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Serra da Estrela

Serra da Estrela
Estrela Março 2010-16b.jpg
Serra da Estrela, view from near the Cântaro Magro (1,928 m) to east.
Highest point
Peak Torre
Elevation 1,993 m (6,539 ft)
Coordinates 40°19′18.72″N 7°36′46.68″W / 40.3218667°N 7.6129667°W / 40.3218667; -7.6129667Coordinates: 40°19′18.72″N 7°36′46.68″W / 40.3218667°N 7.6129667°W / 40.3218667; -7.6129667
Geography
Country Portugal
Parent range Sistema Central
Geology
Type of rock Granite

Serra da Estrela (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈsɛʁɐ ðɐ (ɨ)ʃˈtɾelɐ], "Star Mountain Range") is the highest mountain range in Continental Portugal. Together with the Serra da Lousã it is the westernmost constituent range of the Sistema Central and also one of the highest in the system. It includes mainland Portugal's highest point at 1,993 metres (6,539 feet) above mean sea level (although the summit of Mount Pico in the Portuguese Azores islands is higher). This point is not a distinctive mountain summit, but rather the highest point in a plateau, being known as Torre ("Tower" in English). Torre is an unusual summit in that it is accessible by a paved road. The peak has a topographic prominence of 1,204 m (3,950 ft) and its parent peak is Pico Almanzor, in Spain.

There is a ski resort at the summit, named Vodafone Ski Resort.

The mountain range, situated between the municipalities of Seia, Manteigas, Gouveia, Guarda and Covilhã, is about 100 kilometres (60 miles) long and is 30 km (19 mi) across at its widest point. It is formed from a huge granite ridge that once formed the southern frontier of the country. Due to its bizarrely shaped crags and gorges, mountain streams and lakes, beautiful forests and magnificent views, the area ranks among Portugal’s outstanding scenic attractions.


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