The region is notable for its tasty cheese, which is still made by hand and highly prized for its rich flavour.

Serra da Estrela Natural Park, being the largest mountain range and the highest peak in continental Portugal at just under 2000 metres, is a short drive away from the village.

In winter there is skiing on the upper slopes. It is also the only area where a rare species of mountain lizard is found.

The small and remote village of Belmonte is 40 kilometres away. The village is of considerable interest and overlooked by a restored 13th Century castle. This castle was the birthplace and family residence of the Discoverer, Pedro Alvares Cabral, who first found Brazil.
Some reports suggest that he was going around the Cape of Good Hope on his way from Portugal to the far east. A fierce Atlantic storm blew him off course and the famous discovery was made by accident.

The Convent was built on the orders of the Bishop Count D. Francisco de Lemos de Faria Pereira Coutinho in 1780 and the construction works finished about 20 years later. About one hundred years later, when the last nun living in the Convent died, the building was converted into a Military Hospital.

It has been extensively and carefully restored by the Bissaya Barreto Foundation with great attention being paid to detail.

It was opened in August 2002 as a luxury hotel offering very high standard accommodation in superb surroundings.

It was opened in August 2002 as a luxury hotel offering very high standard accommodation in superb surroundings.

The Pousada has 21 bedrooms and 3 superior rooms all with en-suite bathroom, hair dryer, bathing gowns, air conditioning, Cable television, telephone, locker and minibar.

Facilities at the Pousada include air conditioning, lift, restaurant, bar, terrace, facilities for disabled persons, games room, swimming pool, tennis court, children's playground and parking.

There are elegant lounges with very comfortable seating and a restaurant with doors leading out to a terrace with beautiful views over the pine trees.

This Pousada also has conference facilities.

As in all Pousadas, the restaurant offers a variety of dishes including a selection of local and regional specialities.

The shaded convent cloister and formal gardens are an oasis of calm, perfect for relaxing out of the heat of the day.

The swimming pool is set in the lawned gardens, next to the tennis court and children's playground.

The area has wonderful conditions for activities such as canoeing, climbing, mountaineering and excellent picnic sites.

The international airport at Porto (Oporto) is approximately 177 kilometers from this Pousada of Portugal.