Sertã: Heritage, River Landscapes and Cuisine

Sertã combines striking buildings with walking trails, river landscapes and regional cuisine. Its range of experiences spans everything from a church with gilded altarpieces to a long linear walking route and water sports on the reservoir. You can make culture, nature and activities the focus of your trip.

Discover Buildings and Culture

The Igreja Matriz da Sertã was rebuilt at the beginning of the 15th century. Its three naves, two side altars with gilded altarpieces, polychrome tile panels and the collegiate church’s choir stalls give the interior several distinctive features. The Ponte da Carvalha dates from the time of the Iberian Union in the early 17th century. It is about 64 metres long and rests on six semicircular stone arches. The partially ruined Castelo da Sertã is a viewpoint overlooking the town.

The Centro de Interpretação de Arte Rupestre (CIAR) is housed in the former primary school in Figueiredo. Exhibitions and activities introduce visitors to the rock art heritage of the Serra do Figueiredo. The church, bridge, castle and interpretation centre each offer a different focus: sacred furnishings, historic construction, views and the interpretation of rock art.

Routes and Getting Around Sertã

The Grande Rota do Zêzere can be explored on foot, by bicycle or by kayak. At the Barragem do Cabril in the parish of Pedrógão Pequeno, it enters the municipality of Sertã; it also passes through the areas of Castelo and União de Freguesias de Cernache do Bonjardim, Nesperal e Palhais. If you plan to follow this route, check trail conditions and available services before setting out.

The Estrada Nacional 2 also offers clear reference points: it crosses Sertã at kilometre 345 and reaches the municipality at the Barragem do Cabril and at Pedrógão Pequeno, near kilometre 328. These kilometre markers help you identify the sections of the route mentioned.

For a hike, you can choose from routes with different features. A linear walking trail connects Praia Fluvial do Troviscal with Sertã’s riverside recreation area. It is 21.5 kilometres long and takes about seven hours. A circular trail, by contrast, follows a Roman road along the Ribeira dos Porteleiros. Highlights include views of the 17th-century Ponte Filipina, as well as several viewpoints and rest areas. You can also spot the Azereiro along a walking trail, also known as Loureiro de Portugal or Gingeira Brava. This rare, endangered native species in Portugal is a distinctive natural feature to look out for on the way.

Landscapes, Wildlife and Water

The Serra do Cabeço da Rainha stretches for about 20 kilometres and is a natural viewpoint. From there, the view extends across surrounding mountain ranges such as the Serra do Moradal and Serra da Gardunha, and as far as Castelo Branco. Along the Zêzere, between Pedrógão Pequeno and Pedrógão Grande, a valley runs through a granite enclave between schist massifs. The municipality is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including red-legged partridge, black kite, common buzzard, fox, wild boar and badger.

Pedrógão Pequeno is a white granite village on the Zêzere and part of the Aldeias do Xisto network. Its notable heritage features include the Igreja Matriz and Ponte Filipina. Praia Fluvial do Troviscal offers a peaceful natural setting, holds the “Bandeira de Praia Acessível” award and has a motorhome parking area. Facilities can change, so check the latest information about the parking area before your visit.

At the Centro Náutico do Zêzere on the Albufeira de Castelo de Bode, you can go canoeing, water skiing and wakeboarding; boats are also available for hire. Activities and providers may change. If water sports or boat hire are important to your plans, check what is currently on offer in advance.

Regional Cuisine

Maranho is a signature dish from Sertã. Its flavour combines goat meat with fresh mint, and its history dates back to the 19th century. Its geographical scope is also clearly defined: the area for producing, preparing and packaging Maranho da Sertã is limited to the municipality of Sertã. The dish is therefore part of the local travel experience, alongside the buildings and landscapes.

Discover more destinations: Cernache Do Bonjardim, Nesperal, Arrochela, Proença-a-Nova, Vale Formoso, Belmonte, Escalos De Baixo, Pedrógão Pequeno.

View the wider travel guide: Castelo Branco.