Luxury holidays in Belmonte

Belmonte, a picturesque rural outpost and one of Portugal’s historic schist villages, sits in the rolling hills surrounding the Serra da Estrela, the country’s oldest national park. Nature-based pursuits take centre stage here – hiking Portugal’s highest peaks, wild swimming at the Loriga river beach and even skiing the snow-capped peaks in winter. Throw in a mediaeval castle, and hearty regional cuisine (including notable cheese), and you have the makings of a blissful bucolic escape.
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When to go

Belmonte’s nature is at its best in springtime and temperatures are perfectly balmy. Those looking to ski on Portugal’s only pistes will want to visit between December (snowfall allowing) and April.

Getting there

  • Planes

    Porto’s international airport is a two-and-a-half hours’ drive from Belmonte; Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport is a three-hour drive away.

  • Trains

    Comboios de Portugal runs a four-hour rail service from Lisbon to Belmonte-Manteigas (a 10-minute drive from Belmonte).

  • Automobiles

    There’s plenty to see beyond Belmonte and driving distances are manageable – Castelo Branco and Serra da Estrela are both under an hour’s drive away.