Sunset in Serra da Estrela: the best spots and what time
Sunset is when Serra da Estrela looks its best. The granite turns orange, the lakes light up and, on the right days, the valleys fill with clouds below you. We go up almost every day on our most popular tour. These are our favourite spots and the times you should get there.
Key takeaways
- Arrive 45 minutes before sunset: the best light comes before
- Even in summer it gets very cold up there once the sun goes: bring a jacket
- In November and December the sun sets at around 5:15pm
- The best viewpoints are on dirt tracks that only a 4x4 can reach
1. The plateau and the Torre
At almost 2,000 metres, the highest point in mainland Portugal, the horizon is open in every direction. In the late afternoon the low light catches the grass and the boulders and, when there are low clouds, you are literally above them. In winter the road can close with snow or ice, so check before you drive up.
2. The plateau lakes
Lagoa Comprida and the other plateau lakes are the place for reflections. With the sun low and the air still, the sky is mirrored in the water. Stay until the end: the minutes after sunset often bring the strongest colours.
3. Cabeça da Velha
Near Sabugueiro, this granite boulder shaped like a face is one of the most photographed in the mountains. In the late afternoon the side light picks out the shapes in the rock. It is right by the road, so it gets busy at weekends too.
4. Penhas Douradas and the Glacial Valley
Above Manteigas, Penhas Douradas has granite that really does turn golden at the end of the day, with views over the Zêzere Glacial Valley. It is quieter than the Torre and lovely in autumn.
5. The viewpoints only a jeep can reach
Our favourite spots are not on any map. They are viewpoints at the end of dirt tracks, away from the road and the crowds. That is where we go on the Sunset 4x4 tour: we set off around 2pm, explore the mountain tracks and finish with regional wine, Serra cheese and cured meats as the sun disappears. Shared from €79 per person or private from €120.
What time the sun sets
Approximate times in Serra da Estrela, mainland Portugal time:
January, between 5:25pm and 6:00pm. February, 6:00pm to 6:30pm. March, 6:30pm to 7:05pm and, after the clocks change at the end of the month, around 8:00pm. April, 8:00pm to 8:30pm. May, 8:30pm to 9:00pm. June and July, around 9:05pm. August, 8:50pm to 8:10pm. September, 8:05pm to 7:20pm. October, 7:20pm to 6:40pm and, after the clocks change, around 5:35pm. November, 5:30pm to 5:10pm. December, around 5:10pm to 5:20pm.
Our home page always shows the sunset time at the Torre for that day.
Tips for a great sunset
Bring a warm jacket, even in August: the temperature drops fast once the sun has gone. A completely clear sky is not always best: a few high clouds catch fire with the light. Do not leave straight away, because the 15 minutes after sunset are often the most beautiful. And if you stay into the night on a clear day, the stars come out next.
