Traveling to…the intriguing Covão dos Conchos & hiking the beautiful Serra da Estrela

Summer officially meets its end for the year next week, and even if the weather has been anything but sunshine this last week, I’ve been hanging on to sweet summertime for dear life. I didn’t do much traveling this summer, but the month I was fortunate to spend in Portugal was more than how I’d want to spend my days. My only regret, that I couldn’t spend the rest of these dog days of summer in this beautiful country. I actually did quite a bit of traveling during my trip last summer, that I still haven’t been able to share all the gorgeous locations I been to on the blog. Since we have just a bit of this season left, before mojitos are traded in for pumpkin spice lattes, I figured let’s do a bit more wanderlusting and explore these lovely locations…

If you are a nature lover, my hometown region of Serra da Estrela is a perfect location for you! Regardless where you drive, you’re met with sights of breathtaking mountains, unfortunately no longer lush due to devastating forest fires, but still a sight to see. Numerous natural beauties to go on hikes and lakes and rivers that are even more relaxing and spectacular than a beaches. It’s the country’s tallest mountain region, and home to the intriguing giant waterfall hole, Covão dos Conchos, located in a lagoon within one of Serra da Estrela’s hiking routes.

This is seriously one of the most gorgeous spots I’ve been to  and photographs I’ve ever taken! And yet to this day, it honestly doesn’t seem real to me. Sometimes when I need a break from city life and views, I’ll look back at these photographs and it reminds me of the amazingness Mother Nature possesses and that stunning locations are not too far away!   been to 

It’s an untouched wonder, where Mother Nature is simply doing what she does best. The flowers growing wild and free wherever they choose to. The water perfectly still, reflecting the intricate, unexplainable lines and crevices created by the rock formations. 

Whenever I need a moment of peace and calm, I look back at this simple hike and am instantly reminded of this still beauty, of home…..”You belong among the wildflowers — you belong somewhere you feel free.”

This mysterious hole makes you wonder what on Earth, or not, could possibly be lurking down inside. Does it lead to the core of this planet? How did this appear?? Well, this very natural looking sinkhole, is actually a man-made tunnel, built in 1955 as part of the region’s hydroelectric system, which collects water from Ribeira das Naves and brings it back to the Serra’s largest pond, Lagoa Comprida. Still, if you were to hike to see this wonder, you could allow your imagination run wild only to find out it’s probably one of the world’s coolest drain pipes. 

Even if this concrete granite drain pipe is unnatural, Nature has naturally done its job. At its origin, it has now become overgrown with greens, wild flowers and whatever interesting creatures calling it home. 

It might me man-made, but you can’t deny that the Covão dos Conchos is an amazing engineering marvel! Seriously, how the heck did they build this thing?!?

Arriving at this intriguing wonder, is part of its beauty! I won’t sugarcoat it, the only way to actually see this site for yourself is on foot or bike. It’s not a strenuous hike in the slightest, anyone can do it, but be prepared for 6 miles {9.6 kilometer} of walking. We did the entire thing in about 2 hours, of good non-stop walking, so be fair warned this is not a site you can just drive up to snap a few photos and be done with it. Experiencing the Covão dos Conchos is all about the journey and experience hiking through the Serra da Estrela. And please go in the early morning light, if you happen to catch a very hot day, the walk back in strong sunlight, won’t be as pleasant! And if you plan on taking this on in the winter, make sure to bundle up very well! 

To get here, you’ll leave your car at the Lagoa Comprida, which is on the way to the Torre, and begin your trek. On your return, make sure to stop by the traditional shop where relax, take in the sites, shop a few regional items and then sample some of the region’s famous cheese and cured meats. Don’t forget to wash your hardwork down with a crisp beer, or gelato if you prefer. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot some adorable Cao da Serra puppies! 

Can we say Dream Home!!

Once you’re all done with your beautiful hike, head down and relax at the Vale do Rossim, a favorite of us locals. The crisp lake waters will be the best refresher after a hot walk and another way to take in all the beauty Serra da Estrela has to offer! 

I didn’t get to make it back here this summer, but I’m already counting the days until my return to this gorgeous location that had become a favorite!