Casa Cerro da Correia, a mountain cottage on the edge of the Zêzere Glacier Valley

This is a place where it’s still truly quiet. At an altitude where the only sound is birdsong, and the view stretches across a valley shaped by glaciers thirty thousand years ago. This is where you’ll find Casa Cerro da Correia.

This charming vacation home is located at an elevation of 900 meters, just 3 kilometers from the picturesque village of Manteigas, in the heart of the Serra da Estrela National Park. Surrounded by oak, chestnut, and pine forests, and offering panoramic views of the famous Vale Glaciário do Zêzere. This is the perfect base if you want to experience nature as it should be: peaceful, authentic, and fully immersed in the local community.

Manteigas: the quiet gateway to the Serra da Estrela

Manteigas is one of Central Portugal’s best-kept secrets. The municipality is the only one in the country whose entire territory lies within the Serra da Estrela National Park—a rarity you can feel the moment you arrive. No mass tourism, no large hotels. Just mountains, rivers, and a population that has lived off the land for generations.

The village itself is an ideal starting point for hikes of all levels. The renowned Estrela Green Tracks system offers GPS-guided routes ranging from leisurely forest trails to multi-day mountain treks. Add to that the proximity of natural gems such as the Poço do Inferno waterfall, the Covão d’Ametade plateau, and the headwaters of the Zêzere River, and you’ll understand why hikers keep coming back here time and again.

The home: a family home with character

Casa Cerro da Correia is not a design hotel. It is a family home. Built in 1953 by grandfather José Maria Direito as a vacation home, it has been lovingly preserved and refurbished for guests seeking an authentic experience. Owners Inês and Miguel have carried that family spirit through in every detail: from the fireplace in the living room to the vegetable garden with mountain vegetables at the edge of the terrace.

The house can accommodate up to 8 guests and is available for rent only as a whole. It’s ideal for a family, a group of friends, or two couples looking to get away together. The four bedrooms, two bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen, dining room, and living room are designed to make you feel right at home—but with a view of a glacial valley.

Facilities

• 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• Living room with a fireplace and hardwood floors
• Fully equipped kitchen (refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher)
• Washing machine, free Wi-Fi, television
• Terrace and patio; perfect for outdoor dining
• A garden that blends into the pine forest. Perfect for a morning stroll
• Vegetable garden and young orchard with local mountain produce
• Free parking
• Heating in all rooms, pellet stove on the landing

The garden features only native plant species. This was a deliberate choice made to support the local flora and fauna. Throughout the day, you can hear hoopoes, crows, and owls—birds that are characteristic of the Serra da Estrela ecosystem.

Unique: experiencing the mountains with someone who knows them like the back of their hand

What makes Casa Cerro da Correia special is that staying here is more than just a place to stay. Inês and Miguel offer certified experiences (recognized by Turismo de Portugal as 100% responsible) that allow you to get to know the Serra da Estrela in a way that travel guides cannot. Not as a tourist, but as a guest of the community.

Follow the Shepherd – 3 to 4 hours

On this walking tour, you’ll join a real shepherd on his daily route. You’ll listen to his stories, learn about his connection to the land, and share a light meal when you arrive at the pasture. The proceeds are shared with the shepherd himself.

Practical information: maximum of 6 participants, insurance included, participants must provide their own transportation to the starting point. Depending on the weather and the shepherd’s availability, the activity may be modified or rescheduled.

Serra da Estrela Cheese Tasting – 2 to 3 hours

Serra da Estrela is one of the few cheeses in Portugal with a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). In this tasting, you’ll explore a selection of sheep’s-milk cheeses, with that famous PDO cheese as the centerpiece, complemented by goat’s-milk cheeses, wines, jams, and fresh fruit. Inês and Miguel will share stories and legends about the cheese and explain why this product is so inextricably linked to the region’s culture.

Depending on the weather, the tasting will take place on the terrace of the house or at a spot with a spectacular view of the Glacier Valley. Maximum of 10 participants; insurance included.

Traditional Mountain Recipes Workshop

In this cooking workshop, you’ll dive into the kitchen with recipes that have been passed down through generations in the Serra da Estrela. Local ingredients, traditional techniques, and stories about mountain cuisine make this a culinary experience that’s more than just a recipe.

Picnic with local products

A personalized picnic featuring artisanal local products at a carefully selected spot in the nature park. Simple, authentic, and unforgettable.

Sustainability as the backbone, not an afterthought

What many providers now tout as a unique selling point has been standard practice at Casa Cerro da Correia for years: reducing consumption, actively participating in the community, and preserving and passing on local knowledge. This approach has led to an impressive array of recognized certifications:

• Biosphere Sustainable Tourism: certified since June 2019, renewed annually
• ESG – Sustainability Engaged Certification (Turismo de Portugal, December 2025)
• GEOFood certification for the Estrela Geopark
• 100% Responsible Experiences (Turismo de Portugal)
• Booking.com: Proud to Serve Travelers

The garden is planted exclusively with native species to create a balanced ecosystem, reduce water consumption, and support insects and birds. The vegetable garden provides seasonal mountain produce. And the experiences aren’t sold separately, but are rooted in genuine relationships with local shepherds, cheesemakers, and artisans.

Serra da Estrela Natural Park: the roof of Portugal

The Serra da Estrela Nature Reserve is Portugal’s largest protected nature reserve. Covering more than 100,000 hectares, it was designated a UNESCO Geopark in 2019. From Manteigas, you have direct access to some of the most impressive sites in the park, such as the Vale Glaciario do Zêzere glacial valley, mountain lakes, and waterfalls.

Read more about the Serra da Estrela Natural Park here

Practical Information: Casa Cerro da Correia

Address: Manteigas (approx. 5–8 minutes from downtown), Serra da Estrela, Portugal

Registration number: 36934/AL

Capacity: Up to 8 guests (exclusive use, entire house)

Bedrooms: 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Parking: Free , on-site

Wi-Fi: Free , fast

Pets: Please contact the owners

Languages: English , Portuguese, Spanish, French

Season: Open year-round

Accessibility: Nearest train station: Covilhã (approx. 30-minute drive); Lisbon approx. 3 hours; Porto approx. 3.5 hours

Book direct with the owners. Booking direct means personal contact, a warm welcome, and—in the true spirit of NatureTravelLab—no middlemen.

Frequently Asked Questions About Casa Cerro da Correia

Is Casa Cerro da Correia a good base for hikers?

Absolutely. The house is located in the heart of the Serra da Estrela National Park, just 5–8 minutes from Manteigas, the region’s hiking hub. It offers direct access to trails of all levels, from short forest paths to challenging day hikes to mountain peaks.

Can I rent the house for a group?

Yes. The house is rented out exclusively as a whole and can accommodate up to 8 guests. Together with the adjacent Casa da Sicó (listing number 100194/AL), there is even room for up to 16 people in two separate homes with their own entrances.

Are the experiences also available to non-guests?

Yes, activities such as the shepherd’s walk and the cheese tasting are also available to visitors staying elsewhere in the region. Please book in advance via the website.

When is the best time to visit?

The house is open year-round. Spring (April–June) and fall (September–November) are ideal for hiking: pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and beautiful colors. In winter, there may be snow—spectacular—and the fireplace keeps the house cozy and warm. Summers are perfect for swimming in the nearby rivers and lakes.

How sustainable is Casa Cerro da Correia?

Casa Cerro da Correia is certified by Biosphere, Turismo de Portugal (ESG), and Geopark Estrela (GEOFood), and holds the Travel Proud seal of approval. Sustainability is woven into everything: the garden with native species, local partnerships, and the shared benefits of experiences with community members.