Sortelha

Enter in Sortelha, one of the most beautiful villages of Portugal, and let yourself go back in time. The alleys show the old house and the towering castle, dating from the XIII century. There are walls to climb, views that extend to Serra da Estrela, secular doors, two stones that “kiss” and crafts made from an herb. A place that looks like a fairytale of kings, queens and valiant knights.

Sortelha, a village made of perfectly preserved stone houses. It seems out of a charming story of kings, queens and brave knights. Upon reaching the wall, you will enter by the “False Door” or Arab Door and every corner that you looked your soul will jump with joy!
This Village has a medieval foundation since 13th century until 14th century, which finds in its defensive needs and in the military organization of space its essential matrix, greatly altered by interventions during the Manueline period (16th century). Although now there is no need for defensive needs and military organizations it is still completely stopped in time its characteristics of yesterday!
Imagine yourself enter in this walls and be hosted in a travel through time, where you have the opportunity to understand what was the way people used to leave this very precious and antique space.
Enjoy this day to do some hiking in which you appreciate this very special village as well as the natural space that surrounds it. Energies restored by the charms of one of the medieval villages of Portugal, and feel prepared for the next adventure, which awaits you.

GALLERY

REACHING AND LIVING SORTELHA

BY CAR

  • Arrival from Porto:
    It’s around 230km (approximately 2hours’ and 30 minutes’ drive), over the A1 and A25 then the N233 in direction of Guarda.
    Take the exit 35 in the A23/IP2.
    Continue in the N233 and then the CM1183 in direction of Sortelha.
  • Arrival from Lisbon:
    It’s around 305km (approximately 3hours’ drive), over the A1 and A23 and then the N18-3 in direction of Caria.
    Take the exit 32 in the A23/IP2.
    Continue in the N18-3 in direction of Sortelha.

BY TRANSPORT

  • Arrival by train from Lisbon:
    Take the train from estação do Oriente in direction of Covilhã and then take a taxi.
  • Arrival by bus from Lisbon:
    AutobusTake the bus from Lisboa Sete Rios to Belmonte and Ginjal or from Gare Oriente to Penamacor and then take a taxi.
  • Arrival by bus from Porto:
    AutobusTake the bus from Porto to Belmonte and then take a taxi
  • Arrival by taxi:
    There is a taxi connection from Covilhã (only 38km away), Ginjal (only 20km away), Penamacor (only 31km away) and Belmonte (only 18km away).
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THINGS TO DO  in Sortelha

  • In Easter Monday the Santo Antão celebration.
  • The second Sunday of August the Santo António celebration.
  • In Agost, the medieval fair – “Muralhas com história”
calendar

WHEN TO COME to Sortelha

  • Any time of the year is perfect to visit.
  • The climate is characterized by both mild summers and winters.
  • July and August are dry months.
  • There are seven days of rain per month throughout the rest of the year.