronomy, these hatcheries take advantage of the mountain water’s exceptional quality and low temperature—conditions ideal for the sustainable breeding and rearing of brown trout and rainbow trout. Beyond their economic and environmental significance, the hatcheries are a fascinating tourist attraction, offering visitors the chance to observe the various stages of the fish's development while taking in the stunning landscape of the Zêzere Glacial Valley.
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