Luna Chalets da Montanha – Serra da Estrela

Luna Chalets da Montanha – Serra da Estrela Overview

First Impressions

Driving up to Luna Chalets da Montanha – Serra da Estrela feels like discovering a secret mountain hideaway that somehow escaped the tourist guidebooks. These wooden chalets are scattered across the hillside in Penhas da Saúde, and honestly, the setting is pretty spectacular — you’re right in the heart of Serra da Estrela Natural Park, surrounded by granite peaks and those rolling landscapes that Portugal’s highest mountain range is famous for. The four-star property has this rustic-meets-refined vibe that works perfectly up here, where the air is crisp and the silence is actually noticeable.

Location & Setting

What strikes you immediately is how isolated this place feels, even though Covilhã is just a winding drive down the mountain. You’re at about 1,500 meters elevation here, which means the weather can shift quickly — I mean, you might need a jacket in July evenings. The location gets rave reviews from guests (they rated it 9.1), and I get why couples especially love it here. There’s something romantic about being tucked away in these mountains with nothing but hiking trails and star-filled skies around you. Plus, there’s free parking right on site, which is actually a relief when you’re hauling luggage up a mountain.

The Chalets

Each chalet feels like your own private mountain retreat — and that’s not just marketing speak. The room layouts are thoughtfully designed with warm wood interiors and large windows that frame those Serra da Estrela views perfectly. Most units come with a kitchenette, which is handy since dining options up here are limited (though that’s part of the charm, really). The furnishings strike a nice balance between mountain cabin coziness and modern comfort. You know what I appreciate? The attention to insulation and heating — essential when you’re this high up and temperatures can drop unexpectedly.

Mountain Activities

This isn’t a place where you’ll find a fancy spa or elaborate amenities — the mountains are your entertainment here. The hiking trails literally start from your doorstep, leading to some of the most dramatic viewpoints in central Portugal. In winter, you’re close to the ski slopes (yes, Portugal has skiing), and year-round there are these incredible granite formations called “covões” that are worth exploring. The staff actually knows the area well and can point you toward lesser-known trails that most visitors miss. After a day of hiking, there’s nothing quite like returning to your chalet as the sun sets behind those ancient peaks.

Why Guests Love It

People come here to disconnect, and Luna Chalets delivers on that promise without making you rough it completely. The combination of genuine mountain solitude with comfortable accommodations hits a sweet spot that’s surprisingly hard to find. Sure, you’ll need to drive down to Covilhã if you want a proper restaurant meal, but most guests seem to embrace the slower pace and simpler pleasures up here. The fact that couples rate the location so highly (8.9 out of 10) tells you something about the romantic appeal of waking up to mountain views and falling asleep to complete silence. It’s the kind of place that reminds you why you wanted to escape the city in the first place.