Located in the central region of Portugal, the mountain town of Covilha is the gateway to the Serra da Estrela range. This is a land of high peaks, river valleys, fairytale castles and enchanting hillside villages. In winter, Covilha attracts visitors for the ski season at one of Portugal’s only ski resorts. In summer, the Serra da Estrela Reserve - the largest natural protected area in Portugal - is a big draw for outdoor sports and hiking.

As well as being blessed with scenic beauty, the region is also relatively unspoiled – this is a chance to step back in time and take the road less travelled.

Book now to collect your Avis hire car in Covilha and get set for a great Portuguese road trip adventure.

You’ll find our friendly team at Avis Covilha in the Castelo Branco District, a residential suburb and home to the University of Beira on the eastern side of the city. Our location is next to Covilha bus station with good access to the main road network across the region. To collect your car, you’ll be heading to the car park reserved for rental cars which is just behind our office location on Avenida Da Anil.

The drive from our location in Castelo Branco to the centre of Covilha is 5.6km (3.5 miles) and takes around 6min via Avenue da Universidade, Estrada da Palmatória and ER339. The trip takes you on a spectacular climb around hairpin bends to the cobbled streets at the centre of the city.

Covilha has played its part in Portuguese history as the birthplace of explorers like Pêro da Covilhã and also as a centre of the wool trade.

Known as the city of snow, Covilha’s historic heart is centred on a tightly packed cluster of whitewashed houses, shops and municipal buildings clinging to the mountainside. Even if you are heading to the ski slopes in winter, the centre of Covilha is worth a visit. Driving and walking around this mountain town provides stunning views.

Ponte da Ribeira da Carpinteira is one of two high level footbridges with vertical lifts connecting key parts of the town with the botanical gardens and these offer great vantage points to take in the scenery. There is also a panoramic elevator and two funicular trains to ride.

When you are in the centre of Covilha, don’t miss the town’s pretty church, Igreja de Santa Maria, with its striking façade decorated with blue and white tiles. You can also glimpse Covilha’s remarkable 300-year history as a wool town at the Museu Lanifícios (wool museum) and at two former weaving and spinning factories.

Just 20min out of the town in the village of Peraboa, you can try some regional specialities at the Cheese Museum (Museu do Queijo).

Being close to the highest peak in Portugal means that you’ll a trip to Covilha involves navigating mountainous terrain, crossing river valleys and wild landscapes.

The big attraction in the region is Serra da Estrela Natural Park, at 88,000 hectares, the largest natural park in Portugal. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife a road trip around the Serra da Estrela Natural Park is a delight, you can take the mountain passes, explore quaint hilltop villages like Linhares De Biera and stop off at Lake Corvao De Corral and even reach Torre, the summit of Serra de Estrela, by car. On your way, the mountain roads N338 and N339 offer some of the best driving experiences in Europe.

Belmonte

The charming town of Belmonte is just a 30min drive north of Covilha.  Known for its interesting history and cultural heritage it is home to several landmarks including the Castle of Belmonte.

Coimbra and Porto

If you want to drive further afield for a day trip, the university city of Coimbra is just 2hr from Covilha while the coastal Porto is within a 2.5hr drive via the A25. Coimbra’s old stone town is beautifully preserved and includes a 12th century cathedral. Lively Porto is Portugal’s second largest city and offers a completely different perspective on the country with its colourful painted houses, cobbled streets and café culture and bustling harbour.

If you are travelling to central Portugal and Covilha to enjoy the great outdoors, whether that’s skiing in winter or hiking in summer, hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace.

If you are driving in Portugal for the first time or haven’t travelled there recently, it’s helpful to you familiarise yourself with the country’s driving rules before picking up your car. Some key road rules in Portugal include driving on the right and overtaking on the left. Be aware that mobile phones may only be used with a headset or hands-free device and you should not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger. For more information check out the latest road rules in Portugal.