Safe & Hassle-Free Family Travel in Serra da Estrela: Taxis & Airport Transfers with Car Seats
How to Explore Serra da Estrela with Kids – Safe and Comfortable Family Transport
Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range, is a perfect destination for families looking for nature, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you’re visiting Torre, the highest point in mainland Portugal, exploring glacial valleys, or enjoying winter sports, Serra da Estrela offers year-round family-friendly activities.
However, getting to and around Serra da Estrela with young children requires careful planning. The region’s winding mountain roads, remote locations, and unpredictable weather make public transport unreliable. Additionally, most standard taxis do not provide child seats. The best way to ensure a safe and comfortable trip is by booking a private taxi or airport transfer with a car seat.
This guide will help families find the best transportation options in Serra da Estrela, including child-friendly taxis, airport transfers with car seats, and family-friendly activities to make the most of your visit.
The Nearest Airports to Serra da Estrela – Choosing the Best Family Transfer
Serra da Estrela does not have its own airport, so families must fly into a nearby airport and arrange a transfer to their destination.
Best Airports for Family Travel to Serra da Estrela
✈️ Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport (OPO) – Porto – The best international airport, about 2.5 to 3 hours by car from Serra da Estrela. Ideal for travelers from Europe and North America.
✈️ Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) – Lisbon – Portugal’s main airport, about 3.5 to 4 hours by car from Serra da Estrela. Good for international arrivals with many flight options.
✈️ Viseu Airport (VSE) – A small regional airport offering domestic flights, about 1.5 hours from the mountains.
🚖 Best Transfer Options from the Airport
Private Airport Transfer with a Car Seat: The safest and most convenient option, offering direct service from Lisbon, Porto, or Viseu to Serra da Estrela.
Train + Taxi Combination: Families can take a train from Lisbon or Porto to Covilhã, then use a pre-booked taxi with a child seat for the final stretch.
Rental Car with a Child Seat: Some families prefer renting a car, but mountain roads can be challenging, so a private taxi with a professional driver is the safer option.
💡 Tip: Serra da Estrela’s mountain roads can be steep, icy in winter, and foggy in certain seasons. Booking a private taxi with a car seat ensures a safe and smooth ride.
Why Booking a Taxi with a Car Seat is Essential in Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela is best explored by car, as public transport is limited in the mountains. For families, a pre-booked taxi with a child seat is the safest option for getting around.
Key Reasons to Book a Taxi with a Child Seat in Serra da Estrela
✅ Safety on Mountain Roads – The region’s winding roads and steep inclines require a properly secured child seat for safety.✅ Legal & Safety Regulations – Portuguese law requires children under 135 cm (4.4 feet) to use a child seat or booster, but many taxis do not provide them unless booked in advance.✅ Comfort & Convenience – A pre-arranged taxi with a child seat eliminates the hassle of bringing your own and ensures a stress-free ride.✅ Ideal for Exploring Nature & Ski Areas – Many of the top family-friendly attractions in Serra da Estrela are only accessible by car or taxi.
🚖 Best Taxi Options: Several private transfer companies in Covilhã, Guarda, and Manteigas offer rear-facing infant seats, forward-facing child seats, and booster seats upon request. However, availability is limited, so advance reservations are highly recommended.
Best Family-Friendly Activities in Serra da Estrela – Get There Safely by Taxi
Serra da Estrela is a paradise for families, offering outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some of the top things to do with kids, along with how to reach them safely with a child-friendly taxi.
Best Outdoor & Adventure Activities for Families
⛷️ Serra da Estrela Ski Resort – Portugal’s only ski resort, offering child-friendly slopes, ski lessons, and snow play areas.🚖 Getting There: A private taxi with a child seat from Covilhã or Manteigas ensures a safe trip, especially in winter weather.
🌊 Poço do Inferno Waterfall – A stunning natural waterfall, accessible via an easy hiking trail suitable for kids.🚖 Getting There: A short taxi ride from Manteigas provides a comfortable journey for young children.
🦌 Serra da Estrela Natural Park – A beautiful national park with family-friendly hiking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife spotting.🚖 Getting There: Taxis provide direct access to the best hiking starting points.
🚠 Torre – The Highest Point in Portugal – Families can visit the highest point in mainland Portugal and enjoy panoramic views, snow in winter, and fun play areas.🚖 Getting There: Best accessed by taxi with a child seat from Covilhã or Manteigas.
🐏 Shepherding Experience & Cheese-Making Workshops – A hands-on experience where kids can meet shepherds, see how cheese is made, and learn about local traditions.🚖 Getting There: Located in rural villages, a private taxi is the easiest way to reach them.
🏞️ Vale Glaciar do Zêzere (Zêzere Glacier Valley) – A scenic glacial valley with stunning views, gentle hiking trails, and picnic spots.🚖 Getting There: Best accessed by taxi from Manteigas.
Best Cultural & Educational Activities for Families
🏰 Belmonte Castle & Jewish Museum – A fascinating historical site where kids can explore medieval walls and learn about Portugal’s Jewish heritage.🚖 Getting There: A 30-minute taxi ride from Covilhã ensures a smooth trip.
🔬 Live Science Center of Serra da Estrela (Covilhã) – A great interactive science museum where kids can learn about astronomy, geology, and climate.🚖 Getting There: Located in Covilhã, easily reached by taxi.
Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Family Trip in Serra da Estrela
✔️ Pre-book your taxi or airport transfer with a car seat – Availability is limited, especially in winter and peak travel seasons.✔️ Choose the right child seat size – Whether you need an infant seat, child seat, or booster, confirm with your provider before arrival.✔️ Plan travel times carefully – Mountain weather can change quickly, so daylight travel is safest.✔️ Consider a private driver for day trips – If visiting remote areas, ski resorts, or cheese farms, hiring a private driver with a child seat makes the journey easier and safer.✔️ Dress appropriately – Winter visitors should prepare for snow and cold temperatures, while summer visitors should bring sun protection.
Book Your Family-Friendly Taxi or Airport Transfer in Serra da Estrela
Serra da Estrela is an amazing family destination, offering a mix of nature, adventure, and cultural experiences. However, getting around with young children requires planning.
By booking a taxi with a car seat or an airport transfer with a child seat, families can enjoy a smooth, worry-free vacation without the hassle of public transport or unsafe travel options.
Reserve your child-friendly taxi or airport transfer today and experience the beauty of Serra da Estrela safely and comfortably.
Comentarios