Zêzere Glacial Valley Trail

The Zêzere Glacial Valley Trail follows the U-shaped valley carved by an ancient glacier through Serra da Estrela Natural Park, running roughly 11 km one way between the Covão da Ametade area and the town of Manteigas. Most hikers arrange a taxi or shuttle to the upper trailhead near Nave de Santo António or Covão da Ametade and walk downhill to Manteigas, descending about 700 m over the course of the route; a car left in Manteigas or a return taxi is needed since it is a point-to-point walk. The path follows a mix of dirt track, packed gravel forest road, and rockier sections near the valley floor, with long stretches of open exposure to sun and wind on the upper plateau giving way to partial shade from pine plantations closer to Manteigas. Landmarks along the way include the glacial cirque views near Covão da Ametade, the Zêzere river itself as it tumbles through the valley, and several old shepherd shelters (curros) built from local schist and granite. Hikers who do not want to complete the full 11 km can turn around at Covão da Ametade or at any of the river crossing points partway down. Water from the Zêzere river is available along much of the route but should be treated before drinking, and there are no staffed refuge huts, though the abandoned stone shelters offer basic wind cover in an emergency.