We’ve got a few favorite spots around Portugal that we’ve found over the last four years since we moved here.  We also have a lot more places to explore!  However, Casa das Tílias made its way onto our list of favs recently when we visited Serra de Estrela.  

This area of Portugal, which has the highest elevation in the country, has a much different vibe than our home Lisbon.  We loved this darling, remodeled B&B (Bed and Breakfast) that acted as our launching pad for exploring this new area.

Casa das Tílias—often referred to as Solar das Tílias—is a beautifully restored 19th-century manor house located in São Romão, near Seia, within the Serra de Estrela Natural Park in central Portugal.

Serra de Estrela is typically famous for its snow (yes, snow in Portugal!) in the winter.  Many flock to this area to try their hand at skiing at the small ski resort or experience snow for the first time.  However, I knew from the start that I wanted to visit in the summer. 

For more on what to see in the area, check out our post on Serra de Estrela With Kids.

There is a famous hike I wanted to do with the kids to the Covão dos Conchos water feature.  This drain looks more like a waterfall inside a lake, and I knew when I first saw a picture, I’d love to see it in person!  That we did, and it was spectacular.

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How to get to Casa das Tílias

Wondering how to get to Casa das Tílias?  If you’re visiting from Lisbon, it’s about a three-hour drive or just under two-and-a-half hours if you travel from Porto.  This makes it an ideal place for a weekend or midweek getaway.

• Get there by car (rental or your own): Driving to Casa das Tílias is probably the easiest way to get there.  So, if you’re traveling from Lisbon or Porto, you can rent a car and use a map app.  There are many great international apps for travelling through Europe!  The drive is scenic and takes you through the Portuguese countryside, so take your time and relax!  Just be aware of the hills and many curves the road has.
  
• Bus routes: You can also take the Rede Expressos buses.  They have many routes and offer one from Lisbon that takes you directly to Seia.  The journey takes about four-and-a-half hours with a couple of stops and costs around €22 per person.  And then, from Seia, it’s a short five-minute taxi ride or a 20-minute walk to Casa das Tílias.
  
• Train options: This is not the easiest route, but if you have to use public transport, it’s a good option.  Since there is not a direct train route to São Romão or Seia, you must take the train to Coimbra and then take a bus from Coimbra to Seia. This route takes about five hours and tickets range from €18 to €40 per person.

Casa das Tílias: What We Love

This charming converted country home is owned by Luis Lopes, whose dad bought this property more than 30 years ago.  He decided to give up city life about 10 years ago and to remodel this charming house into a perfect B&B for tourists.  Here are some of the features we fell in love with:

• The location is perfect!  Located in the center of Sao Romano, Casa das Tílias allows you to pop out the front gate and be in the middle of town.  It’s a tiny town, but full of personality.  We happened to visit during their Marches Populares celebration, which was super fun.  We arrived back late from our day, around 11 pm, only to find the party getting started!  We love that the Portuguese are night owls like we are.
  
  • Solar das Tílias is located super close to many fun spots in this area like the Museum of Electricity, Toy Museum, Museum of Bread, Lagoa Comprida, and the ski resort at Torre.
    
• The antique decorations are on point.  You really feel you’ve stepped back a few decades when you enter, but are also greeted with all the modern amenities like great bathrooms, comfortable beds, Wifi and A/C.  We appreciated the lovely restoration charm on the ceilings, the period furniture and darling dining room.
  
• You can take a dip in the pool to relax in the hammock.  The gardens offer lots of lovely little spots to relax or take in the spectacular sunsets.
  
• Breakfast is amazing.  The entire spread really impressed us!  We loved the cook-to-order eggs and pancakes to top it all off.
  
• You can rent the entire place!  If you have a fun gathering or small wedding, you can rent out the entire house just for your party.  What a charming experience that would be!
  
• Esretela, the house dog, was a big hit for the kids.  We loved her sweet nature and couldn’t believe she is nearly 10 years old.  She seems like a puppy!
  
• Family connecting rooms made our stay easy.  There are two sets of rooms that have an outer door you can use for connecting rooms.  As we are a big family, this is always an issue!
  
• Casa das Tílias belongs to the heritage organization Solares de Portugal, part of the European Charming Hotels, and was even featured in the MICHELIN Guide.

What to Do in Serra de Estrela with Kids

1. Ski Resort Serra Estrela: The only ski resort in Portugal, the Estancia de Ski is right at the heart of Serra da Estrela.  It is set in the higher ground of the Serra Estrela, which makes it a perfect winter getaway for skiing and other snow activities.  The ski school offers beginner-friendly lessons for kids, and there’s a designated snow play area for younger children.
   
   Price: Day passes + equipment rental start at €50 per person.
   
2. Serra da Estrela Natural Park: This protected area is a paradise for people who love outdoor activities.  You’ll get breathtaking views perfect for hiking, wildlife spotting and Portugal’s highest peak, Torre, at 1,993 meters.  Take the cable car up to Torre for a fun ride that your kids will love, or choose the short and easy Trilho dos Poios Branco trail for little hikers.
   
   Price: Free entry.  There are also private tours if you want to explore more of it.
   
3. From Covilhã: Tour Serra da Estrela and Covão d’Metade: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Serra da Estrela on this guided tour. Discover Covão d’Metade, one of the region’s most picturesque spots, where you’ll encounter stunning views, intriguing geological formations and chances for short hikes.
   
   Price: From $78 USD per person.

Quick Travel Tips in Casa das Tílias

Before you pack your bags and head off to the Serra de Estrela mountains, here are a few helpful tips that will make your stay at Casa das Tílias smooth (especially if you’re traveling with kids).  From what you should pack to planning your itinerary, these are our top recommendations that will help you plan a great getaway.

Where to Eat in Serra de Estrela

There are many options when it comes to eating in Serra de Estrela close to Casa das Tílias.  However, we must say that at Casa das Tílias, you will definitely enjoy their food!  They have an excellent buffet that caters to all ages, so you won’t have any issue when it comes to what your kids will eat.  Anyway, here are some great options nearby:

• Varanda da Estrela (Manteigas): Traditional mountain cuisine that offers stunning views.

• Restaurante Medieval (Belmonte): Offers a cozy ambiance and regional culinary delights.

• O Albertino (Folgosinho): Enjoy an authentic Portuguese feast at this must-visit destination.

Best times to visit Casa das Tílias

Serra de Estrela is wonderful all year round!  Depending on the season, there are always different activities you can do with your kids.  I guess it all comes down to when you want to visit or when your kids have vacation.  Either way, here are my recommendations depending on the time of year:

Summer

Summer, apart from being the perfect time for vacation for kids, it’s great because of its weather.  It’s  hot and warm, but it is actually tolerable.  The only downside would be the huge crowds!  You’ll find this place great for doing some hiking, swimming in the beautiful mountain lakes and basically just getting out there and enjoying your time off.  You may want to stroll around with your kids while eating some ice cream.

Winter 

You may find Serra de Estrela to be extra special during this season.  There is snow, and therefore many activities!  You can do some sledding, ice skating, skiing and let your kids play in the snow.  This is when Serra de Estrela with kids becomes a magical, snowy adventure.  The weather can be chilly, so don’t forget your beanies and gloves!

Spring and Fall

If you’re into traveling and no crowds, then you might find Spring and Fall to be the best seasons.  It’s less crowded, you’ll find the most beautiful colors (who doesn’t love the cozy colors of autumn and the vibrant flowers from spring?), and it’s also ideal for hiking and sightseeing in the milder temperatures. 

What to Bring to Serra de Estrela

Before you head to Casa das Tílias, here’s a quick packing checklist.  No matter the time of year you travel to Serra de Estrela, there are a few musts you should bring, especially if you’re traveling with kids:

• Layers: Be sure to bring a few layers as it can be a bit windy.  Bring warm clothing or insulated clothing for everyone if you’re visiting during winter.  If you’re visiting during summer, bringing swimsuits for you and your partner and your kids (boys and girls) would be a good idea.
  
• Hiking shoes or some good sneakers: Chances are you will be going out for a stroll or for an adventure.  So make sure to bring the appropriate shoes for your activities/  It can be some comfortable shoes or hiking ones for you, your husband or for your kids.
  
• Sunscreen and bug spray: Again, no matter the time of year, a good sunscreen should always be in your bag.  Also, make sure to protect your little one’s skin with some bug spray to prevent any discomfort during the trip.
  
• Light snacks and easy-to-carry lunches for day trips: When traveling with my crew, it’s a must to bring snacks for everyone!  They can get hungry, and depending on how long we are out or doing an activity, they might need a snack for getting their energy back.
  
• Baby carrier if traveling with toddlers: If you’re traveling with babies or toddlers, you may find bringing a stroller as an easy way to move around.  However, consider that some paths aren’t stroller-friendly, therefore, a carrier might be a better and more comfortable alternative.

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If you are considering Serra de Estela or want to get out of the hustle of Lisbon for a few days, give this darling manor house a visit!  And give Estrela some love for us.

Additional Readings

Serra da Estrela: Portugal’s Only Ski Resort and Stunning Mountains

Best Things To Do in Cascais with Kids

Getting to Know Coimbra as a Family