Covão dos Conchos

Located at a 1500 m height, Covão dos Conchos, "the mysterious hole" is certainly one of the most appealing spots in Serra da Estrela Natural Park. A masterpiece of engineering, hand in hand with Nature.

Covão dos Conchos is an artificial lagoon, located in Serra da Estrela Natural Park, 7 km away from the Mountain Village Sabugueiro, that became famous for its bell-shaped spillway that allows water to be diverted to Lagoa Comprida lagoon, the biggest water reservoir in Serra da Estrela. The living proof of a good balance between ingenious human intervention and the natural world.

Built in the 50's, Covão dos Conchos is 4,6 m high with a circumference of 48 meters. Its water-collecting tunnel is 1,5 km long. Along the decades, the mouth of the funnel has concentrated a lavish biodiversity, sparking the attention of many visitors, eager to post this truly science fiction spot!

How to get to Covão dos Conchos

In order to get to Covão dos Conchos, hikers must engage in a 4 km long walking trail, starting and ending in Lagoa Comprida, where parking is available. The path, though unsigned, is relatively straightforward in clear weather and spans approximately 10 km round trip. Hikers should be prepared for rocky sections and potential strong winds, especially given the lack of shade due to sparse vegetation at this altitude. It's advisable to carry appropriate gear, including GPS tracking, and inform someone about your hiking plans, as mountain weather can change rapidly.

Upon reaching Covão dos Conchos, travellers are greeted with a surreal sight resembling a portal to another dimension. The journey offers breathtaking landscapes, combining the blue hues of the sky and lagoons with the gray granite boulders and diverse green tones of the vegetation. For an enhanced experience, consider bringing a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning natural beauty.

GPS: 40°21’55.0″N 7°38’47.8″W
Download the Covão dos Conchos walking trail map

How to get to Covão dos Conchos

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