From Castelo Branco the route heads north. This quiet and sparsely populated area is wonderful to drive through. After barely an hour's drive the higher peaks of the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela already appear on the horizon. The highest peak in the park is also a highlight of the route today. Once at the top the view is great and you can also have a drink at the small restaurant here. Here is also the Antigo Albergue da Torre, the name suggests that it was an old hostel or shelter, probably intended for travelers who visited the Serra da Estrela.

The Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela is the largest protected area in Portugal, located in the Serra da Estrela, the country's highest mountain range. The park covers approximately 1,000 km², more than half of which is above 700 metres. The highest peak, Torre, reaches 1,993 metres, and there is even a ski resort.
This area is known for its spectacular landscapes, including glacial valleys, rock formations and natural lagoons. The Mondego, Zêzere and Alva rivers have their source here. The high altitude and climate mean that snow often falls in winter, making it a popular destination for winter sports.
In addition to nature, the park also has a rich cultural and gastronomic tradition. One of the best-known products from the region is the Queijo da Serra, a creamy sheep's cheese made in an artisanal way. The Serra da Estrela dog, a robust and strong breed used to protect herds, also comes from here.

During the descent there are two, almost obligatory, stops for a photo. The first offers a view of Barragem de Covão do Ferro, a water basin with the valley behind it. The second offers a view of the glacial valley Vale Glaciário do Zêzere, where the route continues later.

The Vale Glaciário do Zêzere is a spectacular glacial valley in the Serra da Estrela, Portugal. This valley, stretching for 13 kilometres, is one of the largest glacial valleys in Europe and a beautiful example of how glaciers have shaped the landscape.
The valley has a characteristic U-shape, which was created by the massive presence of ice during the last ice age. The granite rock formations, such as the Cântaros Magro, Gordo and Raso, give the area an impressive appearance. The Zêzere river flows through the valley, which winds its way through green meadows and past ancient glacial lakes such as Covão D'Ametade, a former glacial lagoon.

After the photo moment it is about an hour and a half to enjoy the beauty of this park. Half an hour further lies Pinhel.
Pinhel is an atmospheric town in Portugal, located in the Centro region and known as the Cidade Falcão (City of the Falcons). The town has a rich history dating back to the Calcolithic period, with archaeological finds in the Côa Valley.
One of the most striking sights is the Pinhel Castle, which dates back to the time of King Denis and played an important role in the defense of Portugal. The city also has a historic center with narrow streets and old houses, some of which show traces of a Jewish community.
Here is also Artisan Burguer, the name says it all, a hamburger restaurant. Highly recommended. The parking lot is right in front of the door.

From Pinhel the route continues north. The Rio Côa is one of the larger rivers that will be crossed today. The Rio Côa is a river in Portugal that rises in the Serra das Mesas, near Foios, Sabugal, at an altitude of 1175 meters. The river flows for about 135 km in a south-north direction, which is quite unique for Portuguese rivers. Finally it flows into the Douro River, near Vila Nova de Foz Côa. The Côa Valley is famous for its prehistoric rock art, which was discovered in the 80s and 90s. This is one of the largest open-air sites of Paleolithic art in Europe and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

An hour after lunch, the route crosses the Rio Douro. The Rio Douro, also known as the Duero in Spain, is one of the most important rivers of the Iberian Peninsula. The river rises in the Sierra de la Demanda in Spain, at an altitude of 2,200 meters, and flows west through Spain and Portugal before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Porto.
At 897 km long, the Douro is one of the longest rivers in the region. Its basin covers approximately 98,000 km², and the river is largely dammed. A special feature of the Douro is that it forms the natural border between Spain and Portugal for almost 100 km. The Douro Valley in Portugal is known worldwide for its vineyards, where the grapes for the famous Port wine are grown. The area has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its unique landscape and historical significance.
The Parque Natural do Douro Internacional is an impressive natural area in the northeast of Portugal, along the border with Spain. The park covers an area of 868 km² and extends over the municipalities of Miranda do Douro, Mogadouro, Freixo de Espada à Cinta and Figueira de Castelo Rodrigo. This area is known for its rugged landscapes, deep river gorges and steep rock faces, formed by millions of years of erosion by the Douro River. The park is a sanctuary for several species of animals, including the Egyptian vulture, the golden eagle and the Bonelli's eagle.
Besides nature, the park also has a rich cultural and historical significance, with traditional villages and a unique local culture.
The route follows the river for a long time, a road with many bends.

The last 90 kilometres to Benavente are on quiet roads through a beautiful, rolling landscape.
Benavente is a town in the province of Zamora, in the autonomous community of Castile and León, Spain. The town has a rich history and is located at a strategic point where several roads meet, making it an important hub for transport and trade.
Historically, Benavente was repopulated in the 12th century by King Ferdinand II of León, who also granted the town special rights. One of the most notable sights is the Torre del Caracol, a remnant of a 16th-century palace that is now part of the Parador de Turismo Fernando II hotel. There are also beautiful churches, such as the Iglesia de Santa María del Azogue and San Juan del Mercado, which are known for their Gothic and Romanesque architecture.
Benavente also offers a lively atmosphere with pleasant squares, such as the Plaza Mayor, and green areas such as the Jardines de la Mota.

The Parador de Benavente is a wonderful hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.