Top 15 Natural Monuments around São Martinho

The Devil's Horns are a prominent granite rock formation with two horn-like points, located in the Serra da Estrela mountain range, near Lapa dos Dinheiros and Senhora do Desterro (not in Gerês, but in Seia, Portugal). They are the highlight of a famous circular hiking trail that follows a water channel and the Caniça stream, offering stunning landscapes, lagoons, and waterfalls. 👍🥾

Covão dos Conchos is an artificial lagoon located in the Serra da Estrela Natural Park, Portugal, near the mountain village of Sabugueiro. Covão dos Conchos became famous for its bell-mouth spillway[1]. The spillway was built in 1955 to allow water to be transferred from the Ribeira das Naves River to Lagoa Comprida. It is part of the Serra da Estrela Hydroelectric System. This science fiction-style spillway became famous when photographs of the hole went viral on social media in 2016. Over the past 60 years, the growth of vegetation at the funnel's mouth has created extraordinary biodiversity and increased its ethereal allure. It is 4.6 meters high and 48 meters in circumference. The tunnel that collects the water is 1,519 meters long.

The Lapa dos Dinheiros river beach is in perfect harmony with nature. Located in the parish of Lapa dos Dinheiros, on the Caniça River, a right-bank tributary of the Alva River, this bathing area is nestled in a mountainous landscape dominated by the Lapa Souto (south of Lapa) and imposing granite outcrops. With clear water, very appealing for swimming, the beach boasts the award for accessible beach and has lifeguards and a bar available to visitors. The rugged terrain of the valley causes the river to form a succession of small waterfalls nearby. The Lapa Souto, in addition to its valuable collection of centuries-old chestnut trees, is also home to a high level of biodiversity. From the bridge, a pedestrian path leads to the Moura Hole and a viewpoint over the Caniça Waterfalls. The Buraco da Moura is a natural cave system created by the sliding and accumulation of large granite blocks, which formed a complex system of rooms and galleries. How to get there? Once in Seia, follow the EN231 to S. Romão. From there, continue uphill for about 5 km, toward Loriga/Lapa, until you find the sign for Lapa dos Dinheiros on the left. Once inside the town, simply follow the beach signs. Coordinates: 40º 23′ 07.0″ N / 7º 41′ 50.1″ W

A beautiful nature trail, about 9 km round trip to Covão dos Conchos. Unfortunately, on August 15th, the water couldn't reach the hole and thus reveal the waterfalls. It's a reservoir, part of the Serra da Estrela hydroelectric system. A funnel-shaped drainage structure that allows water to flow from this body of water to Lagoa Comprida. The spillway was built in 1955 to divert water from Ribeira das Naves to Lagoa Comprida. Over the past 60 years, moss and foliage have grown over the mouth of the funnel, creating a captivating spectacle. It is 4.6 meters high and 4.8 meters in circumference. The tunnel that collects the water is 1,519 meters long. It's a stunning place to visit, not only for the combination of human intervention and nature, but also for the surrounding landscape.

Located at an altitude of approximately 1,600 meters, Lagoa Comprida is the largest water reservoir in the Serra da Estrela, intended for hydroelectric generation. This natural lake lies in a wide depression of glacial origin, approximately one kilometer long, which fed the Covão Grande glacier. Numerous glacial scars are visible along its banks, making this lake one of the most interesting geomorphological sites in the Serra da Estrela. Construction on this lake began in 1911, and by 1914, it was already six meters high. Later, in 1965, it underwent heightening work that increased its height to 28 meters, currently boasting a storage capacity of approximately 14 cubic hectometers, flooding an area of approximately 80 hectares. Small streams of water flow into this lagoon, as well as water retained in the Covões dos Conchos and Covões do Meio and carried to this lagoon through underground tunnels.

At an altitude of 1,700 metres, in the heart of the Serra da Estrela, stands the impressive Nave da Mestra, a granite colossus that holds a centuries-old secret: the Barca Herminius. Built in 1910 by craftsmen from Manteigas, who climbed the mountain with mules and hydraulic jacks, this house nestled between rocks looks like something out of a fairy tale. It is said that it was designed as a summer retreat by the Matos Preto family, but the legend goes further: clandestine meetings against the regime, led by judge José Pereira de Matos, are said to have taken place there. That is why, to this day, it is called the Judge's House. Running along these trails is a real spectacle!

The enigmatic Devil's Horns rise from the granite, defying the sky with their six-metre height. Sculpted by erosion over the centuries, they earned this bold name thanks to their sharp and imposing profile. But the charm doesn't end there: around this unique formation, there are small crystal-clear lagoons and serene waterfalls, creating a true natural refuge that seems to have come straight out of a fantasy story.

Nestled on the banks of the Caniça river, a tributary of the Alva river, this beach area is a haven in the middle of a mountainous landscape, where ancient chestnut trees and granite blocks shape the scenery. The crystal-clear, inviting water is perfect for a refreshing dip. The beach, which has been awarded the title of accessible, has lifeguards and a bar, making the experience even more enjoyable.