Covilhã is the main gateway to Serra da Estrela. Land of the wool industry, birthplace of the discoverers of the 16th century, it is now a cosmopolitan university city. Located on the south-eastern slope of the Serra da Estrela, and 18 km from Torre, it is one of the main urban centres of the interior of the country. This unique location makes Covilhã the "Mountain City of Portugal".
The snow sports, the fresh air and the incredible landscapes, the big markets and fairs and the night life of discos and bars spread all over the city, make Covilhã a city full of life.
With a secular industrial tradition, the city has a work culture used to high standards, with a Municipality that bets on diversity, quality and creativity.
Although it has no sea, Covilhã is an important stage in the history of the Portuguese epic that started globalisation. From Infante D. Henrique, Lord of Covilhã, initiator of the Portuguese navigations, to Pêro da Covilhã, preparer of Vasco da Gama's voyage to India, to Mestre José Vizinho, the first great Portuguese scientist and cosmographer, many were the artisans born in the municipality who started world globalisation.
In the distance between the town and the Tower you can appreciate, in winter, snowy landscapes, imposing glacial valleys, erratic blocks, Covões, lagoons and a very diverse and rich flora. With a ski resort in Torre which is in constant modernisation and a mountain resort in Penhas da Saúde under development, Covilhã is, increasingly, a city with quality of life and a point of tourist interest.
Its economic activity is regular throughout eight centuries. Covilhã is directly linked to the history and production of woollen products. Each year, about thirty million metres of cloth are currently produced in Covilhã factories.
The region's gastronomy is very rich and diversified. In the regional plates the pastéis of gravy, the migas of eggs and tomato, the míscaros with eggs and the dobrada à moda da Covilhã stand out. Also the regional products are worth tasting: the Serra da Estrela cheese, the yellow cheese of Beira Baixa, the curd cheese, the sausages, the ham, the Serra da Estrela honey and the fried cherovies.
Source: Covilhã City Hall