Penhas da Saúde

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Torre, the highest point of Mainland Portugal, view from Penhas da Saúde

Penhas da Saúde (English: Crags of the Health) is a village in the municipality of Covilhã, Portugal. This mountain village sits right in the heart of Serra da Estrela, nestled within the scenic mountain range, at an altitude of 1,500 metres. It is primarily a winter resort.

[edit] Winter resort

The tourism facilities in Penhas da Saúde consists of the Serra da Estrela Hotel, a youth hostel and the Mountain Chalets, 10 minutes away from the Vodafone Ski Resort. Slightly below the village, overlooking Cova da Beira, sits the typical Estalagem Varanda dos Carqueijais.

A blizzard in Penhas da Saúde

The Vodafone Ski Resort is located at Torre (highest point in mainland Portugal), in Seia, right in the centre of the nature reserve, at an altitude of 2,000 metres. Covered in a mantle of snow from December to April, thanks to an artificial snow-producing process, the ski resort houses the support infrastructures for the practice of winter sports and provides sophisticated facilities such as latest-generation mechanical lifts and a modern pass identification system for the lifts. That ski resort is the top destination in Portugal for lovers of winter sports and entertainment.

Activities include mushing (dog sledding), sleigh rides and snow motorcycles. A range of equipment, such as alpine skis and snowboards can be rented locally.

Coordinates: 40°18′N 7°33′W / 40.3, -7.55