Covão dos Conchos
Private Tour hike at Serra da Estrela - Covão dos Conchos (via Lagoa Comprida), Torre, Covão da Ametade (Lunch at Manteigas)
This dam in Covão dos Conchos, is part of the Serra da Estrela Hydroelectric System and is a very popular place amoung tourists. Part of this interest results from the existence of a water drainage structure similar to a funnel, which allows the transfer of water from this water mirror to the Lagoa Comprida. A splendid place to be visited not only for the conjunction of man’s intervention in nature, but also for the surrounding landscape. To access Covão dos Conchos, situated 6.9 km away from the Mountain Village of Sabugueiro, you will have to follow a trail of about 4 km away from Lagoa Comprida to this place.
Originally it was a small lagoon, but at the beginning of the 20th century a dam was built with the aim of creating the largest water reservoir in Serra da Estrela. Most of the water that reaches this dam comes through two tunnels: that of Covão dos Conchos, which we already mentioned above, and that of Covão do Meio, which collects water from the slopes of Planalto da Torre and whose length exceeds that of Covão dos Conchos (more than 2km).
Expect this:
The trail doesn’t have any major differences in level, but there are some very rocky sections, so it’s a good idea to take appropriate footwear and be prepared to face the wind (generally cold) that usually blows in these parts. There’s nothing like dressing in layers and always carrying a protective hat and scarf, even if you’re not going in winter.
It is also worth bearing in mind that at this altitude (the entire pedestrian route is between 1500 and 1700 meters) there is practically only low vegetation, therefore, there is no shadow of any kind, which can make this trail somewhat painful in hotter days.
The combination of the blue of the sky and the water of the lagoons with the gray of the huge (and balancing) granite blocks mixed with the varied shades of green of the undergrowth, give this trail a fascinating color. In winter you can even add the white of snow to the palette, which makes it even more idyllic.
What to bring:
- Light and comfortable backpack;
- Hiking shoes;
- Some food and drinks;
- Beanie (or a hat on hotter days), scarf and windbreaker (on cold days, essential), sunscreen and sunglasses;
- A camera or a smartphone to record the best moments of the walk and the photogenic Covão dos Conchos.
Departure time from pick up point: around 8am.
Expected time to end the trip: around 6pm (subject to change).
What’s included: confortable transportation, wifi, water, amenities, lunch at typical portuguese restaurant.
Not included: other meals, entrance tickets (when applied).
Price: 450€ euros for 2 people, you can add another person for an extra of 50€ euros.
