Serra da Estrela e Serra do Bussaco

About the destination: Serra da Estrela is the tallest mountain range in mainland Portugal. Along with Serra da Lousã, it forms the westernmost part of the Central System and is also one of the highest in the system. It is home to the highest point in mainland Portugal, standing at 1,993 meters (6,539 feet) above sea level, although the peak of Mount Pico in the Portuguese Azores islands is taller. This point is not a distinct mountain peak, but rather the highest point on a plateau, known as Torre ("Tower" in English). Torre is unique in that it can be reached by a paved road. The peak has a topographic prominence of 1,204 m (3,950 ft) and its parent peak is Pico Almanzor, in Spain. The mountain range, located between the municipalities of Seia, Manteigas, Gouveia, Guarda and Covilhã, stretches about 100 kilometers (60 miles) long and is 30 km (19 mi) wide at its broadest point. It was formed from a massive granite ridge that once marked the southern border of the country. The mountain range is now part of the Serra da Estrela Natural Park and provides skiing opportunities at the ski resort of Loriga, in the Seia Municipality.