The longest cycle path in Portugal begins just outside of Santa Comba Dão, and those who want to see the local countryside by pedal-power can hire a bicycle and even take advantage of the shuttle service if they’d like to begin at the other end and cycle downhill towards home!

The Ecopista was once a railway line connecting Santa Comba Dão to the city of Viseu. The train service closed in 1988 and in 2011 the 49km stretch was reopened as a scenic public cycling and walking path.

The name Estrela in Portuguese means star, which is appropriate as this range features the highest peak in the whole country, at 1993 meters. Conveniently, visitors can drive all the way to the highest point at Torre, stopping along the way to explore the beautiful reservoirs, take in the views, and shop at the various roadside gift shops.

Right at the peak, there is a restaurant and eccentric shopping center, where you can buy wool and fur goods, liquor, presunto, and cheeses. During the winter months, if there is enough snow, you can visit the adjacent ski center. There is also a kartodrome part way up.

While not quite high enough for a ski season, the Caramulo mountains offer fantastic hiking and beautiful scenery for those wanting to explore the most rural parts of the country. Think quaint little villages and tumbles of boulders, laced with marked footpaths.