Description
Pousada da Covilha - Early 20th Century Sanatorium
The Pousada da Serra da Estrela in Covilha opened its doors in April 2014. This Pousada is housed in a sanatorium built in the 1930s in a smart, distinctive style. The building had remained unoccupied since the 1980s until it was acquired by the Pousadas network and, under careful guidance of the architect Eduardo Souto Moura, was converted into the beautiful hotel we see today.
The Pousada has 92 rooms, some of which have magnificent views of the surrounding valley. It also benefits from a spa, an indoor pool, spacious communal areas, and a restaurant serving some of the best local cuisine.
Named after the Serra da Estrela Nature Reserve it inhabits, the encompassing mountains and green valleys stretch as far as the eye can see, making the Pousada da Covilha the ideal location to take in the majestic beauty of these Portuguese highlands. Situated high up above the town, the breath-taking views can be enjoyed from the Pousada’s restaurant and public areas. This is the perfect refuge to escape to the refreshing mountain air.
The surrounding area has plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. In winter months, it is popular amongst winter sports enthusiasts with the snow covered slopes providing plenty of opportunities for a whole host of activities. In warmer months, these snow-capped mountains melt away to reveal beautiful green summer landscapes offering idyllic locations for hiking trails, biking, and nature walks .
The town of Covilha is famed for the production of woollen goods and was at one point one of the most important textile centres of Portugal. Today the town celebrates this history through the wool museum which provides intricate details of Portugal’s textile industries. The historic narrow streets of the Jewish Quarter and unique use of tiling on building façades make this a fascinating traditional Portuguese town to visit.