Portugal’s largest mountain range has just received a new international accolade. The Serra da Estrela, renowned for its mountain landscapes and exceptional biodiversity, has been recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Located in central Portugal, the Serra da Estrela is one of the country’s most iconic natural areas. Dominated by Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal at almost 2,000 metres above sea level, the massif has long attracted hikers, nature enthusiasts and admirers of rural traditions.
The Serra da Estrela Natural Park, the largest in the country, has now reached a new milestone in its protection: UNESCO has officially added it to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This designation is awarded to territories where nature conservation, sustainable development and traditional human activities coexist in balance.
Portugal’s largest natural park
Established in 1976, the Serra da Estrela Natural Park covers more than 100,000 hectares across several municipalities in central Portugal, including Seia, Covilhã, Manteigas and Guarda. It is the largest protected area in the country.
The Serra da Estrela stands out for the diversity of its landscapes: glacial valleys, high-altitude lakes, oak and pine forests, rocky plateaux and mountain villages. The massif is also home to remarkable wildlife and plant life, including numerous endemic and protected species.
Beyond its ecological significance, the region possesses a strong cultural identity. Traditional sheep farming, the production of the famous Queijo da Serra cheese, seasonal livestock migrations (transhumance), and the granite architecture of its villages all form an integral part of the local heritage.
The Serra da Estrela is also one of Portugal’s leading tourist destinations. In winter, it hosts the country’s only ski resort, while throughout the rest of the year its walking trails and spectacular scenery attract visitors seeking nature and cooler temperatures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwQbg-wtScA
Recognition for a well-preserved territory
UNESCO’s designation of the Serra da Estrela as a Biosphere Reserve recognises the conservation efforts that have been carried out in the region over several decades. UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme honours areas that successfully combine ecosystem protection, sustainable economic development and the preservation of local communities.
The distinction highlights, in particular, the ecological richness of the massif, which is often described as Portugal’s 'water tower' thanks to its many springs and rivers. The region plays a vital role in safeguarding water resources and natural habitats.
The new Biosphere Reserve also draws attention to the traditional human activities that have shaped the landscape without degrading it, including pastoralism, mountain agriculture, sustainable forest management and traditional craftsmanship.
With this designation, Portugal gains another UNESCO-recognised Biosphere Reserve, further confirming the Serra da Estrela’s importance as a natural and cultural heritage site of exceptional value.
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