PR13 CVL - Granite Route
Município da Covilhã
This medium difficulty route will guide you in discovering unique landscapes and shapes that have accompanied shepherds since time immemorial.
In the heart of the Serra da Estrela, at about 1500m altitude, the Penhas da Saúde are surrounded by breathtaking fauna and flora. Their charm is not limited to the white blanket that invades the horizon in winter months... with snowmelt in mid-April, new colors appear in the landscape, unique shades unmissable for those who want to feel nature.
It is here, in the tourist village of Penhas da Saúde, that we find these granite block trails. Taking advantage of the local geological richness, this circular medium difficulty route surprises with the shapes that surround the visitor while walking the shepherd trails and exploring wide views, particularly the Covão do Teixo, in the place called Curral do Vento, and over Cova da Beira, from Alto das Capinhas.
This circular route tells the story of these plateaus, where it is possible to contemplate the mountain through the silence that only nature allows. Pedra do Urso and Lapa do Esgalhado are two other landmarks you can find along the way.
Remember that these are mountain routes with sections without a defined trail; we recommend special caution in foggy conditions and the use of our APP for navigation support.
Maintenance Responsible: Covilhã City Hall
Adherence to the Responsible Trails system promoted by the city hall itself.
Author’s recommendation
Responsible Trails ® ensures an annual technical audit where the main points of the code of ethics are evaluated. Here you can find the result of the latest audit.
Before starting your adventure don't forget to check the "Warnings" tab.
Responsible Trails Evaluation:
(last audit carried out on 11/10/2023)
Signage: 2 - Much signage missing (GPS or map needed)
Path conservation: 3 - Deterioration hindering progress
Surrounding conservation: 1 - Level of deterioration completely alters the experience
Informative structures: 5 - Very well maintained and of superior quality
Interpretive structures: 1 - Nonexistent or with no quality and/or useless
Support and safety structures: 3 - Reasonably maintained
Community interaction: 3 - Occasional interaction/contacts with the community
Landscape integration: 4 - Well integrated into the landscape and with points of interest
General safety: 1 - Presents more than one situation of high risk
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
The route was battered by wildfires, so much of the itinerary presents changes in experience, signage, and safety.
Remember that these are mountain routes with sections without a defined trail, we recommend special caution in foggy conditions and the use of our APP for navigation support.
Be careful with livestock and guard dogs. Remember that they are working and will always protect their flock. If necessary, bypass the flock and alert the shepherd.
- Carry a map with the route marked or a GPS navigation file.
- Stay on the marked route.
- Respect private property.
- Leave gates as you found them.
- If closed, make sure they remain properly closed.
- Avoid making noises that disturb the environment.
- Do not pick or damage plants.
- Do not disturb animals.
- Do not leave any type of litter; carry it to a place where there is a collection service.
- Do not make fires outside of permitted periods.
- If permitted, always use equipment designed for the purpose (e.g., barbecues in picnic areas).
- Do not destroy or modify signage.
- Do not damage heritage elements or other existing equipment.
- Prefer local products, contributing to the economies of the places visited.
- If accompanied by a pet, ensure it does not disturb the local fauna or livestock.
- Help maintain this route by reporting any anomalies detected.
- These routes are developed within the Serra da Estrela Natural Park.
- We recommend that you be accompanied by field guides, in particular for birds and plants, as well as a camera and binoculars for observing wildlife from a distance.
Tips and suggestions
In case of emergency, besides the National emergency number 112, you can contact Mountain Rescue (GNR - UEPS) +351 275 249 131 or +351 961 188 070
Lapa do Esgalhado
Alto das Capinhas
Pedra do Urso
Covão do Teixo
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions