Manteigas
It is a small municipality located on the eastern slope of serra da Estrela and in the river Zêzere. It is part of Vale Glaciar do Zêzere, a space visibly marked by the action of the ice that, after disappearing, left U-shaped valleys, erratic blocks, "covões" (Covão da Ponte, Covão d'Ametade), polished rocks and several ponds. A scenery of great beauty, which gets even more intense with the winter snows! The origins of its settlement are unknown, and there are only references to the designation of Manteigas as a village in documents from the 12th century. It received the charter in 1514 by the hand of Dom Manuel I. In 1896 it was no longer head of municipality, having been attached to Guarda. However, two years later, it became a county again. Gastronomically speaking, Manteigas offers various regional delicacies to eat and cry for more – from the famous feijoada no forno (bean stew cooked in the oven), the chanfana (typical old goat dish, cooked in a black clay recipient in the wood oven), sausages and dry goat cheese. For dessert, try the bolo de soda (biscuits made with olive oil and brandy), the bolo de crista, the cavacas (cupcake style pastry with an egg white coating) and the papas de milho (corn porridge). Finish the meal with a aguardente de zimbro (juniper schnapps) or a jeropiga (a sweet wine).
What to do in Manteigas
Travel Guide
Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions
Serra da Estrela Cheese Fairs: Keeping the Tradition Alive
The king of Portuguese cheeses is spoken and tasted throughout the year, but it is in the months of February and March …
Rural Tourism to enjoy the snow in Serra da Estrela
In the highest mountainous area of mainland Portugal there are accommodations where intense contact with nature promise…
Where to eat in Manteigas
Portuguese, Regional
15.00 €
This restaurant belongs to the "albergaria" and has a pleasant dining room where well prepared regi…
Portuguese
9.00 €
Ample space to serve dishes from traditional Portuguese cuisine at good prices.
Portuguese, Regional
10.00 €
A familiar restaurant with a friendly service and regional dishes.
Regional
12.00 €
Spacious restaurant, integrated in a wooded area, with views to the exterior. As its name indicates…
Regional
12.00 €
Modern restaurant, with majestic views of the Zêzere Valley, serving regional dishes, with knitting…
Italian, Portuguese, Vegetarian
9.00 €
Pizzeria with good presentation, to provide a different meal. Pizzas and pastas are the specialties.
Portuguese
12.50 €
Traditional house with a beautiful view, serving regional dishes, the moderate prices.
Portuguese
13.50 €
Restaurant belonging to the guesthouse of the same name. The welcoming service, joins the knitting …
Portuguese
30.00 €
Located on the top of the Estrela Mountain, in quit scenic settings, this restaurant has a rustic d…
Portuguese
15.00 €
O restaurante Santa Luzia, em Manteigas, oferece uma vista privilegiada sobre a Serra da Estrela. D…
Where to sleep in Manteigas
5 star
Um hotel totalmente panorâmico, concebido em 1940 por Rogério de Azevedo, renasceu com uma nova vida voltada para a beleza da paisagem, onde o ar puro da altit…
4 star
Home located in the Natural Park of Serra da Estrela, with fantastic views of Manteigas. Is a mountain resort, with comfortable accommodation, being a good sta…
Located in the Valley of the River Zêzere, surrounded by leafy vegetation of Beira Interior, this hotel allows the contact with nature, with the pastoral beaut…
Near Manteigas
Aguiar da Beira
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Fornos de Algodres
Discover the charms, the hospitality of its approximately 1700 inhabitants and, of course, the Queijo da Serra of this village at the foot of Serra d…
Celorico da Beira
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Guarda
Guarda is known as the city of the five F's: strong, rich, cold, faithful and beautiful (forte, farta, fria, fiel e formosa). It is the highest Portu…