Beech Route (PR13 MTG): Living Autumn in Serra da Estrela

2025-09-06

November is the perfect time to explore the Beech Route (Rota das Faias in Portuguese) in Manteigas, although this is no longer a hidden secret, as the place becomes a pilgrimage destination these days.

In fact, this time of year is ideal for those who want to see the magnificence of the autumn colors in Serra da Estrela in general, and in the Beech Forest area of Manteigas in particular.

What you may not know is that there are two possible routes to visit the Beech Forest, the PR13 MTG and the PR12 MTG, meaning that there are some important differences between these two walks.

That’s why I’ve prepared this article with all the information you need to know to discover the beech forests of Manteigas.

Rota das Faias - Beech Route (PR13 MTG). — Rota das Faias – Beech Route (PR13 MTG).

The name comes from a beech forest that was planted at the beginning of the 20th century by the Manteigas Forestry Service.

I must confess that during my walk, I often wondered if there were elves or magical fairies living there?

As I ventured into the heart of Manteigas in search of an enchanted forest, I realized why so many people come here… the place is beautiful!

A walk along the Beech Route in Manteigas.

The fresh air entrances you in a way that gives you the energy to go up and down the hills, on dirt tracks or delicately lined with a blanket of beech leaves.

Read to the end, look at the photos and tell me: is it worth spending a few days in Manteigas to enjoy this masterpiece of nature?

Autumn Trails: The Stunning Beech Route.

What to expect on the Beech Route (PR13 MTG): my experience

It’s hard for me to say what I liked best about the Beech Route, because I found everything so beautiful!

The warm colors of the leaves on the trees, the fresh air that fills your lungs, and the humidity of the green moss.

What’s more, the region simply becomes a kaleidoscope of colors, alternating between different shades of browns, reds, yellows and golds that paint the beech foliage.

That’s probably why they call it the enchanted beech forest.

Immerse yourself in the unique colors of autumn in Manteigas.

When the wind blows, the leaves come loose and glide gently to the ground, which becomes their final home.

Added to this raw scenery of nature are the dark greens of the pine trees, which glisten sporadically when the shy rays of the sun manage to permeate the dense blanket of the forest.

The black of the soil and the deep green of the mosses also stand out in this enchanted place, where fresh air fills the lungs and purifies the soul.

Start: Near Cruz das Jugadas, i.e. leaving Manteigas in the direction of Penhas Douradas (EN 232), head towards Covão da Ponte until you reach the sign “PR13 – Rota das Faias”.
What to see along the way: São Lourenço Chapel, Zêzere Glacier Valley, Penhas Douradas, Lookout Tower, Cântaro Magro and Cântaro Gordo.
Difficulty: Medium, as there are some steep ascents and descents.
Route length: 5.4 km, but can go up to 6.5 km if it includes a stop at the Manteigas viewpoint.
Duration: expect a walk of around 3 hours.

Beech leaves in autumn tones. Immerse yourself in the charm of the golden and red leaves of the mountains.

Changing tree colors in the Serra da Estrela.

What to expect on the Accessible Beech Trail (PR12 MTG)

The Accessible Beech Trail (PR12 MTG) starts at Cruz das Jugadas and coincides with the Beech Route in some places.

You can expect to walk around 4.8 km, which should take you around 1.5 hours to complete, including the round trip.

It’s therefore a smaller trail. But it’s also easier, as there are fewer steep climbs and descents.

Map of the Accessible Beech Trail (PR12 MTG).

Capela de São Lourenço (Chapel of São Lourenço).

Gold, Red and Yellow: the Colors of the Beeches.

Walking the Beech Route with pets (dogs).

Accommodation in Manteigas

So that you can enjoy the walks and see the beech leaves, it’s a good idea to stay at least one night in the region.

The nearest town is Manteigas, and the Hotel Berne (3 stars) is usually good value for money.

Also, if you’re not on a budget, both the Vila Gale Serra da Estrela (4 stars) and the Casa das Penhas Douradas – Burel Expedition Hotel (4 stars) promise a memorable stay.

Restaurants near the Beech Forest

Although there are no restaurants near the Beech Route, you can always take a picnic lunch with you.

There are plenty of interesting places to spread out a blanket on the ground and enjoy a meal in the middle of nature.

However, if you prefer to sit at a table in a restaurant, my suggestion is O Albertino, in Folgosinho.

This family-run restaurant serving traditional Portuguese cuisine has a set menu that costs 22€ per person and includes a king’s meal.

In other words, you can count on sheep’s cheese, black pudding and chorizo as starters, rabbit “cabidela” rice, wild boar with beans, Folgosinho veal, oven-roasted lamb and Folgosinho suckling pig as main courses and, finally, rice pudding, custard and curd cheese with pumpkin jam as desserts.

And just so you don’t get into debt, the price of the meal includes all these dishes, and you only have to pay for drinks separately.

Everything you need to know about the Beech Route

Signposting of the Accessible Beech Trail and the Beech Route in Manteigas.

What animals can you see on the Beech Route?

According to the Beech Route Ecological Sheet, which is available on the Manteigas Town Council website, you can see different types of animals along the route. Here’s the full list: