Quinta de Volte a Fonte

Barragem de Santa Águeda (10 minutes’ drive) is a large reservoir (also known as Lake Marateca) surrounded by wooded trails. It’s possible to go for a cooling swim here, launch a canoe or angle for carp. If you’d rather stay dry, there is plenty of birdwatching to be done, with resident herons and waders. The Museu da Seda in Castelo Branco (15 minutes) illustrates the history of Portuguese silk, with displays on the Silk Road, sericulture and the latest applications of this product. Stroll through the manicured gardens at Jardim do Paço Episcopal before taking in the views of the town’s rooftops from the medieval castle. Foxes, otters and wolves inhabit Serra da Estrela Nature Park (one hour), a protected area of rocky peaks, glacial valleys and natural lagoons. As you walk among forests of oak and chestnut trees, though, it’s more likely that you’ll catch glimpses of golden eagles and peregrine falcons soaring high in the sky.