Madre de Água

Top choice in Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela


A fabulous rural retreat, this contemporary four-star is set on verdant farmland 6km west of Gouveia. The 10-room hotel, a good-looking mix of exposed stone, honey-blonde wood floors, plate-glass walls and hip modern design, is part of a farm company that also produces its own wine, olive oil and cheese, as well as breeding horses.

One wing of the hotel is given over to a restaurant that serves gourmet meals (mains €15-21) – it's open daily for lunch (12.30 to 3pm) and dinner (7.30-10pm).


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela attractions

2. Museu da Miniatura Automóvel

1.48 MILES

Here's the deal: revheads (big kids and small) and keen collectors will love this, others might think 'meh'. Over 3000 miniature vehicles are on display…

3. Museu do Pão

6.54 MILES

This popular museum, set in a huge complex with mill wheels, a restaurant and rustic buildings, celebrates the history of traditional bread making. The…

4. Museu do Brinquedo

6.76 MILES

This museum, housed in a lovely converted mansion, traces the history of Portuguese toys, from the Victorian to the contemporary, providing an interesting…

6. Burel Factory

7.98 MILES

The burel factory originally opened in 1960 and employed 1000 people at its height (burel is a wool fabric similar to felt). After a decline in the…

7. Castelo de Linhares

8.88 MILES

Visible for miles around, Linhares' 13th-century castle is a formidable sight, with its two crenellated keeps and impregnable walls. Not a lot remains…

8. Poço do Inferno

9.9 MILES

This waterfall, which descends the steep gorge of Ribeira de Lenadres, is a magnificent spectacle, particularly in spring. To get there from Manteigas,…