The mountain is freezing in the winter. It’s hot in the summer. It’s far from everything. What you can see from it is more mountains. Forests. Shepherds and their flocks. Small villages. Slow life. But only the unwary would think that all this is something to avoid. This is the faraway place of Penhas Douradas, a mile above sea level, in the Estrela Range. A welcoming house is waiting for you here.
The Casa das Penhas Douradas – Burel Expedition Hotel is a lifestyle closely linked to the mountains. To its culture, its people and to the knowledge inherited by generations. It was born from the history of Estrela wool, from a century-old wool unit – the Burel Factory. It’s a unique, sustainable project. It honors a tradition. And it’s located in the healthiest spot in Portugal, due to the purity and freshness of the air.
This precious boutique hotel has no more than two suites and four double rooms. The design is inspired by local architecture. It uses natural materials and is concerned with good environmental practices in line with the natural park in which it’s nestled.
There are more than 250 kilometers of hiking and biking trails. The Casa, itself already an unlikely destination, will direct you to nearby paths that are even more unexpected. In summer you can dive into the warm waters of the lagoons right next to the hotel, kayak across them or discover the rivers that spring up there. And be amazed by the incredible geological monument that is the Zêzere Glacier Valley.
Chestnut picking is one of the main activities, as is the gathering of boletus in the woods near the source of the Mondego River. They are then used in cooking workshops and themed dinners. How could one be here without celebrating the very specific local gastronomy?
The mountain is freezing in the winter. It’s hot in the summer. It’s far from everything. Isn’t it just perfect?
