About this place
Serra do Açor is a mountain range in central Portugal, in the Centro Region, surrounding the village of Piódão. It is among the highest ranges in mainland Portugal and the country's largest mountain built mainly of schist. Part of it is protected as the Serra do Açor Protected Landscape, one of 30 officially protected areas in Portugal.
Where is Serra do Açor?
The range lies in central Portugal, at roughly 40.197 N, 7.799 W. It forms the northern part of the area known as Aldeias do Xisto, the Schist Villages. Piódão, set into a steep slope, is one of the most popular bases for exploring the area.
How high is Serra do Açor?
It is the fifth highest range in mainland Portugal. Its top point, Pico da Cebola, reaches 1,418 m and is the fifth highest point on the Portuguese mainland. Other notable elevations include Cabeço do Gondufo (1,342 m), Alto de São Pedro do Açor (1,341 m) and Monte do Colcurinho (1,242 m).
What is the Serra do Açor Protected Landscape?
Protection was granted in 1982 for an area of 349 hectares. The main aim was to preserve the Margaraça Forest, one of the most remarkable deciduous forests in Portugal. It offers a glimpse of what the country's ancient woodlands were like.
Which villages are in Serra do Açor?
Schist is the dominant building material across the region. The schist villages in the range include Aldeia das Dez, Benfeita, Fajão, Sobral de São Miguel and Vila Cova de Alva. Piódão stands out for its schist houses with slate roofs, stacked in an amphitheatre-like layout on the slope, its winding lanes following the rugged terrain.
Who is it for?
Serra do Açor suits visitors looking for mountain quiet, walking and architecture made from local stone. It works well for a trip combining forest walks, visits to schist villages and views over mountain valleys. Plan more than a day, since distances on winding roads are longer than the map suggests.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Serra do Açor? In the Centro Region of central Portugal, near the village of Piódão.
What is the highest peak? Pico da Cebola, at 1,418 m.
Why is the area protected? The 1982 protection aimed to preserve the Margaraça Forest, a valuable deciduous woodland.
What are the villages built from? Mainly schist, including the roofs.
Is it part of the Aldeias do Xisto network? Yes, the range forms its northern part.
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