Serra do Açor

Serra do Açor, which is classified as a Protected Landscape, is a mountainous area in Portugal that exceeds 1,300 meters in altitude. It has a diverse forest area, of enormous natural beauty, home to streams with clear waters and villages that are worth visiting.

Serra do Açor is located in Portugal, in the Central Mountain Range, between Serra da Lousã and Serra da Estrela. This immense territory includes the municipalities of Pampilhosa da Serra and Arganil in their entirety and, partially, the municipalities of Covilhã, Seia, Oliveira do Hospital and Góis.

How to get to Serra do Açor?

The quickest way to get from Lisbon to Serra do Açor is by car, a journey that takes approximately three and a half hours. However, for those coming from the North or South of the country, the most common access is via the A1 road until the IP3 exit, then following the signs for Arganil and Coja, where there are direct signs for Mata da Margaraça, Fraga da Pena or Piódão. It is around 180 kilometers from Porto and 280 kilometers from Lisbon.

If a car is not an option, you can go by train from Lisbon, a journey that takes on average 4h 20m. Another option is to use a bus, where the journey would take an average of 4h 40m.

Where to stay in Serra do Açor in Portugal?

Village of Coja

It is a village with good infrastructure that offers restaurants, cafes and bars, in a relaxed, bucolic and intimate environment. It has good restaurant and accommodation options. The town of Coja is a great option for those traveling in the summer and looking to cool off. It is close to the best river beaches in Serra do Açor.

It is a great place to visit the villages, waterfalls and the Margaraça forest. The best accommodation option in Coja village is at Casas da Coutada.

The village of Piódão

It is the most popular village for accommodation. Considered the most touristic village in Serra do Açor, it is of great rustic beauty. However, accommodation prices tend to exceed the region’s average and it is necessary to book in advance.

Villages of Serra do Açor

There are several accommodations spread across the different villages of Serra do Açor. If you are looking for tranquility and to be further away from everything and everyone, then choose to stay in a small village. However, be aware that those who choose this option will rarely find markets or restaurants in the villages, so the ideal is to choose accommodation with a kitchen.

Places to visit in Serra do Açor in Portugal

• Coja Village – Great for walking around the center and enjoying the atmosphere.
• Benfeita – A small village, in the heart of the schist mountains and with a welcoming atmosphere and very typical houses.
• Fraga da Pena waterfall – It is one of the highlights of Serra do Açor. It is not necessary to walk much more than 200 meters to reach the biggest waterfall. It also has three natural pools, which you will need to follow a trail to reach.
• Pardieiros – A good idea to enjoy the village of Pardieiros is to eat at the Casa dos Melhoramentos restaurant. It’s simple but excellent food. Homemade and reasonably priced. The place is very beautiful with views over Largo da Igreja.
• The forest of Margaraça – A jewel of Serra do Açor. As it is one of the largest strongholds of native Mediterranean vegetation with an incredible view of nature. It is possible to explore the Margaraça forest by taking a trail, which can be done independently (30 min) or on a guided tour (1h30m). The Margaraça forest trail is well signposted.
• Piódão Village – In Piodão you can go on a walking trail and visit nearby villages, such as the village of Foz d´Égua, one of the most beautiful in these mountains.
• Poço da Broca – A wonderful set of waterfalls, with fantastic natural pools, a charming place.
• Aldeia das Dez – Before entering the village, which is beautiful, stop at the viewpoint to enjoy the beautiful views over the Alva Valley.
• Miradouro de Avô – When following the road that goes to Vila Pouca da Beira to reach Miradouro de Avô, stop to enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Alva River valley. These are the most beautiful panoramic views of the Alva valley and Serra do Açor. In Avô there is a beautiful village, with a river beach and very hospitable people.

The best river beaches in Serra do Açor

• Alvaiázere Village
• Urtigal
• Agroal
• Village of Coja
• Pomares
• Foz d’Égua
• Poço da Broca
• Cova de Alva Village
• Avô
• Benfeita
• Secarias
• Casal Novo

For those looking for a place with tourist-ecological attractions, active tourism and adventure tourism, a trip to Serra do Açor will certainly be incredible. There are different places and landscapes that are so different and so beautiful that they capture your attention. It is worth getting to know Serra do Açor in Portugal, with its multiple attractions, where each one has its own uniqueness and where everyone who visits is enchanted.