Rota das Faias: A Stunning Family-Friendly Hike in Serra da Estrela

Looking for an easy hike in the Serra da Estrela that’s perfect for the whole family? The Rota das Faias in Manteigas is one of the best options.

It’s a circular trail of less than 6 km (about 3.7 miles) with a low elevation gain, ideal for almost anyone in the family.

But don’t be fooled: just because it’s easy and accessible doesn’t mean it’s not worth it. The views over Manteigas and the glacial valley are stunning, and the beech forest is unforgettable, especially in autumn, when the trees turn shades of yellow, orange, and red, creating a breathtaking landscape.

Practical Information for the Rota das Faias

Description of the Rota das Faias

At less than 6 km (about 3.7 miles), the Rota das Faias is a short circular trail (Pequena Rota) in Manteigas. The main attraction of this route is the spectacular and dense beech forest, which puts on a stunning display of colors in autumn, but there’s more to this trail than just the fall foliage.

The trail starts at the parking lot and is clearly marked with an information panel. We begin on a wide path for a few hundred meters of flat terrain until we reach a junction. Here, turn left to follow the trail clockwise, as recommended.

Turning left, we start an ascent of almost 2 km (1.2 miles). It may seem long, but there are gently sloping or even flat sections where you can rest your legs, and since it’s on a wide path, it’s much easier to walk.

At the top of the climb, you’re rewarded with the viewpoint at the Chapel of São Lourenço and, a few hundred meters later, the forest watchtower. From here, you get fabulous views of much of this region of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, and the watchtower is also crucial for quickly spotting forest fires.

From here, we descend into the São Lourenço woodland, mainly made up of Oregon pines and the beech trees that gave the trail its name. In autumn, the leaves turn golden and orange, creating an almost magical scene — something rare in Portugal. During our visit, the leaves were still changing color, so plenty of green leaves were still visible.

At the end of the descent, near the Casa do Leite, you have the option to take a short detour (1 km / 0.6 miles) to the Manteigas viewpoint or return to the starting point. Since both the trail and the detour are short, we recommend visiting the viewpoint. The view over Manteigas and the Glacial Valley is incredible.

Finally, we return along the same path to Casa do Leite and continue back to the starting point. It’s about 2 km (1.2 miles) of mostly flat terrain with slight inclines, and it presents no difficulty.

Signage

The signage is excellent, with markers throughout the entire trail. You’re unlikely to get lost, as every intersection with other paths indicates the correct direction. Still, it’s always easier and recommended to bring a GPS in case you take a wrong turn.

Technical and Physical Difficulty

This trail has no technical difficulty, as it is always on a wide path and is very well marked.

In fact, besides the trail itself being relatively easy, there’s even an accessible variant of the Rota das Faias that avoids the climb to the Chapel of São Lourenço, making it even easier. This part of the trail can truly be done by everyone. The accessible section can even be navigated with a wheelchair.

Altitude

Despite the low difficulty and good accessibility, keep in mind that we are in the heart of the Serra da Estrela at a considerable altitude. Much of the trail takes place above 1,000 meters (3,280 ft), so be prepared for sudden changes in the weather.

The elevation gain is still about 200 meters (656 ft), but since it’s all on a path, the short distances aren’t much of a concern.

When to Hike the Trail

The Rota das Faias is ideal in autumn, when the beech trees change color, creating an incredible scene of yellow, orange, and red leaves. The best time is late autumn, around early November.

If you’re not interested in seeing the fall foliage, the trail is also suitable for hiking year-round. You’ll just miss the feature that makes this route a unique experience.

Note that in summer, the forests are cool, but parts of the trail are highly exposed to the sun. Still, it’s perfectly walkable.

In winter, the already considerable altitude can mean very cold temperatures and even snow. So, even though it’s a path, it will be quite unpleasant when it’s raining, and if there’s snow, do not attempt this trail. Alternatively, we suggest the Rota da Caniça in Seia, where the lower altitude makes snow unlikely.

Who is this trail for?

This trail is perfect for the whole family. It’s very well marked, so you don’t need any prior mountain hiking experience, and it’s always on a wide path, so you don’t need to worry about the route. The main challenge is the climb to the Chapel of São Lourenço and then up to the watchtower.

We’d say the accessible variant is truly suitable for everyone, from children to older adults. With some effort, it might even be possible with strollers or wheelchairs, but since there are no proper paths, it’s not ideal.

In short, this is a great Sunday family outing and an ideal trail for anyone looking to get started with hiking.

What to bring?

As mentioned above, it’s an easy trail that can be done without any special equipment or preparation. Still, we suggest bringing:

• Some water, especially in summer (around 1 liter per person should be enough)
• Snacks
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Comfortable clothing
• A rain jacket in winter
• Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen in summer
• Camera and phone, as there are many opportunities for great photos; the phone can also be used as a GPS
• A small backpack to carry everything

And as always, please don’t leave any trash behind. Take everything you bring with you.

How to get to the trail

Access to the trail is very easy, as it starts next to Cruz das Jugadas, close to the road and a large parking area.

To get there from Manteigas, take the N232 towards Penhas Douradas and, after a few kilometers, turn right towards Folgosinho. It’s less than 8 km (about 5 miles) and takes about 15 minutes.

The trail is also easy to find, as it’s well-marked and has an information panel with everything you need for your hike.

Where to stay when hiking the Rota das Faias

The Rota das Faias is relatively close to Manteigas, so it’s best to stay in the village. You’ll find plenty of accommodation and dining options there, as it’s one of the main access points to the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.

On the map below, you can see some accommodation suggestions in Manteigas and the surrounding area.

The Rota das Faias is one of those trails that remind us why Serra da Estrela is one of Portugal’s most beautiful nature destinations. Short, accessible, and with unforgettable scenery — especially in autumn.

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